How I Create Weekly Meal Plans (and stick to them!)
When I meal plan, EVERYTHING is better. I save money (sometimes as much as 50%), the dinner time hustle is 100x easier, and I never have to hear the dreaded “what's for dinner” question.
So, I want to share how I meal plan for the week sharing what it looks like, how much it saves me, etc.
Get my Meal Planning Printables and read more about how I meal plan: www.butfirstcoffeeblog.com/my...[+-free-meal-planning-printables]
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Where else to find But First, Coffee and the creator, Kallie Branciforte:
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Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored video. I do not accept products in exchange for a positive review and so all thoughts, opinions and words are my own. All products were purchased with my own money unless marked with an asterisk (*). An asterisk signifies a product sent to me for review or as a gift. Some links in this description may contain affiliate links.
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Hi I'm Kallie Branciforte from But First, Coffee! I'm glad you found my video! I'm the content creator for the blog and KZhead channel But First, Coffee.
Here you'll find videos on topics on things a well-caffeinated woman needs to know including life hacks, budgeting, frugal shopping, mom life, and more!
If you wanna know some more, check out my about page: www.butfirstcoffeeblog.com/about
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Another way to make sure you don't make the mistake of buying something you already have ... take pictures of your pantry(s) refrigerator(s) and freezer(s) the day before or the morning of shopping - when in doubt while shopping...just pull out your phone and look at the pictures! Works like a charm!!
That is one of the most helpful tips I have ever read, and I am 76
I LOVE your idea. Im going to photo my freezer and put photos in a 3 ring binder with photo holders. So I can ALSO use some of the photo holders for notes to do repeat weekly planning. I am NOT good at reinventing a plan each week. Thank you so much for your photo idea. JOY
Brilliant! I’m totally going to do this!
Genius
I remember when schools used to teach things like home economics, auto repair, and shop class, actual things that can be used in day to day life. Thank God for KZhead, a lot of people would be screwed.
They still do. They’re electives most students take stupid classes tho
@@matthewrivas7832 I took home economics in high school, they didn’t teach us anything. I remember there were 5 sewing machines in the classroom, but we couldn’t use them (apparently to many students hurt themselves on them 🤷♀️). There was also a kitchen that also we couldn’t use. It was a waist of time, but an easy A.
I also think we can teach kids skills like making an ice sculpture, calligraphy etc i know is not as practical as home economics but it would be a good experience
I enjoyed home ec in HS for the most part. Didn’t enjoy sewing, but loved the food/cooking. We had about 4 or 5 kitchens and we were split up into groups and assigned one kitchen for the semester. We probably made 4 meals a semester. So much fun and useful.
Depends on the school. I can't speak for urban schools, but I went to HS in a very rural area,
My husband, when we had a young family, was a floating technician in telecommunications. So, he would find himself at produce stands and pick up corn, peppers, and other favorites to bring home. Sometimes this meant a lot of food prep, so we could use it later. The topper was the day he found farmers who were giving away 🍅! Because he was Italian, this was a goldmine. When he came home his car was LOADED with tomatoes. We worked for hours all weekend making spaghetti sauce, his mother's garlic sauce and chopping the little red nuggets for tacos, BLTs, or toppings on white pasta and pizza. In 2 days, every plastic container was full of something red and because of our freezer and crockpot, along with his frugal shopping, most of it was free. He passed away 6 years ago and I still laugh (and cry) over those memories. In short, when you're invited to dinner or receive a load of cheap food (like 🍅 tomatoes) you have to just sit back and accept it.
Sending hugs to you for fond memories of your husband.
This video is 4 years old and oh how I needed it!😅 Thank you Kallie! New subbie here too 🤗
I wish I could meal prep in 20-30 minutes! It's easily a 1-3 hr process for me between coming up with ideas, chrcking the pantry, and making the list. My husband and I have different tastes and I have dietary restrictions which makes it trickier. Hope it gets easier with practice! Love your method!
I'm the same. I like one thing, my kids like different, my husband is celiac so it's difficult to find a happy ground
When you do plan. Save it written so you can repeat every few weeks. Why constantly have to reinvent.
Thank you for talking normal and not in that choppy, announcer style so many vloggers are doing. Love your videos. Subbed.
