MPM: why meal plan?

We tend to get into some silly habits over the holidays and just roll with the punches, so to speak. Most of the year, however, we're a meal planning household. We've just gotten back into the swing of meal planning again. Whether you're new to meal planning or stuck in a rut, I thought it might be a good time to list some of the great reasons to meal plan. 

1. It saves time 

If you have a meal plan, you will be more efficient when you are shopping, you will stop wasting time standing in front of the fridge wondering what to make, you can even save prep time by prepping for two meals at once (since you know which meals are coming up) and of course, you can make just one trip to the supermarket per week. 

2. It saves money 

By having a plan, you avoid buying things you don't need, are less likely to waste food and also less likely to panic and buy take away food. 

3. It allows delegation

It is such a relief when I am wrangling kids and nappies and I come out to see hubby has already started dinner because he already knows what we're having that night. 

4. It stops the dread 

I absolutely hate that feeling of frustration when I have to decide on something for dinner, it's a feeling that can last for hours if I'm having trouble thinking of something. Providing a meal for my family should be a joy, not a chore.

5. It reduces waste

Planning ahead means I only buy what I need and anything that might be leftover is pre-planned to be incorporated into future meals. 

6. It stops the endless questions 

My kids: "Muuuuummmm, what's for dinner?" 

Me: *points at list on fridge* 

7. It gives more change for better nutrition 

When you plan several meals ahead, you have the time to make sure that each meal is nutritionally balanced alone and in context with the previous/following meals.

I'm sure there are more reasons, but these are just some of the reasons why meal planning works for us.