help with meal planning and getting a list done..

Tracey04

does this seem like a good start for a meal plan, saw it on netmums.
It is a plan already filled in, I get so stuck where to begin that each month I put off doing it
I cannot start to list what I have in my cupboards ( Im sure enough for months) and the chest freezer is fit to bursting mainly raw meats etc which I realise is good but I just dont know where to start

Any advice would be greatful

Tracey04

does this seem like a good start for a meal plan, saw it on netmums.
It is a plan already filled in, I get so stuck where to begin that each month I put off doing it
I cannot start to list what I have in my cupboards ( Im sure enough for months) and the chest freezer is fit to bursting mainly raw meats etc which I realise is good but I just dont know where to start

Any advice would be greatful

MaggieBaking

If you have cupboards and freezers bursting I would make my main priority clearing some of it out. So if you can't meal plan by all means follow a ready made one (I don't know which you're talking about). But try and make at least 3 of these dinners with what you already have so you're not spending more.

CH27

I know it will be a pain but checking exactly what you have in your freezer & listing it will be a massive help.

Do you have a roast dinner on sunday?
If so do a shepherd's pie with leftover lamb or a chicken curry etc on mondays.

I try to ensure my plan involves chicken, fish & beef, lamb or pork.

Tracey04

I have got beef and pork joints in freezer but now not got one out for tommorrow as I usually cook in slow cooker over night.
got loads of mince, sausages, beef burgers, some chicken breasts, fish fingers, white and yellow fish, pies, steak and kidney puddings,

cupboards have usual baking things, flour, suet, pasta, rice, tin tomatoes, sweetcorn, tuna, salmon, spam, bacon grill, ratatouille, peas etc
jellies, custard, rice puddings, whips, fruit

Sambucus_Nigra

Get a piece of paper, write on it the days of the week one under the other on the left hand side of the paper.

Across the top, write breakfast, lunch, tea.

Then in each 'cell' put something that you like to eat.

If you haven't got the things you need, then buy them or change the meal.

If you have got the things then cook the meal.

At some stage, you will have to find out whether you have these items or you don't.

To find out whether you have them or not, open the cupboards, fridge and freezer and look at the items that you have.

If you haven't got them and DO want to make the meal, you will need to write a shopping list.

Instructions on writing a shopping list can be found in the next thrilling installment.

lovebargainshatewaste

I have 3 separate lists on my fridge, one list for fridge, one for freezer and one for store cupboard. That way, I know exactly what's in the back, and I don't need to keep opening the doors for a looksie. It also makes it easier to write a shopping list, so you don't end up with 10 tins of beans or something - unless you intend to have that many

It's a good way of checking dates on stuff in the store cupboard as well. Last time I had a clear-out (when I started writing the lists) I found various items that expired over 3 years ago :eek:

Pink.

Hi Tracey,

It's clear that you are struggling with meal plans as you have asked quite a few times for help with meal planning and have been given lots of good advice. Have any of the previous replies helped at all? Let me know if you would like me to find your earlier posts on this and I'll dig them out for you as the advice given may help now.

In the meantime, this thread may help: Saving money by NOT meal planning !!

Pink