MEAL PLANNING for Beginners | 6 Easy Steps

Today we're talking all about meal planning and how to get started in 6 easy steps. Do you meal plan?
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Meghan Livingstone, CNP
Certified Holistic Nutritionist

[@squigglypop8748]

1. Make a master list of recipes 2.Choose the day of the week you will do grocery shopping 3.Look at any upcoming events where cooking won’t work with your schedule 4. Write out your meals and brainstorm 5.Write out your grocery list 6. Get started with your meals (optional: meal prep certain foods)

[@Mina-qe3rc]

Thank you for the list!

[@hilly2387]

Ty!!

[@saraj1955]

Thank you for this list. 💐💐💐

[@yumisage]

You're wonderful thank you 🌸🌷🌷

[@aruralmother2895]

I started a binder of recipes that I tried and actually liked. I wrote them down or printed them out. Over time I've built up a great collection of recipes and meal inspiration. I highly suggest others do the same!

[@meghanlivingstone]

Radical Bear that’s amazing! I bet it makes cooking so much more fun 😊

[@lindaallen4045]

Radical Bear I’ve done this too!

[@ElectraHorvat]

I'm going to start this now, thank you! :)

[@dbaurichter]

I keep a binder too instead of cookbooks and have found it very useful! Another thing I do is to make sure I have left overs (or frozen soup to thaw) available on grocery shopping day so I don’t have to cook. I use the time to wash and prep instead

[@shadoewater]

I've started that too! I like to print mine, because I can choose the font and actually read it, rather than deciphering my band handwriting. :P

[@IoniB]

"Choose your grocery shopping day" - me and my mum who goes shopping like every second day :D or every day that she is off work XD

[@youtubecommentator6023]

I know a family that goes to the store right after work to buy stuff to make for dinner. They do it every day so that all of the ingredients they use are fresh that day. I think if it works for you, why not right?

[@oilybrownboy]

Same

[@nohomo4774]

idk, that doesnt sound like an efficient use of time or a good budgeting system. dont you guys have other things to do/want to do? 🤔

[@arina4030]

myst be rich

[@jodyjansa4492]

What I love about this video is how totally real it is. It's not strict and over-organized. I've been getting so overwhelmed looking at videos about meal planning and this was such a breath of fresh air. Literally down to the spiral notebook and plain boring old pen. It's so refreshing not to see a giant binder with charts and graphs and lists and all kinds of colorful pens and highlighters and stickers. I also love how there's zero judgment in using wiggle room and going out once or twice a week which is way more realistic than others who say they might go out once a month.

[@Gamex01010]

for more information serch this keyword on google "healthy meal planner in 6 steps"

[@LuckyCharm247]

I love emailing myself recipes as I find them since 99% of them are online anyway! The email subject is what the recipe is, then I put all of those emails in a "Food Ideas" folder in gmail, so easy to just go through that when I'm looking for recipe ideas!

[@Gamex01010]

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[@christinamariemoney]

Meal planning has saved me so much money over the years! I used to go to the grocery store without a plan in mind, buy a bunch of random groceries that I couldn’t make meals out of, and waste money. Now I meal plan around what food is on sale that week, and it’s so much better! 😊

[@meghanlivingstone]

Christina Marie yessss!! That’s awesome 👏🏼👏🏼 it’s so easy to head to the store with not much of a plan

[@HowDebbieSaves]

Christina I couldn't agree with you more. We've saved so much money by meal planning. What I also love is that you don't let anything you have on hand go to waste because you always know what you have so you can plan on how to use it.

[@youtubecommentator6023]

@@HowDebbieSaves that's my issue. We waste soooo much food sometimes.

[@HowDebbieSaves]

@@youtubecommentator6023 I completely agree.

