Meal planning made easy

If you are looking to cook dinner after school or work during the week, planning ahead makes it much easier. Small changes like planning what groceries you want to buy before going to the store, will help to save time and money. When putting your list together, remember balance and try to buy a variety of foods. Taking five minutes at the start of your week to do a list and proper shop means you won’t have to do mini, mid-week shops or risk impulse buying. 

How to plan your meals for the week

When deciding what to make for dinner for the week keep these things in mind:

• Fish, poultry, and beans are healthier sources of protein than red meat
• Whole grains are better for you than refined, white grains 
• Dairy is best limited to 1-2 servings a day (low-fat, skimmed, and 1% are healthier than whole dairy)
• When comparing the nutrition facts on food products, remember to look for lower levels of saturated and 0 trans fats 
• Soft drinks are loaded with sugars and preservatives, and are best had sparingly    
• Frozen veggies and fruits are not a bad thing, but check the labels – fruits frozen in their natural juices are better for you, and remember to check for added sugars

Ideas for weekly dinners

• Stews
• Lasagne
• Salads (keep in mind salads must be refrigerated and will not last as long)
• Marinated chicken or fish
• Casserole
• Homemade soups
• Chili
• Fish pie
• Curries
• Enchiladas