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3 Questions to Help You Meal Plan Each Week

1/5/2025

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Harvard Business Review has shared that the average person makes ~35,000 decisions each day! 🤯 And let’s be real… there’s a lot of decisions to made about food and what you’re going to eat every single day, and multiples times throughout your day. (No wonder decision fatigue around food is so real!)

With “eating healthier” continuing to be a top New Years resolution, I thought I’d share the 3 questions that help me meal plan each week, and in turn stick to healthier eating week to week. 
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(1) What do I/we need to use or eat up?
Fresh meats and produce don’t stay fresh forever, and even frozen and shelf-stable goods have a “best buy” date. Plan meals around these soon-expiring items to reduce your food waste and maximize your money already spent!
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(2) What’s on sale right now? What do I have coupons for?
Now if you’re not trying to “save more money” feel free to skip this question, but I like to use weekly sales and digital coupons offered at my go-to grocery store to help me decide on what types of recipes I’m going to make for the coming week.
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(3) What do I feel like eating / what am I craving?
If you’re under the impression that healthy eating 
means depriving yourself of your favorite flavors and foods then someone has steered you wrong! Making your own at-home versions of your favorite foods makes meal planning and cooking more enjoyable. So be sure to plan for a comfort food/meal or two for the week — your tastebuds will be sure to thank you!

What other factors help you decide what to make/cook each week? I’d love to hear ‘em!