[@Evija3000]

@@youtubecommentator6023 I don't waste food even without meticulous meal planning because I often make meals based on which food(s) in the fridge might start to go bad the soonest, but I also live alone so if I make something weird nobody else has to suffer 😄

[@HowDebbieSaves]

I've been meal planning for quite some time now. It has not only helped my family save so much money but also helped to keep my fridge, freezer and pantry so organized as well. By taking inventory of what I have on hand and planning meals around that, I am able to not let anything go to waste. A tip that I'd like to share is to always plan a day for your leftovers. I plan my leftovers day the day before I am going food shopping. This way I lay the leftovers out buffet style, everyone takes their pick of what they'd like to eat, they're helping me clean out my fridge to get ready for the next shopping trip and most importantly....I don't have to cook. :) I really enjoyed your video. I had to subscribe. Nice job.

[@Gamex01010]

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[@minisahex6443]

1. prepare small pieces of paper 2. write down the names of the meal on each pieces 3.put all of them together , and every week (pick the names of the food that you want to cook, in my case, I pick randomly) and arrange them on the meal planner 4.according to the meal that you planned to cook, check the ingredients from the fridge ,pantry then make a grocery list 5.I take Monday off, that's the day I shop groceries, deal with the leftovers or just eat out

[@Gamex01010]

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[@Isa-ji7yk]

This is exactly what I need! I've always been confused about how to do it. Or more like it is too much work, idk where to start. So thank you😄

[@meghanlivingstone]

I hear you!! I promise it's SO GREAT once you start doing it :) It's not complicated at all!

[@jennifercrews3175]

I’ve been working on a 16 week meal plan for breakfast lunch and dinner and making them go all together. Example if I make meatballs for dinner then I save some of them and add some sauce on a bun and call it a meatball sub for lunch. So thinking how to overlap the different meals and efforts. And this helps not have food waste. Also I figure 16 weeks doesn’t get repetitive. I’ve also included a shopping list to go along for the week. My thought process is to work really hard on this one time and then not have to take the time again until I just want to make some tweaks.

[@joygoncalves4917]

Great Idea.

[@Gamex01010]

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[@joeseatat]

I would add, before you decide your meal plan, check what ingredients need to be used up before they spoil, and plan around those ingredients first. Otherwise, great video! Really takes you through the steps.

[@Gamex01010]

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[@elizamh5270]

I have been meal planning for years but never thought about grouping my list in terms of produce type! I am often going back and forth in the supermarket so this will be so helpful and save me time! Thank you :) x

[@Gamex01010]

for more information serch this keyword on google "healthy meal planner in 6 steps"

[@lovefortruth3414]

Yes!i've been doing this for years! 9ccasi9nally, I might miss something in an aisle and have to go back, but usually that's not the case

[@sarahclutter7649]

Thank you! I've been so uninspired and stressed about preparing meals. Making a list of favorites is a great idea! Cheers from Michigan!

[@meghanlivingstone]

Sarah Clutter having that list can make all the difference! Thanks for watching Sarah 😊

[@Gamex01010]

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[@papaya3642]

your videos are so helpful! i found myself writing meals i like in my journal, so thank you!

[@corissadepeel291]

I write out my favorite meals on cards that I pin on a corkboard on my fridge when I have the food to make them, the rest are kept in a little box on the top of my fridge. I just look at what is on the corkboard and choose, this really helps me with emotional eating, eating out of boredom and makes life alot easier when everything is set out.

[@love_anneliese]

Thank you! I’m giving myself a healthy lifestyle challenge in June 2020 include 30 days of daily exercise, healthy diet and meditation! 💪💪💪 this meal plan video is very helpful

[@gilbertgonzales9939]

You know this was rather simplistic, and THATs exactly what I needed. Thank you for reducing my anxiety around meal planning !!! Much gratitude.

[@Gamex01010]

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[@marinacam]

Brilliant! Thanks!

[@WiseAilbhean]

Each time I’m getting better and and more efficient with meal prep. The latest batch I did went smoothly and I did almost double the amount I’ve done before. One of the biggest things I learned to do, is to mix all the marinades in bowls first before even getting to the meat. Previously i use to just chop all my onions and herbs and add what i needed to add to each bag with the meat… very messy and takes longer. I’m thinking of doing the marinades (if i have all the ingredients) a day or few prior to buying the meats.

