Often, itʼs all too easy to come home, be uninspired by whatʼs in the fridge, and start looking for the takeout menus. If you donʼt have a meal planned, itʼs difficult to set aside the time to prepare and cook since youʼre already hungry. Meal planning can end the slew of nutritionally void, uninspired convenience-food dinners.

Having a set meal plan can save you money, help you maintain healthy eating habits, and save you time. By having a meal plan, you can more easily stick to a grocery list, without indulging in convenience foods. Knowing whatʼs for dinner will prevent you from ordering takeout or delivery food. By knowing the amount of time you need to cook dinner, itʼs easier to have food on the table by the time you feel hungry.

Coming up with a meal plan is easy, but sticking to one can be difficult at first. Be sure to choose dishes that you enjoy making, that wonʼt make you feel chained to your kitchen. Quick meals with easy-to-find ingredients are great to add to your repertoire, as long as they are tasty. If you are bored by a dish, chances are good that you will pass up your planned meal for other options.

Over-planning can easily lead to boredom in the kitchen. If you plan to eat every meal at home but normally go out twice a week, you may feel constrained. Be sure to factor in one or two “outing” nights into your meal plan. Itʼs important to plan lunches, as well, so that the ingredients for all your meals are available.

Sticking to a meal plan is easy when you plan ahead. Restaurants use mise-en-place, where every ingredient is prepared as needed for a dish and made easily accessible. By following this practice in your own kitchen, mealtime will be a breeze. Try getting your ingredients ready for the week on your day off. Dice some onion, chop some carrots, cook some chicken and steam some rice and have it ready to go in your fridge. All it takes is a quick sauté or reheat for a satisfying meal.

Try to come up with dishes that can do double duty as well. Roasting 2 chickens but setting one aside to add to dishes for the week is easy and budget-friendly. The additional chicken can be made into pot pie, shredded and added to homemade pizza, or tossed into a quick curry.

By planning meals ahead, your kitchen will be an enjoyable place to cook. Relax, browse our recipes for ideas, and plan your next weekʼs meals. Your wallet and your waistline will thank you.