How do you plan your meals?

First I check my pantry and fridge to see what I have....

I would show you my fridge but I realized today that it definitely needs to be cleaned out!I like to check my freezer first and work around what we have such as a whole chicken,ground turkey,tomato sauce(lasagna,spaghetti,etc.)and use the ingredients that you have.Then I will write down snack,breakfast,lunch,dinner and a 7 day menu.On one sheet I write my menu and the other I write my grocery list.I like to buy whole chickens and use the leftover for meals throughout the week.I will also buy dried beans,make a double batch of waffles,make homemade bread,etc. and freeze them.

Why do you plan your meals?

I plan my meals because it take all the guess work out.I don't like guessing what is for dinner and having to go to the grocery store 2-3 times a week just for a couple items.I think you tend to spend more money just taking small trips rather than one big trip.It also helps me  to not overeat since I know what I will be eating for the whole week.Since I have been planning my meals,I have lost 10 pounds in 3 months..woohoo.Go me!

So..what are your meals?

So here is the menu starting monday...

snacks

grapes with mozarella cheese(eat them together and it taste like cheescake without the guilt)

handful of mized nuts

parfaits(vanilla yogurt,granola,and blueberries...yum,yum)

popcorn

apples

carrots

Lunch

Kale soup

bowtie pasta with spinach

Tilapia,baked potato,zucchini

Pita sandwiches

quesadillas(black beans,corn,chicken,cheese)

chicken salad(will be eating twice this week)

Dinner

Turkey meatloaf,fresh green beans,and mashed potatoes

Kabobs(chicken,pepper,mushrooms,and steak(for honey,momma doesn't eat steak)

Turkey burgers and sweet potato fries in the oven

White chicken chili

Super salad(may make some homemade bread to go with it)

Chicken fajitas with refried beans

french bread pizza,salad(that way I can make honey's side with meat and my side with veggies)