lindsey

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2024 Favorite Things

11/28/2024

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  • Handel’s Gift Card
    Franklin, Tennessee just got a Handel’s and we love visiting and getting a 4 Scoop Sampler to try their latest flavors! Any ice cream admirer will enjoy an e-gift card (or physical gift card) from Handel’s. 
    • Shop: https://handelsicecream.com/gift-cards/
  • Lundberg Organic California Sushi Rice 
    Sushi Bowls are on regular rotation at our house and we always make them with Lundberg Sushi Rice! (Pst - We actually got to visit the rice folks at Lundberg Family Farms in northern California! Check out our farm tour adventure here.)
    • Shop: https://amzn.to/3AMyJMT
  • GreenPan Reserve Ceramic Nonstick Frypan Set 
    As a Registered Dietitian and meal plan girly, I often get asked about my favorite cookware. Hands down, it’s GreenPan. Their ceramic nonstick frypans truly truly do not stick; you do not need to add a drop of oil if you don’t want to! 
    • Shop on GreenPan: https://collabs.shop/cliwm2 
    • Shop on Target: https://goto.target.com/c/5014931/1799385/21323?u=https://www.target.com/finds/collections/utQsM3KuoqAAihRxSur44A 
  • LANEIGE Cream Skin Refillable Toner & Moisturizer
    I’m a minimalist when it comes to skincare. I want a few products that work really well versus a 10-step a.m. and p.m. routine. LANEIGE’s Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer has this unique fuss-free formula that’s quick to apply all over your face (and neck) with just one pump. It dries leaving your skin feeling very hydrated, but not heavy.
    • Shop: https://amzn.to/3OcAJBe 
  • Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Water Shampoo + Conditioner Bar 
    My thick hair leans towards the oily side and for a while I thought needing dry shampoo <24 hours post-hair wash was just my normal, until I randomly tried a Love Beauty Planet shampoo bar one day. Not only did my scalp feel clean, but I noticed a significant reduction in oiliness and day-to-day shedding!
    • Shop: https://goto.target.com/c/5014931/1799385/21323?u=https://www.target.com/finds/collections/utQsM3KuoqAAihRxSur44A 
  • DesignWorks Ink Meal Planner Notepad 
    Meal planning is a lot funner when you’ve got something pretty to plan with! I love this notepad from Nashville-based brand DesignWorks Ink because you can stick it on your fridge (it’s magnetic) and tear-away your grocery list when you’re ready to head to the store. It contains 60 sheets - enough to cover you each week for the next year!
    • Shop: https://amzn.to/48W4EXY
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  • Made in Nature Second Chances Dried Mango Cheeks 
    I’ve become a pretty efficient 1 to 2-day trip packer and I always tuck away at least one of these Second Chances Dried Mango packs with me for when I need some fruit and a little energy boost.
    • Shop: https://goto.target.com/c/5014931/1799385/21323?u=https://www.target.com/finds/collections/utQsM3KuoqAAihRxSur44A 
  • Albanese World's Best Gummi Snack Packs 
    I’m late to this party as gummy candy lover, but Albanese gummies really are the world’s best! They are full-flavored and unique - like mango, pineapple and pink grapefruit - and the tastes really come through even in their adorably tiny “bear cubs”. One mini pack is less than 50 calories so it can fit into any well-balanced eating pattern you choose to follow.
    • Shop: https://amzn.to/40TxBBM
  • Reduce 40oz Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler 
    Why spend nearly $50 on an insulated tumbler when you can get an equally if not better version for under $30!? We love Reduce brand and have several of their drinkwares in different sizes that we use daily.
    • Shop: https://goto.target.com/c/5014931/1799385/21323?u=https://www.target.com/finds/collections/utQsM3KuoqAAihRxSur44A 
  • OFFLINE By Aerie Real Me Low Key Longline Sports Bra 
    This is THE most comfortable sports bra that you can wear under casual clothes or with your go-to yoga fit. I have three colors and am always looking to add to my collection!
    • Shop: https://www.ae.com/us/en/p/aerie/bralettes/bra-tops/offline-by-aerie-real-me-low-key-longline-sports-bra/2696_1195_572?menu=cat1090003
    • Get 20% off at Aerie with this referral link: https://invite.ae.com/x/rRTv3h 
  • Dot's Pretzels Original Seasoned Pretzel Twists 
    ​Every since my Mom texted me about these delicious Dot’s Pretzels, we have not stopped buying an econo-bag from Costco or Sam’s Club whenever we’re out. Luckily you don’t have to be a member to find these savory seasoned pretzels! They’re a perfect option for those who like salty and crunchy snacks. 
    • Shop on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YQBcOt
    • Shop on Target: https://goto.target.com/c/5014931/1799385/21323?u=https://www.target.com/finds/collections/utQsM3KuoqAAihRxSur44A 
  • A New Day Women's Short Sleeve T-Shirt  
    This is one of those staple clothing pieces that’s just “Spectacular, gimme 14!” They're often on sale at Target, but at $6 regular priced they’re reliable, comfy, cute and so soft for everyday (or night) wear.
    • Shop: https://goto.target.com/c/5014931/1799385/21323?u=https://www.target.com/finds/collections/utQsM3KuoqAAihRxSur44A 
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  • Stojo Nestable Collapsible Food Storage Container - Set of 4 
    These Stojo silicone food storage containers collapse, making them perfect for small kitchen spaces and/or life on-the-go.
    • Shop: https://amzn.to/48WVxWM
  • Gimme Seaweed Organic Roasted Seaweed Sheets - Teriyaki 
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    Roasted seaweed is always in-stock in our household, but this year we discovered Gimme’s Teriyaki flavored seaweed and it is savory goodness. 
    • Shop on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hVX6bY
    • Shop on Target: https://goto.target.com/c/5014931/1799385/21323?u=https://www.target.com/finds/collections/utQsM3KuoqAAihRxSur44A 
  • FLYBYJING Zhong Sauce 
    You likely have a jar of chili crisp/crunch oil in your fridge, but have you tried Zhong sauce!? It’s thick, spicy sauce that we love dipping dumplings and wontons with. 
    • Shop: https://amzn.to/3Z9a8LK
  • Birch Benders Ube Mochi Pancake & Waffle Mix 
    Did you know that Birch Benders makes an Ube pancake/waffle mix!? Of course your cakes will come out with a fun purple hue, but they’ll also have a deliciously chewy texture. We also love that the edges actually crisp up when cooking!
    • Shop: https://amzn.to/4fQrlz3
  • Better Than Booze Mocktail Non-Alcoholic Drinks 
    I love that mocktails are having a moment. (And hopefully it’s here to stay!) This Nashville-born brand, Better Than Booze, has three unique non-alcoholic flavor options including their Elderberry “Gin & Tonic”. They’re fun, fruity and don’t make you feel like crap the next morning.
    • Shop: https://amzn.to/3ZbTCuv
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SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE OATMEAL

11/20/2022

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It's no secret that we love leftovers here at The Meal Planning Method! And chances are, you're going to have some of this and some of that still lingering around after your Thanksgiving holiday. Well don't let that food (or money) go to waste by freezing foods for later OR planning meals and snacks to use up those leftover ingredients. One out-of-the-box idea is this super simple 3-ingredient Sweet Potato Casserole Oatmeal!
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This Sweet Potato Casserole Oatmeal will hit the spot as a quick, creamy breakfast option in your week. 

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1/2 cups quick oats 
• 1 Tbsp flaxseed mill (optional)
• 1/2 cup Healthier Sweet Potato Casserole
• 1/2 cup milk of choice

DIRECTIONS: 
  1. Combine your oats, casserole and milk.
  2. Mix well and microwave for ~2 minutes. 
  3. Enjoy! 
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Click for a quick video tutorial on this Sweet Potato Casserole Oatmeal.
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