If you’ve been a Chasing Supermom reader in the past, you know just how much I advocate for meal planning. (Want to know why? Check out: 10 Reasons Why I Love Meal Planning?)
I’ve been meal planning our dinners for about 15 years. (Pro Tip: Save your past menus! I do!)
But, a few years ago, I started noticing that we never had anything to make lunch with. Sure, I had everything I needed to make some great dinners – but when lunchtime rolled around, I found myself back in that space of staring at the refrigerator or the pantry, going, “what on earth am I going to make?!” So I started planning for lunch as well. And it wasn’t long before I started planning out breakfasts too.
I plan for 2 weeks at a time, and post the menu on the refrigerator. The family enjoys knowing what’s coming up and it’s always fun to see them get excited for things like, “Taco Night” or knowing that coffee cake is in their future.
Bottom line? Meal planning is a win for everyone.
Things to Note:
*I do not plan breakfasts on the weekends. I always make sure to have plenty of cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, etc. on hand.
*Our church (where my husband is the pastor!) meets on Sunday evenings, and starts with a family meal. So our Sunday dinners are eaten at church. I’ve included the theme we’re following to spark inspiration for you.
*We do one BIG grocery shop the Friday before a new 2 week menu starts and an auxiliary shop in the middle to restock on fresh items like produce, milk, etc.
*We aren’t gluten-free, paleo, etc. We eat healthy(ish) and enjoy all good things in moderation.
*I meal plan my side dishes. I haven’t always done this, but similarly to not having food on hand for lunches, I often found that I wasn’t buying anything for sides. Planning for them helps me out a ton!
*Any meal ideas featured on the blog are linked so you can find the recipe!
Happy meal planning everyone! I hope my menu sparks an idea or two for yours!
Something on my menu plan that you’d like a recipe for? Let me know and I’ll do my best to feature it on the blog!
| Saturday: Lunch: Homemade Lunchables Dinner: Chicken Schwarma Gyros w/ Berry Yogurt Salad | Saturday: Lunch: Turkey Sandwiches w/ chips and fruit Dinner: Deluxe Chicken Breast Sandwiches w/ Fries |
| Sunday: Lunch: Sandwiches or Left-overs Dinner: Picnic | Sunday: Lunch: Sandwiches or Left-overs Dinner: Picnic |
| Monday: Breakfast: Belgian Waffles w/ Fresh Berry Topping Lunch: Grilled Hot Dogs w/ JELL-O jigglers Dinner: Turkey Burgers w/ corn on the cob and melon | Monday: Breakfast: Banana Muffins Lunch: Corn Dogs Dinner: Sweet and Sour Crockpot Meatballs w/ Rice |
| Tuesday: Breakfast: Breakfast Banana Splits (yogurt, NOT ice cream!) Lunch: Taco Salad Dinner: Ground Pork Lo Mein | Tuesday: Breakfast: 2 Ingredient Baked Donuts (recipe coming!) Lunch: TikTok Macaroni & Cheese Dinner: Grilled Citrus Pork Chops with orzo and roasted carrots |
| Wednesday: Breakfast: Toast Bar (I put out lots of toppings!) Lunch: Chicken Peanut Wraps Dinner: Copycat Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken w/ Cauliflower “Hashbrown” Casserole and green beans | Wednesday: Breakfast: Cereal or Oatmeal Lunch: Pita Pizza Dinner: Layered Taco Bake w/ Cherry Pie JELL-O |
| Thursday: Breakfast: Mango Smoothies Lunch: Pita Sandwiches w/ cheese sticks Dinner: Homemade Deep Dish Pizza | Thursday: Breakfast: Frozen Waffles Lunch: Chicken Burgers Dinner: Green Chile Mac & Cheese with Blackened Chicken |
| Friday: Breakfast: Chocolate Chip Pancakes Lunch: Pasta Salad Dinner: Tacos | Friday: Breakfast: Peanut Butter Banana Smoothies Lunch: Copycat Taco Bell Meximelts Dinner: Homemade Deli Subs w/ kettle chips |
Featured in Today’s Menu:
