Planning meals helps you and your family eat healthier. It also saves money on grocery shopping trips. According to Kids Health, family meals help children learn healthy eating habits, reduce the chance that teens will try drugs or alcohol and give family members a chance to connect with each another. Developing a meal for your family makes it easier to shop and doesn't require additional trips to the store for forgotten ingredients. With a little practice, you and your family will benefit from regular family meals.
Step 1
Talk to your family. Find out what dishes they like and which ones they don't. Knowing this will help you decide what meals will go into your meal plan and will ensure that everyone will like what you have prepared.
Step 2
Get out any recipes you need. This will prevent you from forgetting a key ingredient and having to make an extra trip to the store.
Step 3
Use the Food Guide Pyramid developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a guide. To make side dishes or desserts to add to the meal, looking at the Food Guide Pyramid will help you determine what food groups need to be added to make it well rounded and healthy. According to Meals Matter, the meals you plan and prepare at home are usually healthier and closer to a correct portion size than those you get eating out.
Step 4
Write a grocery shopping list. Using your recipes, write down all the things you will need to purchase to make the meal. Grouping these items by category or location at the store will simplify the shopping process.
Step 5
Stock your pantry. Having staples on hand all the time will make it easier for you to develop and cook a meal at home. Typical pantry items include pasta and pasta sauces, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables, frozen meats, beans, rice and condiments.
Tips and Warnings
- Check out books or magazines at your local library for new recipe and meal ideas. Many websites are available that will help you make a meal plan and a shopping list that you can print from your computer. Dine Without Whine and Meals Matter are two good choices. Getting your kids involved in the meal development process and cooking meals will allow them the opportunity to try new foods and learn new skills. Checking your newspaper or mail for grocery store ads can help you find which store might have the items you need on sale that week.
Things You'll Need
- Pen
- Paper
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