Graceland Fruit Blog Meal Planning Made Easy

Meal planning not only helps us ensure we are getting a great variety of wholesome foods throughout the week. It can also banish boredom from eating the same old stuff each day. And, beyond that, when we plan ahead we feel a lot less stress and confusion. Here are some easy steps to get you started creating a weekly meal plan:Gather easy go-to recipes to help you create your meal plan Use dinner themes to help you build your weekly dinners. For example, how fun, and easy to remember is Taco Tuesday!Write out or type up your meal plan for the week and let it inform your grocery shopping list (see example below). Other tips to make life easier:Purchase a lunch box and water bottle to assist with pre-planning and packing of lunchesPrepare extra and freeze for laterInvest in kitchen tools that will help prepare healthy meals, for example a crockpotChoose items that don't require much prepEat fruits or vegetables with every meal and snack Weekly Meal Planner/ Grocery List - EXAMPLEDayBreakfastLunchDinnerSnack OptionsGrocery List (look through home and add what is needed to grocery list)Monday Overnight oatsAvocado saladMeatless MondayPopcorn;Cottage cheese with fruitTuesdayAlmond butter toast with bananaTuna sandwich with veggiesTaco TuesdayKefir; Pepitas and dried cherriesWednesdayFruit and chia seed smoothieKale/walnut saladWacky WednesdayWhole grain crackers and hummus; Jicama slices with salsaThursdayWhole grain English muffin with pepita butterMediterranean salad Tofu ThursdayEdamame; Yogurt FridayFruit and flaxseed smoothieTurkey sandwich with veggiesFish FridayNuts with pomegranate; AppleSaturdayWhole grain pancakesLentil soupPizza dayBanana and peanut butter ice cream; Greek yogurtSundayFrittata muffinsFarro salad Around the World SundayGrapes and cheese cubes; Baked kale chips Your super fruit sidekick,Tara, MS, RDN