I am sharing my secret to menu planning: My Menu Printable! I fill this Weekly Menu Printable out to make menu planning and grocery shopping super simple. As a bonus, I am also sharing my Bi-Weekly Menu Printable for those of you who may find it more useful.
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There are blanks for months and dates. I frequently also jot the number dates next to the days of the week to make scheduling a bit easier. I included a place for notes and activities because this is critical to successful menu planning. I cook very differently (or not at all) depending on who will be home and at what times. Sports practice, working late, parties, activities, date nights, etc. all play a part in determining what I should cook.
Once I get my important notes, dates, schedules, and activities written onto the planner, I get to brainstorming my menu. Since my husband gets paid every other week, I usually plan two weeks at a time which is why I am also including a bi-weekly planner. I love Pinterest, for ideas, recipes, and inspiration.
I have also discovered a new app called Cooklist which allows you to input the items in your pantry as well as your frequent shopper’s cards (like Costco member card or Kroger card etc.) to automatically update your pantry in the app when you shop. The app then makes recommendations for recipes using the grocery items you already have on hand. You can find my recipes on the app by searching for Trisha Dishes.
Once my menu is planned, my grocery list almost writes itself. Easy peasy! So here it is…
Weekly Menu Printable
Weekly Menu –Click Here to Print
Bi-Weekly Menu Printable
2 Week Menu Plan — Click Here to Print
