Weekly meal planner: free printable template
A simple weekly meal planning routine: check the calendar, choose dinners, write one shopping list and prep ahead. Free to print, or let it repeat every week in Plenzu.
6 stepsAbout 2h 50m of work
What this plan is based on
What dietitians advise: check what you have, plan around your calendar, and shop from one list.
The plan, step by step
Steps
Check the calendar and what is still in the house10m
Repeats every week
Choose the meals for the week
Repeats every week
- Four or five dinners10m
- One evening for leftovers5m
- Breakfasts and lunches5m
Write the shopping list, by section of the shop15m
Repeats every week
Do the shopping1h
Repeats every week
Prepare ahead: wash, chop and cook one base1h
Repeats every week
Midweek check: swap meals around and defrost5m
Repeats every week
Meal plan
| Day | Dinner |
|---|---|
| Monday | … |
| Tuesday | … |
| Wednesday | … |
| Thursday | … |
| Friday | … |
| Saturday | … |
| Sunday | … |
Meals everyone likes - …
Always in the house - …
Questions
How do I start with meal planning?
Start with dinners only, and only four or five a week. Look at your calendar first: a busy evening gets a quick meal or leftovers.
Does meal planning save money?
Usually, yes: you shop once from a list, buy less on impulse and throw away less food, because every item has a meal it belongs to.
What is the best day to plan meals?
The day before you shop. For many people that is Friday for planning, Saturday for shopping and Sunday for preparing ahead.