When you take some time to plan for the week, you will save time at the grocery store. Then, because your meals and snacks are already planned, you will save time throughout the week. Planning will also help you offer a variety of foods from all 5 food groups.

When you shop with a list, you will:

1. Spend less time shopping

2. Buy fewer items you do not need

3. Remember everything you need

4. Save money 

5. Choose healthier foods  

• Know where to find ingredients and the tools you may need.

• Read recipes all the way through at least twice before beginning. 

• Gather all the ingredients and supplies. Open containers.

• Prep all ingredients first. Rinse and prep veggies and fruit. 

• Prep, measure, and store snack items in single-serving containers. This way they are ready to go when you are!
• Make sure every snack includes at least 2 food groups. 
• Some ideas might include favorite fruits and veggies, dips, cereal mix, whole grain crackers, and cheese. 

• Portion out foods

No cooking is required! Simply gather, peel, chop, portion, and store. Veggies, spices, sauces, grains, and meats can all be planned to use later in the week.

• Make ahead, bake later

Sometimes you will have more time early in your day than later in the day. You can use this time to prepare ingredients to cook later. This can include chopping veggies, cutting meat, gathering spices, and making broth.

• Cook a double portion

Eat half the meal on the same night you make it. Reheat the meal the next night or two. Or, freeze the extra in meal-sized portions for reheating later in the month.

• Batch cook

Cook a single ingredient and base several meals around it. Ingredients that are great for batch cooking include: grains, whole chicken, ground meats, beef or pork roast, eggs, veggies, sauces.

• Cut up large amounts of onions, carrots, celery, and peppers. Freeze in large zip-top bags. Use as needed.

• Freeze batch-cooked ingredients for future use, like meats, veggies, and sauces.

• Make double and freeze in meal-sized portions. 

  • Casseroles and lasagna
  • Burritos and enchiladas
  • Soups and chilis
  • Meatballs and meatloaf
  • Stuffed potatoes

• Save time with slow cookers or multicookers (also known by the brand name like Instant Pot®) that require little supervision.

• Small and convenient toaster ovens can save time and energy. They are perfect for:

  • Broiling fish and meat

  • Roasting veggies

  • Heating up a sandwich

  • Making homemade pizzas

• Raw veggies and fruits

• Cheese and yogurt

• Canned beans (drained and rinsed)

• Canned tuna and salmon

• Whole grain crackers and tortilla chips

• Wipe up spills as they happen.

• Line baking sheets with tin foil, then use it to store leftovers.

• Rinse and presoak pots, pans, and dishes as soon as they are used.

• Clean as you cook.

• Use reusable dishes for fewer accidents.

• Let the family help clean up at their ability level. Sing while you’re working together.