If you’ve ever stood in front of the fridge at 5 p.m., wondering what to make for dinner, you’re not alone. Between work, workouts, kids’ schedules, and everything else life throws at us, figuring out meals can feel like a full-time job. That’s where meal planning comes in—and why I created my Weekly Meal Planning Template.
This template isn’t just a blank calendar. It’s a tool to help busy parents, runners, and anyone who wants to eat better without the stress of last-minute decisions. By setting aside just a little time on Sunday to plan your week, you’ll save time, reduce food waste, and feel more in control of what your family is eating.
Here’s how I use it
I start by picking three dinners I know everyone will enjoy. For example, my Quick & Easy Shrimp Curry or the Gluten-Free Chocolate Donuts make a perfect night-in meal and dessert treat. Then I add breakfasts and lunches that are easy to prep ahead of time—overnight oats, protein smoothies, or even a batch of Peaches & Cream Overnight Oats to fuel busy mornings. Snacks are next—think homemade granola bars, roasted chickpeas, or fresh fruit.
One of the best things about this template is that it lets you mix and match recipes from your own collection. I like to pull from favorites I’ve shared on the blog, such as my Chocolate Chip Date Milkshake, or even try something new from the America’s Test Kitchen app. Everything is laid out clearly, so I know exactly what I need to buy and prep, and I can see my week at a glance.
I also include a space for notes and prep tasks. This is where you can jot down when to marinate chicken, chop vegetables, or start a slow cooker. The small planning steps make weeknight dinners so much easier.
Using a meal planning template has been a game-changer for me. Not only do I feel less stressed, but my family is eating better, and I’m actually saving money because I’m not making random last-minute trips to the store.
Ready to Start meal planning?
If you’re ready to take the chaos out of mealtime, grab my Weekly Meal Planning Template today. It’s simple to use, flexible, and designed to help you plan balanced, family-friendly meals without the stress. Plus, you can link directly to your favorite recipes in the template to make planning even easier.
Take a few minutes this weekend to plan your week—you’ll thank yourself come dinnertime.