Making the rice ahead or a getting a difficult prep out of the way early 🙌🏼game changer!
You can also cut things like carrots, celery, potatoes(sweet potatoes and white potatoes) all keep well in water.
I have a 9"x12" magnetic-backed dry erase board on my fridge. Whenever I run out of something, I mark it on the board. Before I go food shopping (or before I meal-plan), I take a phone-photo to reference. Before smart phones, before cellphones, I used to have a chalkboard hung up in the kitchen to mark foods as I ran out or to list things I wanted to get. Technology evolves, but need is a constant.
Your "subscribe to this channel" clip was probably the cutest. Just random FYI. I 1000% agree when it comes to meal planning. On top of that I online shop with Walmart and do the pick up so I save even more because I ONLY get what I need. Great video!
College should actually start a lesson about meal plans. Great vid!
Thats why homeschooling is best. 99% of school and college classes are a waste
It actually should be taught in high school home economics. Honestly, everyone should have to take home economics and learn basic life skills like cooking, meal prep, budgeting, personal finances, sewing, nutrition, etc. These skills used to be taught in the home growing up, but they aren't anymore.
Honestly, there is really no need for high school or college to teach subjects like this. There are endless meal prep and meal plan videos just here on KZhead. And there are more blog posts, reddit posts, etc out there on the rest of the internet.
Ramen for days
Agreed! There’s so many things school should be teaching us that they don’t
Every day 3pm I'm thinking "what's for dinner" 😭 I really needed a guide to help me get out of this horrible habit of wasting food & money. I'm starting right away with your meal plan method, hopefully I can come back for an update on how I adopted it to save my life!! Thank you 😍
You're sooo right. Meal planning can help you save soooo much money!! It's helped us get out of debt and I meal plan every single week. Nice job!!
I am a terrible planner. These tips really work. I think of a restaurant menu. ONLY a certain amount of choices. Make one for ourselves and repeat meal plan rotations.
Loved this video 💕 One thing that has made meal planning easier for me is actually making my grocery list on my grocery store’s pick up app. I don’t actually pick my groceries up, but when I search for them I can easily compare prices and see if there are any coupons. So I don’t feel like I’m spending so much more time make my list/looking for deals and I know exactly what I’m buying.
Okay I think this is the most helpful meal planning I have watched. Thank you!! Those printables are perfect 👌
Probably the best, simplest meal planning video out there. Most of them leave me overwhelmed with all the steps...this just looks so easy to do. Definitely helped relieve my overwhelm. LOL! 😆 Thank you!
I love the ingredient sharing and using the calendar also as a guide for prep. Cooking for me previously has been a nightmare. So happy I found this video. It has helped me so much with less stress and have reduced eating junk foods. Thankyou!!!
Awesome tips! Meal prep has definitely saved me money in the grocery store and keeps me from straying from the list! I've also started freezing the leftovers of meals like soups, chilis, etc (when I end up cooking too much) for quick work lunches for my husband or days when we are too busy to cook and noticed a big decrease in waste!
Thank you sooo much Kallie!!! This is definitely going to be handy!!! Have a great day! 💜
So glad I found this channel a few weeks ago! I’ve already watched several decluttering videos, meal planning videos and budgeting videos. Thank you for taking the time to make these all so interesting and informative! I’m a mom of three littles and I feel like things are finally starting to feel manageable! So excited to get my spending on track as well! I have been way over spending every month and I hate groceries going bad (and when my husband asks “whats for dinner” it literally used to give me anxiety because I had planned Nothing... bean burritos again babe?). I’m going with a slightly looser approach to meal planning where I list the meals I want to make but I can make whichever one we are feeling like eating that night or what ever time lends itself to if the kids are crazy or the house needs some extra work. I’m also making great use of leftovers for lunches! 🥳 After watching this video I’m going to get right on making my pantry, fridge and freezer in stock list! It’s going to take some time but I’m thrilled to think how much it’s going to help me! Every one of those areas is full of food so I know I have plenty of meals to shop from! Can’t say thank you enough!
You are so right about prepping. It saves so much time!
“Zero dollars is my favorite cost” Same girl, same.
Getting money back is even better! I like to get Extra Bucks at CVS.
