Grocery Shopping and Dinner Planning Printables

March 19, 2009

I just got back from the grocery store, where I purchased the ingredients for banana splits. And the reason I purchased the ingredients for banana splits?

I’m celebrating an accomplishment of my oldest son. Now, in the past I may have taken him out for an ice cream.

But it’s cheaper (and healthier) to make food at home.

Including the occasional banana split (hey - the ice cream and whipped cream are organic - and nuts are healthy!).

When finances are tight, it’s not all bad. In fact there are some benefits.

By being more frugal and careful with our grocery money, we may spend more time around the dinner table together, and more time in the kitchen preparing food together (and cleaning up together if you’re in my house!).

Banana splits are one thing, but when it comes to getting dinner on the table, it takes a little simple meal-planning. It helps to know EXACTLY what your family is going to eat each day, having the ingredient on hand and quickly putting together delicious meals.

Meal planning became a part of my weekly routine after my 4th child was born. It was the only way we got a hot meal on the table!

All it takes is 15-20 minutes with pencil, paper, and your favorite cookbooks. (And sales circulars from your local stores.)

First, you take a quick look at what you already have in your freezer, pantry and fridge. Getting an idea of what’s already on hand means you can create meals around those ingredients and save a bit of money (and fewer things will end up going to waste).
Then, take a look at what’s on sale at the store(s) you shop at.
Using your cookbooks (or your head if you’re that kind of cook!), create your weekly menu.

To make things easier, here are some free dinner planning & grocery shopping sheets you can download and print: