https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 02 May 2026 23:25:35 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010612 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 17:11:45 +0000 alohaorchid 2010612@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I googled a printable weekly meal planner and I fill it on the weekend, sometimes I'm lazy and don't get to it until Monday (like this week). I make extra for leftovers for lunch, or I buy something specifically for lunch like some chicken breasts and salad. I try to grocery shop on Sunday. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010536 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 16:17:51 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2010536@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Chillybear: that just sealed it for me. I'm adding pepperplate :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010530 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 16:15:58 +0000 Chillybear 2010530@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: When you chose a recipe and click the "export" icon (square with arrow) the choices are Add to planner, add to shopping list, email recipe, print recipe, share of FB, Share on Twitter.</p> <p>When you add to planner - it asks you to scale the recipe (ie 1/2 or double)then you can choose a meal (morning, mid-day, evening) and a date and it shows up on the calendar. if you add it to the shopping list the amounts also show up and its in categories (produce, dairy, etc) and its easy to edit. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010523 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 16:11:59 +0000 AmandaB8 2010523@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We plan meals in Notes, and use Grocery IQ for our grocery list. </p> <p>I grocery shop every Monday, so on Sundays (or Monday throughout the work day), we brainstorm on meal ideas. I try to get 6 meals and a frozen pizza. I also try to plan for at least one of those meals to make doubles, so we always have 2 frozen meals ready to go (usually for weeks like this week, when I won't get to the grocery store until Tuesday). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010522 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 16:11:39 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2010522@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Chillybear: no, I'm happy you did lol...when you add a recipe does it automatically pull out the ingredients to place in a larger shopping list? I checked my Publix app and that'that's the only thing it's missing- meal planning. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010516 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 16:09:58 +0000 Chillybear 2010516@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: hahaha... i miss read your post i thought you were asking me to review the app </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010508 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 16:06:15 +0000 Chillybear 2010508@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: I've been using the pepperplate app for awhile now. I believe that my husband would just need to sign in using the same account. It has a shopping list/meal plan feature but i never use that aspect. For me, What i really love about it is how easy it is to add recipes i find online into the app, Esp from my desktop at work. It has a tool bar button and if its a supported site for example allrecipes or skinny taste it seamlessly adds them with a photo. If its not from a supported site it just takes a few clicks to copy/paste and drag over a photo from the website. It took me a few days to add in all my family recipes that were haphazardly all over the place but now that its all in one spot and cloud based its great for sharing recipes. Like if i brought a dip to a party and someone want the recipe i can email it through the app. You can also assign the recipes catagories so if i'm stumped for an idea i can search "crockpot" or "Appetizer"<br /> I also love that i can access it anywhere so if i see andouille sausage on sale i can immediately pull up the jambalaya recipe and grab the other ingredients. Or if i'm down the shore and want to make something the recipe is right there </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010480 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 15:48:25 +0000 LuLu Mom 2010480@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: Oh I know that! then it usually turns into "grilled cheese" night! haha but I will keep a couple days worth in the fridge (usually 1 chicken and 1 hambuger) that has to be used the first few days, and then I try to remember to pull out for the remainder days...doesn't always happen. If it only lasted longer! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010479 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 15:48:20 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2010479@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Chillybear: that sounds very efficient. Are you both able to review the pepperplate app? I'd like to somehow make meal planning a collaborative effort. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010471 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 15:43:53 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 2010471@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hotchildinthecity: gotchya, thanks!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010428 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 15:22:33 +0000 Cherrybee 2010428@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LuLu Mom: I freeze meat then forget to defrost it at least twice every week! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010424 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 15:21:22 +0000 Cherrybee 2010424@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I plan on Saturday morning before we go shopping. I have a spider diagram with all our go-to meals on and just pick a few (and some new ones if I can be bothered). I write them on a chalk board in the kitchen to remind me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010423 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 15:21:20 +0000 LuLu Mom 2010423@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I usually type it out and take that to the store with me (I grocery shop normally on Saturdays or Sundays) </p> <p>So I will do </p> <p>Sat Lunch: usually sandwiches/soup/stuff we have on hand<br /> Sat Dinner: </p> <p>Sun Lunch:<br /> Sun Dinner: </p> <p>MOn- Fri</p> <p>I write out each meal idea and the below type out the ingredients I need to buy. This allows a little big of flexibility say we decide the tacos don't sound "good" on Monday we can switch it out with Tuesday meal. I freeze meat, so I have more flexibility there than some people do who only like fresh meat. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010416 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 15:16:28 +0000 dagret 2010416@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I sit down with the sale paper on Mondays, check the weather forecast, and meal plan on paper, adding items I'll need to my shopping list. (I shop on Sundays.) Then, I transfer it all to the white board on the fridge. </p> <p>If it gets derailed (say, by my husband coming home from a snowmobile trip with a bunch of thawed meat that we need to use ASAP...like he did yesterday...or the in-laws inviting us for dinner), then I put the meals I was planning on into the next week's rotation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010407 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 15:11:12 +0000 blackbird 2010407@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: It's a print out from Etsy. </p> <p>Before, i just used my regular planner! And i'll do breakfasts in bulk, too, but lately i've been getting up so much earlier than E, i have time to make real breakfast (like eggs!), so i don't have to plan those. But if I have time on a weekend, i'll make a batch of something and portion it out throughout the week. or boil up a dozen eggs. Lunch is ALWAYS leftovers....and I also cook on the weekend (we don't eat out often) so i have a batch of homemade hamburger helper style noodles/beef in the fridge and also some cauliflower-cheddar soup in my arsenal (hence the leftover night we have weekly) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010365 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 14:47:21 +0000 Bao 2010365@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@My Only Sunshine: oh man I made a quadruple batch of broccoli cheddar soup on Saturday and ruined it all :sad: I was so bummed because it was supposed to be a good 6 meals this month! