Meal planning is a powerful tool that can help you save money, time and reduce food waste. By planning your meals in advance, you can make more informed decisions about what to buy, how much to buy and how to use what you already have. Here are five practical tips to help you get started with meal planning on a budget.

1. Create A Weekly Meal Plan

Start by creating a weekly meal plan that outlines what you will eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you have all the ingredients you need for the week. Consider the following steps:

  • Review Your Schedule: Take into account any events or commitments that might affect your meal planning. For example, if you have a busy evening, plan for a quick and easy meal.
  • Incorporate Leftovers: Plan meals that can be repurposed into new dishes. For example, roasted chicken can be used for sandwiches, salads or soups later in the week.
  • Balance Your Meals: Ensure that your meal plan includes a variety of proteins, vegetables, and grains to keep your diet balanced and nutritious.

2. Shop Smart

Once you have your meal plan, create a shopping list based on the ingredients you need. Here are some tips for shopping smart:

  • Stick to Your List: Avoid impulse purchases by sticking to your shopping list. This will help you stay within your budget and reduce food waste.
  • Buy in Bulk: Purchase non-perishable items like rice, pasta, and canned goods in bulk to save money. Just make sure you have enough storage space.
  • Look for Sales and Discounts: Take advantage of sales, discounts, and coupons to save money on groceries. Consider shopping at discount stores or farmers’ markets for fresh produce.
  • Use a Rewards Credit Card: Consider using a credit card with rewards to earn points on your purchases. You can redeem these points for cash back to pay for groceries, travel, merchandise and more. Learn more about Banterra Bank’s Visa® Everyday Rewards+ credit card today.

3. Prep And Store Food Properly

Proper food storage and preparation can help extend the shelf life of your ingredients and reduce waste.

  • Prep Ingredients in Advance: Wash, chop, and portion out ingredients as soon as you get home from the store. This will make it easier to cook meals during the week and reduce the likelihood of ingredients going bad.
  • Use Airtight Containers: Store leftovers and prepped ingredients in airtight containers to keep them fresh for longer.
  • Label and Date: Label and date your containers to keep track of when items were prepared and ensure that you use them before they spoil.

4. Get Creative With Leftovers

Do not let leftovers go to waste. Get creative and find new ways to use them in your meals if you prefer not to eat the same thing again.

  • Make Soups and Stews: Use leftover vegetables, meats, and grains to make hearty soups and stews.
  • Create Stir-Fries: Combine leftover proteins and vegetables with rice or noodles for a quick and easy stir-fry.
  • Build Salads: Use leftover meats and vegetables to create delicious and nutritious salads.

5. Plan For Flexibility

Life can be unpredictable, so it is important to be flexible in your meal planning.

  • Have Backup Meals: Keep a few easy-to-make meals on hand for days when your plans change. This could include frozen meals, canned soups, or simple pasta dishes.
  • Adjust as Needed: If you find that you have extra ingredients or leftovers, adjust your meal plan to incorporate them. This will help you reduce waste and save money.

By implementing these meal planning tips, you can save money, reduce food waste and improve your overall financial management. At Banterra Bank, we believe that smart financial decisions start with everyday habits like meal planning. If you have any questions or need further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you achieve your financial goals.