[@Gamex01010]

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[@keepupwithliv]

Thanks for the reminder to meal prep lol!

[@Jim-is5yn]

Thanks very much for the help!!

[@walterdze6982]

Great tips! Thank you for creating this video!

[@SnowWhite-mf8rt]

Thank you for these tips! I love the healthy meal ideas and time saving ideas. Great channel, by the way.

[@lifewithalyssa2274]

Omg thank you so much my mom told me to search up meal planning stuff your video was the best thank you so much for the help !

[@m4ndala34]

Love this! I have been doing the recipe list already but now I have a better idea on what I wanna do, thanks so much!

[@Gamex01010]

for more information serch this keyword on google "healthy meal planner in 6 steps"

[@teneilbrown3019]

Tremendously helpful, thank you.

[@beastengo8127]

Great tips. Thank you.

[@arlh2309]

I like meal planning but.... I just get sick of finding new meals 😒 A master list is a great idea. I am going to start one 😃 I find meal planning saves me a lot of $$ and food waste. We don't have a bunch of food left in our fridge... it's nice and empty which to me translates to not wasting food! 😀

[@oneluv201]

I always felt like it can't go empty. I guess adapted from grandparent mindset. But will try your way of thinking.

[@pollypockets508]

This is so helpful! Thank you

[@syster9700]

This is so useful, thank you so much!

[@lenlevasseur7325]

Wonderful Advise! This could expand throughout your plans for everything! Thank you for sharing! I got a lot out of this...

[@andreaalmanza5768]

This was so helpful! Thank you so much for sharing these tips !

[@karenmuna7179]

Thank you for the useful tips!

[@littlefamilyliving1741]

Great ideas!

[@sarahcarafelli2313]

Thank you for this minimal approach to meal planning. Love it!

[@Gamex01010]

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[@TheSavvyCouple]

Yes girl! What an awesome video. ❤

[@jonathankoskas7915]

Amazing thank you!

[@sarahwebster9817]

Thanks Meghan 😊 you're so awesome ❤️

[@agoodwifeofficial]

I really needed this cause I had no clue where to start

[@cltinturkey]

Thanks. I would really like to see another meal prep video from you. I use your first one over and over and it is so helpful. Those basic tips and techniques are great for kitchen novices or those who don't like to cook complicated meals. Please consider. Thank you!

[@Gamex01010]

for more information serch this keyword on google "healthy meal planner in 6 steps"

[@shennylbk6203]

Thank you!! Your video is very helpful I’m just starting to do it and will follow your tips. I found myself always spending so much just grabbing things I don’t even cook and it’s just a waste.

[@jacquiheywood3142]

Great video. When I became a vegetarian 2 years ago I made a master list of 20 to 30 meals that I could easily make and it really helped ease any anxiety.

[@Gamex01010]

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[@RealSimpleLifeWithJosy]

Love how it simple

[@Livewellwithtia]

Lots of great tips, thanks for sharing 👌🏻

[@cheyennesutton2055]

Thank you. These are good ideas. I live alone, and I want to start meal planning.

[@blessthee2996]

Thank you for this information 🙏😊

[@iamamaafrakoma5625]

Very helpful Thanks

[@thesimplefam]

Oh I so love all the tips that you have shared here.. saving your video so I could go back to it when I get ahold of a pen and paper 😊 Thank You! 💗🙏

[@nurulfah2480]

Yeahh! Making a favourite list meals plan is a great idea. Never thought of that. Im watching this video cause most often i dont use all the ingredients that i have prepared early. All that go to dustbin, that was so sad. I want to change this. Thank You for the video! 😍

[@vlutinks]

I love meal planning!! I have been trying to stream line the process, because I get over ambitious in recipe 'trying'. I have a 'favorites' list, and the prepping ahead is something I have just tried as of last week - and it was a huge success... thank you for all of your tips!