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010357 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 14:44:50 +0000 Mamaof2 2010357@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I bought a chalk board picture frame and have it in the kitchen. Sundays we figure out the menu for the week and write it down - I love not asking myself after a long day "whats for dinner?"! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010355 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 14:43:58 +0000 mrskc 2010355@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We've been doing Fresh 20 which has been great. But otherwise, I just write it down on a pad of paper and stick it on the fridge. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010354 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 14:43:28 +0000 hotchildinthecity 2010354@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sunshine: leftovers are totally part of my plan! So I made a huge batch of mole chicken in the slow cooker yesterday and I'll be eating it for lunch for at least two days. </p> <p>This is the plan I typed up for this week. Breakfast is some combination of eggs/bacon/avocado/english muffin, or a green smoothie.</p> <p>Sunday</p> <p>Lunch: Amy's Pizza and Salad<br /> Dinner: Slow Cooker Chicken Mole</p> <p>Monday </p> <p>Lunch: Chicken Mole<br /> Dinner: Steak, Sweet Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts</p> <p>Tuesday</p> <p>Lunch: Chicken Mole<br /> Dinner: Pork Chops, Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli</p> <p>Wednesday</p> <p>Lunch: Chicken Salad<br /> Dinner: Husband dinner event/ me takeout</p> <p>Thursday</p> <p>Lunch: Chicken Salad<br /> Dinner: Turkey Burgers + Salad</p> <p>Friday</p> <p>Lunch: Turkey Burger<br /> Dinner: Sausage and Bacon Butternut Squash Soup </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010338 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 14:38:56 +0000 My Only Sunshine 2010338@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: We just started experimenting with monthly meal planning. So far it's awesome! We sat down and planned 4 weeks of dinners based off recipes we know we like. That way I can plan to make a double batch of something one week and freeze it to have again in a couple weeks. I can also bulk cook things like chicken or taco meat and freeze it. </p> <p>Then for the week I just pull out the recipe cards for the things we're making, go through the pantry and freezer to see what we already have, and make a list on paper of everything we need from the store. </p> <p>We do simple breakfasts of bagels, cereal, scrambled eggs, toast, etc. so we stock up as needed on breakfast stuff, fruit, and snacks. Every couple weeks I make some huge pots of soup and portion them out in the freezer for lunches so we have that or dinner leftovers for lunch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010314 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 14:29:40 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 2010314@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I write it down on a sheet of paper when I'm doing the actual planning, then I transfer the actual menu onto a whiteboard that is in our kitchen so I have that visual in front of me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010308 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 14:27:39 +0000 simplyfelicity 2010308@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Fresh 20 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010297 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 14:23:26 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 2010297@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hotchildinthecity: I'd like to start planning g our breakfast and lunches but 3 or 4 days of the week we have enough dinner leftovers for our lunches so I feel like that would create waste for us. Would you mind sharing an example plan? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010247 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 13:59:56 +0000 Chillybear 2010247@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I meal plan on sundays - I keep my recipes in pepperplate an app on my iphone. Before going to the store we decide what we will make for dinner usually m-th and i usually pick up 1-2 back ups that dont need to be defrosted, like frozen pizza, or soup and grilled cheese. We write them on a chalk board in our kitchen. so in the am i just check the board and take out what i need to defrost. Most of our meals are either crockpot meals or Protein/Veggie/Starch that can be cooked quickly when we get in from work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010164 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 13:28:08 +0000 Tanjowen 2010164@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I grocery shop every Friday, so every Thursday night I sit down, look at our week and how many lunches/dinners we need. Then I decide what meals I will serve - DH gets to throw in his votes at this point. </p> <p>Then I go meal by meal and write down what ingredients I need and don't have in the pantry. I like to use <a href="http://www.tastespotting.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.tastespotting.com</a> for meal ideas too, and you can search for dishes by a specific ingredient. </p> <p>At the beginning of each month, I do a Walmart run and pick up all home supplies - toilet paper, detergent, napkins, personal beauty supplies, etc. Makes each week less overwhelming since I just have to pick up meal items. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010162 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 13:27:42 +0000 Bao 2010162@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@blackbird: what planner is that? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010161 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 13:27:27 +0000 yellowbird 2010161@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I use a piece of paper with meals and ingredients for grocery shopping and I keep it on the fridge. I just decide what we're eating each night depending on how much time I have and how tired I am. I never ask dh because he and ways pulls the I don't know card too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010156 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 13:26:22 +0000 looch 2010156@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I buy first, then plan. Sounds counterintuitive, but I know the cuts of meat that we like, for example, and what a good price is. So, we buy our proteins in bulk at Costco once a month and I portion them out into enough for one dinner. Then, I plan the upcoming week based on those mains and whatever sides I think will complement them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010147 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 13:22:00 +0000 hotchildinthecity 2010147@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I plan breakfast, lunch and dinner for the whole week and then make the list based on that. It's annoying and time consuming and sometimes boring to have the whole week planned out. But i "shop the ad" at the supermarket and it allows me to save money, time and we have very little wasted food. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-meal-plan-1#post-2010134 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 13:17:42 +0000 blackbird 2010134@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have this sheet in my planner </p> [attach=618/15/nhputi.450x600.image.jpg]