I love all your meal planning tips!!!! Thanks for sharing!! Now I'm making my shopping list feeling more confident 😃🤗❤️
I remember when you first had miles! Honestly your channel is so truly helpful and you have a great personality! I just love you so much and you deserve all the happiness and success that comes your way! We love you!! ❤️
Great video!! I've been meal planning for a few years now, even taught a class at my church! My biggest tip is to make a master list of meals that your family loves separated by protein/main ingredient or category, ex. chicken, beef, soup, new to try, etc. I will do a monthly inventory of the deep freezer and pantry and go from there. Also, Instant Pots are lifesavers!! HAHA
I second this! Since I started the master list of meals we like, it has been SO much easier to come up with ideas, and we don't end up eating the same thing three weeks in a row.
Wow. Thanks. This was the missing link for me. I was finding it so hard to meal plan and now I know why. Thank you.
@@Kamaltweet You're welcome!
@@cperi2583 this is a great idea. When i was watching the video i was thinking that it is going to be hard for me to figure out what to cook or which meals to make after i take kitchen inventory. but i think if i start out with a master list of meals that i like it might be easier.
Concise, funny, and helpful! Always appreciated!
Great video! I started meal planning about 6 months ago and it really has helped with the grocery bill and we never have the "what's for dinner?" question. We don't always stick to the days planned for each meal, but I usually pick two options and let my husband pick what he would rather have.
Your channel is one of my favorites!
Love the simplicity of your approach. I have two freezers full and my cabinets are full but I never "have" anything to cook! Doing my inventory shortly! Also, Love Big Y (I'm in Enfield CT)
Im new to your channel and i love it! Your practical and realistic. I really like how you post things that real moms struggle with day to day like meal planning with out being wasteful and getting many things done in a day by being organized and sticking as much to a schedule as possible. Thanks for the free meal planning printables! Cant wait to try them😁
Yay! I'm so glad that it's helpful!
Thank you so much for the downloads!!!! I dont know how I missed this video. I found your channel during the covid epidemic. I have been hooked ever since.😊
I LOVE this!! I am going to definitely do your printables and give that a go! I usually will meal plan in my head in the store... I can see the error of my ways! Haha! Thanks for all the work!!
Thank you so much for the printables! 😻
Wow just so needed to organise what to do when meal planning, this video is just fab! Thanks for sharing!!
I just came across your video today and quickly hit subscribe. I just took inventory of my freezer. Can't believe I never did that before. So simple and now I don't need to go to the grocery store today like I planned. YaY!!!! Thank you for the tip!
I’m going grocery shopping today so thank you for posting this!
Thank you so much for sharing your ideas and thoughts on meal planning. It really does help save money and sanity. I have also been trying theme days like Sunday Supper (fancier meal that take longer to prepare) Taco Tuesday (really Mexican theme) this also helps me think of meal ideas.
You are my favorite!!! Thank you for all the tips :)
This was such a thoughtfully produced and helpful video.
This is genius. While I embrace technology for many things such as reminding me of appointments, I prefer pen and paper for planning my life. I love these ideas as much as I love your time blocking and master running plan ideas! Thanks so much for sharing!
I noticed when the camera panned up from the taco shelf there were bags King Arthur flour which are Rose Red Homestead's favourite. Thanks for posting Callie, it's a great idea to inventory before planning 😀
This was LOTS of help. 😊 THANK YOU!!! ❤
I created my own food inventory/meal planning sheets too. It makes things so much easier!
Thank you so much Kallie for all your helpful suggestions. My daughter and her husband have recently moved in with me and my husband. Dinner time is a huge issue, they both work full time and we are retired and have a few disabilities that make it a bit difficult to prepare dinner. They also eat later than we do. So, I'm always looking for helpful ideas and meals. Thank you so much for sharing this video. I'm going to print your free printables and attempt to use them. I have to try and make dinner easier.
i think the adults that moved in with you should pull up their diaper and figure out their own dinner instead of relying on mommy
Excellent! I have to teach menu planning as part of my job-I'll be using this video!
Couponing is so time consuming and I just don't have the time. I started shopping at Aldi's and use the sales. I need to get back into meal planning because the most stressful part of my day is around dinner time. Your video has inspired me and I look forward to getting the downloadable meal planning lists. Thank you
I take a few minutes at lunch to think about the dinner plan. I'm already thinking about food and making a specific plan of steps sets me up for success when I get home and I'm mentally spent.
