Why Menu Plan?
Taking a little time to plan out your meals for the week can help you save time and money. The biggest benefit is that you can eat healthier by knowing and controlling the ingredients going into your meals.
By planning ahead for the week, you can shop for sales, buy exactly what you need and reduce food waste, avoid those last-minute trips to the grocery store to purchase missing ingredients and reduce the need to order take-out!
How To Plan Your Menu
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1. Use a menu planner
Calendars, apps, notebooks, whiteboards - use what works best for you. If you are unsure of how this will all work, try using our printable planners to start with.
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2. Set a goal
Why are you menu planning? Is it for health reasons? Saving time? Or saving money? It's time to define your goal.
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3. Look at flyers
Check out some flyers or online sales pages. Many stores release their new flyers later in the work week.
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4. Make a list of favourite recipes
If you're short on ideas or just drawing a blank when you’re planning, this list can help you move forward.
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5. Plan for each week
Set aside a planning time each week. If you tend to shop on Sunday, give yourself an hour on Saturday to plan out your menu.
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6. Get everyone involved
Whether it’s your roommates, spouse or kids; they’re more likely to go along with the meal plan if they are involved.
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7. Make a list
When making a grocery list write out all the ingredients you will need and how many times you need them.
Group your lists by aisle or section in the grocery store to avoid circling around the grocery store. Try using our Printable Shopping List Template to get started.
Once your list is done, see what you have at home already and cross off items you have to avoid buying doubles.
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8. Post the menu
Post the menu so everyone can see it. This helps prevent repetitious choruses of “What’s for dinner?”
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9. Be flexible
Prepare for days that don’t work. Have some basics in your pantry.
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10. Keep a well-stocked pantry
That way you have some wiggle room for changes. Not sure about what to have in your pantry? Check out our Basic Pantry page.
What to cook this week?
Struggling to come up with fresh meal ideas? Or running to the grocery store for missing ingredients or just trying to stick to a budget? We can help and we’ve got you covered!
For beginner menu planners, try our 7 Days of Meals which include a full list of dinner recipes and accompanying grocery lists for the week. Once you get the hang of it, explore our weekly plans. Make sure to also check out our How-To lists for some pointers to get you started.
For more experienced planners, we have themed recipe pages to help spark some ideas to hopefully help you find a new favourite go-to.
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create your own plan
Putting together your own meal plan? These recipes have been hand-picked by the Blue Flame Kitchen staff to meet the needs of busy lifestyles. Use these recipes to put together a meal plan that'll keep your belly full all week.
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Weekday Recipe Ideas
We recommend these recipes for tight weekday schedules. An entire evening meal is offered with the opportunity to prepare everything “from scratch.”
Preparation time from start to finish should be 45 minutes or less and the ingredients listed should be readily available in the more than 290 Alberta communities.
Menu One Menu Two Menu Three Menu Four Menu Five Menu Six -
Weekend Recipe Ideas
These menus are designed for the days when there is a little more time to cook and perhaps the family is finally together for a meal. The recipes are sure to become requested favourites.
Menu One Menu Two Menu Three Menu Four
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Weekday Recipe Ideas