[@khazel5703]

Thank you for doing this. Making a master list of recipes is a great idea and I have never thought of that. Thank you. ❤️

[@Gamex01010]

for more information serch this keyword on google "healthy meal planner in 6 steps"

[@mdhelaluddin2594]

Awesome video! Very helpful as being a beginner😁😘

[@sarahthatcher123]

Great video...

[@priscelleagnestogonon342]

Hello there ms M. Thank u for this video ❤

[@pibabumi]

It's always a pleasure to watch your videos :-) You have a great way of communicating your ideas.

[@BerniBernsify]

Great video with lots of info. I just ended up getting the Cooklist app which includes an area for meal planning, lots of recipes & ability to upload recipes, keeps track of your pantry based on shopping accounts linked or scan in your current pantry and/or receipts. It makes meal planning/ grocery lists/shopping super easy. And when anyone says what ro we have to eat, you can show them everything in the pantry, freezer, snacks etc. I really like it!

[@Gamex01010]

for more information serch this keyword on google "healthy meal planner in 6 steps"

[@acozinhadasinhorini]

I just got here and love it! Already a fan. Congratulations and a hug from Brazil

[@kristinapiscitello5680]

Thank you for such a great video. Nicely done. 💐😁

[@JohnAko-bl5ir]

thank you so much

[@Chaundradickinson]

Love the background music. Lovely video.

[@carlthornton8326]

very helpful video, thx you very much

[@kristenpringle1635]

Always nice to see your face each week! Thanks for the delicious recipes.

[@Gracekutepov671]

Thank you for your “ simple and easy” plan, I have watched other videos and I see the extensive “plans” people show but it didn’t work for me. I am not motivated right now, that makes it hard to want to do it. I will try this!

[@kyleehill694]

Yes! I really needed this! I am trying to eat three meals every day and not just one!

[@dauntaecampbell-temp2574]

I love the idea

[@HarvestandGather]

thanks for sharing these meal planning ideas :) this is so helpful especially during this time :)

[@THATS_CHARMING]

Preparing to go to the grocery store and school is about to start so I am trying to get back in the grove of meal planing and saving time!

[@al27.72]

Really helpful

[@slow.and.hot717]

First time on your channel, I subscribed because I like your approach and I can see that you have some really good content. I went from knowing how to prepare instant food only, to being a homemaker and stay at home parent and I started cooking more home made meals, so any organizational tips and ideas (like this ones in this video) is quite welcome!

[@Gamex01010]

for more information serch this keyword on google "healthy meal planner in 6 steps"

[@AnaGeorgescuArt]

I like this video! It was useful

[@Yocyndie]

i love it here! new sub, thanks!

[@tomicadavis3323]

I'm new to meal planning. Your video drastically decreased the anxiety and confusion I had going into this. Thank you for its simplicity and detail. I even took notes lol. I feel more confident moving forward. Thank you 🙏🏾 again

[@Gamex01010]

for more information serch this keyword on google "healthy meal planner in 6 steps"

[@UnknownUnknown-yl1lt]

Hi great video! Can you make a video on the best containers to use when prepping? Should I use glass or plastic?

[@gladiatoranc]

Amazing... thank you so much. I've never used meal planning but I realize that I would save so much time and money and improve my overall quality of life If I applied some self discipline and took my meal planning a little more seriously. Thanks for sharing great advice!

[@Gamex01010]

for more information serch this keyword on google "healthy meal planner in 6 steps"

[@annerisman]

Meghan, I've dealt with PMDD for my whole adult life. In the luteal time when symptoms are the worst, your videos and message always help to bring motivation back to me. I'm able to look after myself better and cook for myself again. Thank you so much for your light and your work.