😂😂 I literally subscribed right before the second time you said to subscribe. You got me. I’m hooked.
Thank you so much for this info...it helped me alot! I love your videos!
Great video ! Excited to start using these printables!! ☺️☺️
This is a great video! It is so informative and I finally "got" it.
Omg I'm so glad I found your channel, teach me all of your ways hahah
Love love love your content! Keep it up girl!
I always like your videos before I watch them. My husband is the coupon king! 😍
Thank you for the template!! Makes a lot of sense now.
I really needed this video 💕 thank you
I cook the ground meat as soon as I get home. Most of my ground meat meals have onion so I add it. Many have onion/garlic. Then I bag 2 1/2 to 2 cups (equals 1lb uncooked) and label it. Much quicker on dinner night. Also, what do you do for re-stocking? Do you buy a little each week? This is important for those just learning. I've pulled your video for someone I am helping with the whole stock the kitchen/meal plan/meal prep idea. Great content!
It made my life so much easier when I started deciding what meals we were going to be eating during the week before the week started. Before that we would usually just wait until we got hungry and then get up and go look in the fridge and freezer to see what we had. Now I have everything planned out and after 10 years of being together I've finally gotten my husband to help cook dinner. Sometimes he will cook us a meal he really enjoys or sometimes we will cook together and that is nice, quality time together after a long day at work.
I love your videos and your personality ❤️
Great tips, Kallie! Thanks!
Super comprehensive...enjoyed this informative video!
I would definitely say doing grocery pickup helps so much, if your store offers it. What sucks is some things just aren’t listed for pickup even though they’re in stock at the store…but if you can, do pickup. It’s usually free, it saves time, and you’re less likely to buy what you don’t need.
Pickup has saved my life. Agree.
Just discovered your channel today ! I downloaded the free printable ! Thank you !
Ingredient sharing IS important. I bought leeks to use in one dish last week, and that odd an ingredient would go to waste if I didn't, also, plan to use them in a new recipe I planned to make creating a bean soup. Leeks come in bundles where I buy them.
I have a clipboard I place on the front of my coffee cabinet so I am always aware of what I have it also has my weekly grocery list. It also has my weekly meal plan. I prep on Sundays and shop Saturdays.
Savings tip: check to see if your grocery store has an app. Mine does, and it has additional savings and bonus rewards based on my frequently purchased items. You just tap to add it to your store’s reward card. I’ve saved tons of money that way and it takes just a few minutes to scan the extra deals. Also, if I wasn’t already subscribed, that Schrute Farm decal (and the content, obvi) would’ve definitely pulled me in.
I need to start meal planning as well💗💗💗💗
The schrute farms sticker on your laptop!!! Love it
I have such a hard time meal planning! I have no clue what to cook especially since I have a large family. I dont have the creativity to figure out what to make! Thanks for this video!
GREAT tips!! I'll try to start tomorrow 😉
As I started following diet and training plan from *Next Level Diet*, I took my confidence to the next level. Girls finally started noticing me.
I always check the receipt to make sure the sales price rang up. I check the discounted sections for deals to stock up. Like dented cans, damaged cereal boxes. Check the expiration date for sure. Then you have more options when meal planning in the future at a reduced cost.
Great video. Thanks for the printables.
So smart and helpful thank you so much!
Hey! That was very helpful, thanks for sharing. I was wondering why don't you share some week food plans with us for inspirations 😉
I just did crockpot chicken and gravy and then chicken pot pie soup for a round two. We stick to a list. And the same about name brands. We do bulk where we can. We use our digital coupons and save well.
Chili! I have the stuff for that too! In the summer and everything!
👍fantastic tips🤗love your videos❤ greetings from 🇪🇸
I love editing Kallie ^_^
True confessions. I'm 61 and I don't meal plan. I'm not opposed to it. And I incidentally do a few of the things you suggest. I guess I've never had anybody state as CLEARLY AND SIMPLY as you did in this video. THANKS! I've just requested the printables. (((I need to do a good inventory of what's in our small chest freezer. I'm sure I won't need to buy meat to prepare any meals for a couple of weeks, at least!)))
