menu planning

I have tried and failed over the years to create menus. For a few months I or we did great. But then school gets in the way and I don't want to make anything that takes longer than 10 minutes. Sound familiar? There are plenty of meal ideas that I have that are yummy, usually healthy and pretty quick. For some reason, menu planning in school is tricky! I've tried calendars and lists...and while they don't work for too long...I won't get discouraged yet!

One tip my mom gave me and that I've found a few places is to spend an evening and cook chicken and hamburger or sausage and then refrigerate or freeze. Then, when you want some tacos or soup or pasta and chicken, you don't have the added step of cooking the meat.

At the more matters website, they have so many great tips on menu planning. They are tried and true principles that if you can pick just one or two, I think meals can be faster, healthier and cheaper.

And get this: they even have five weeks worth of planned menus complete with shopping list. Some of them may be complicated or expensive (they calculate the approximate price). If you find ideas with things you already have, are only cooking for 1 -2 people, it will be cheaper!

I definitely say take advantage of pre-planned menus as a way to kick-start your own. As previously posted, even picking two or three days when you make a more involved meal, you can have leftovers (of which I am a firm believer) and can have a healthy delicious meal.

I have great links to all sorts of recipes. Check them out!

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30 ways in 30 days

ways 1 - 10 on stretching your fruit and vegetable budget:

1. Calculate an appropriate Healthy Food Budget for your family. Use this easy calculator!

2. Cook enough for several meals and freeze leftovers.

3. Create a meal plan that uses similar fruits and vegetables in different ways. Make the most out of the produce you buy.

4. Buy fruits and vegetables in season at farmers' markets or at your grocery store

5. Grow your own vegetables. Invest a little, get a lot! Visit here for more information.

6. Mix it yourself. 100% juice from concentrate is often less expensive per serving than pre-bottled juice.

7. Minimize waste: only buy what you will eat!

8. Learn basic food math. With a food budget, decisions can be easier. Food math can help you decide if the watermelon or the bunch of grapes is a better buy.

9. Enjoy the comforts of home more often. Eating at restaurants increases the amount you spend on food. Include fruits and vegetables in quick, simple meals you prepare at home.

10. Be creative! To get the most out of your purchase, use fruits and vegetables in different ways. Here are some ways to liven up your fruits and veggies!

have a healthy weekend!

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This is the coolest thing!  My pyramid has a seven day sample menu of foods that give you ALL the servings recommended.  So...this can't be all you eat for the rest of your life (though, technically you could)...you should definitely incorporate these meal ideas!

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ideas and tips

need some menu ideas?  BYU Women's Services and Resources has plently of recipies and menus.  check it out!

menus

recipies

nutrition

oh, and want their cookbook?  it's right here !