[@Gamex01010]

for more information serch this keyword on google "healthy meal planner in 6 steps"

[@kathyl.8759]

I had been meal planning awhile back..but had seem to lose the interest. Also had lost the interest of cooking. Want to get back into it cause it's been stressful trying to figure out what to cook..I'm glad i heard your video..hopefully this will give me help on what i need to do again..thanks😀

[@niamhwilson3806]

i am doing my meal planner right now it is good

[@araavaraavroshan2774]

Very helpful vedio love from kerala ❤

[@anniinapuska6986]

I usually plan the whole month at once. Then as it goes on I see how I'm holding up, since ofcourse sometimes there is more or less than you thought the recipe would make or we eat out or something. I try to shop about once a week, usually on weekends because there are less people. Before I go, I check the monthly plan, see if I am on schedule or if I have skipped something and if I'd like to make it now or not. And sometimes I just want something completely out of my list and then I'll have that. I just makes it easier when i don't want to think about it and there is a full plan

[@kelleycowan6652]

Yes, I always wash and prep my produce! Sometimes I cook up my meat ahead and freeze in portions and label what meal it's for. Takes a little time, but saves time later when it's a busier day and it's time to get the meal on the table.

[@Gamex01010]

for more information serch this keyword on google "healthy meal planner in 6 steps"

[@michellepowell3067]

great videos

[@pawankumar-tt9vj]

Thanks

[@deanasauceda3197]

Thank you so much for the tips!!!! Really help me a lot. Will do my best to put this into practice!

[@kimberlytate2623]

THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT VIDEO AND THESE USEFUL A D HELPFUL TOPS YOU GIVE! HAPPY MEAL PLANNING🙏✝️☮️❤️🍽

[@freakishchick182]

I like this. Its flexible and has simple steps. :)

[@MandyGood]

I meal plan and it’s the best thing to do !

[@prakashranjan7563]

This is helpful to you tooooo

[@chloewilletts1534]

Hope you had a good Christmas stay safe

[@legaleagle8425]

Thanks for video new subscriber 😃

[@malts100]

Thanks for this insightful tip, now it's time for me to teach my mum. :-)

[@rollandjoeseph]

Good tips ..Simple meal recipes would help, im cooking for one and bulk cooking is a priority as it helps cut back on cooking

[@elisaaldegani2900]

I liked your video.I follow a slightly different strategy.I go to the market during the week (if possible) with a rough list. And I looking around for the product on offer. For example: I need pasta and sauce I will buy the sauce and the pasta on offer. There are so many types of sauce. Basil sauce, tomato sauce, cheese sauce and so on. Based on what I will find I create combinations. Moreover I try to buy fruit and seasonal vegetables. The mediterranean diet has many dishes ti choose from. Greetings from Italy 🙂

[@piazzapriyam2937]

Writing list according to isle is genius. Thank you

[@josefina3074]

Thankyou

[@uninico]

This is a great video! I do follow a little format with my meal plan. I cook one casserole dish, one meat dish, one fish, one vegan and the last is a "fast" meal, the final two meals of our week are take out, and a freezer meal/leftovers.

[@Gamex01010]

for more information serch this keyword on google "healthy meal planner in 6 steps"

[@AvtarSingh-tl3xh]

Thnq

[@GamezFamily]

Thank you. Very informative. Some new plans people refer to frozen veggies and for me to be honest don’t care for the frozen veggies and would prefer fresh veggies to cooking. Thoughts?

[@hemanthajames6954]

As a beginner , I really enjoyed this video it is very simplified with no extreme level of organization to make me overwhelmed or discouraged . I could see how easily each step could be applied for success. Thanks for the Wonderful video and advice !

[@Gamex01010]

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[@dannydanny9875]

Horray for Digestion!

[@gwenfrazier7027]

I would love to meal plan! And I try....but my husband has other ideas. It drives me crazy! But I deal with it. 😆💕

[@oneluv201]

I know your pain. Maybe make what he really likes?

[@shylaazeez4233]

I know the scenario

[@crazygoatlady4287]

I can identify with that. When it happens, that is when you get him to make the meal. lol And no cheating ordering in.

[@gwenfrazier7027]

CrazyGoatLady Lol!! He will get up and make breakfast for dinner if he really doesn’t like it. That really makes me mad!😅