I started meal prepping this week for my husband and I. But I do need a print out! I'm so glad you have one to print out. I started to make one.
*Next Level Diet* really took my diet to the next level. Not only diet, but life. I can see improvements in many aspects of my life. Guys, you rock! #NextLevelDiet
One helpful money saving point (and also healthier) is if you already have a variety of spices at home, avoid buying premade packets of taco seasoning because you're almost guaranteed to have those spices at home already and 2 you avoid random unnecessary additives on the ingredient list
You definitely give great, truthful advice and taught me a thing or two I haven't done before. I'm about to no longer be a SAHM! Did you have your coffee girl or did I miss it lol?!? I have mine here...
Lol. My 2 boys could take down an entire package of bacon just for breakfast. Big eaters means we never have extra ;) of anything. New to your channel and love your content. It's real life and not fake.
I know i'm really late to the party here - but I just found your page & love your content!!! I am trying to start meal prepping, but am really struggling on what to make each week. Do you share your meal calendars anywhere?
Thinking about starting the gym, and I gotta say. This is the BEST video in the topic. Thanks! Btw: I did subscribe lol
You are so amazing! Thank you for that... AGAIN :D
Great video some good tips; some I knew and some were spot on for what we do wrong. Any suggestions for a 'communal household'? During covid my partner's family bought a large house and had us all move in together. There's basically 3 former sub households: Parents, Grandkids and their parents, and partner and I. I go through extra lengths as do they to not use up something others have plans for and sometimes we end up with a meal cooked by one group and shared by another. So we have food planned for that gets potentially wasted. Freezer space and fridge space is limited, but we have some nice pantry space.
One of my favorite phrases is 'It was my favorite price... free'. Use it a lot with my clothes and various things around the house.
I always meal plan before grocery shopping. I also do the inventory. Just curious though, do you have a video dedicated to the meal prep? I could benefit from that!
One more tiny money saving tip is to make your own taco seasoning. I always make a giant batch and keep it on hand. You probably already have all the spices you need 😊 Meal planning is definitely the best way to save $ on groceries 👍🏼
Leah Siemens what spices do you use for it?
Esmeralda Rosales I use chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Different people use different amounts, just depends on your taste
@@esmeraldarosales2834 I personally use (for 1 "batch" - 1 lb meat) 2 tsp chili powder, 2 tsp parsley, 1 1/2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/4 tsp pepper... but like Dani says, it's up to your taste preferences. My original recipe didn't include coriander and pepper, but I love those so much I added them in :-) You can find more basic recipes online, if you don't have all those spices too :-) I like to use a 1/4 cup or 1/2 cup measure in place of the "tsp" to make a large batch. Then I just use 3 Tbsp of seasoning whenever I make 1lb of meat (or 1 cup dried lentils is awesome too). Hope that helps!
One thing I do is I have an app (Trello) where I jot down recipes that I can default to when making my weekly menu, so that I don't have to think about what I know how to cook. I organize it by Meat type, so it's really easy for sharable ingredients!
Great video, it helped me so much
meal planning has changed my life! i save so much time and money
Like it just went straight to the printables it’s easy not like some that are binders full. Us moms we need easy and simple thank you!💝
Great ideas!!!
Ehrmehgersh-I love the kitchen inventory idea and am going to print out some of those sheets. I am thinking about starting a revolving inventory of the contents of our chest freezer (TBH, I have no idea what’s in the bottom of that thing!). Is that too nerdy?? I also agree about coupon clipping. Even the digital coupons. I just end up buying stuff that’s not on my list to save a few pennies.
Good video but for me, the shopping part is just common sense and I've never spent time on coupons. I don't print or clip them. I grab them off the store shelf if it's for products I use. I also don't throw out food. I either make big quantit and freeze in portions or freeze an ingredient to use later. I always know what I have on hand, fridge, freezer, and pantry. I don't meal plan but I have things already cut up or cooked in the fridge. I wash & cut up a variety of fruits, vegetables, salad ingredients, plain cooked rice and pasta for a quick stir fry. Just cook up some type of meat which I take from the freezer the night before and put in the fridge. But these are good tips for those who find shopping and meal prep daunting.