Make a plan

It might feel like working out meals for the next few days is going to take ages, taking time we just can’t afford in our busy lives. In reality though, it can save you time and money. Stopping now and spending 15 minutes to choose meals for the next couple of days will take the hassle out of the end of the day tomorrow. Instead of standing in front of the fridge for 10 minutes each day making a decision, use that time to cook, have a drink or just relax!

Get started

The easiest way to get started is to see what you’ve got in the fridge that’s about to go out of date or has been sitting in there for a few days waiting to be used up. If you use our meal planner 7 day meal planner (1972 downloads)  or write your own on a bit of scrap paper and put it on the fridge for everyone to see, you might inspire someone else to start cooking dinner!

Already planned

There are ready done meals planners out there if you need some help to get started or want someone else to look after you for a week or so because you’re particularly busy. Here are a few examples from Love Food Hate Waste, Netmums, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, M&S and loads more online. There’s also the online planners in the Love Food Hate Waste app and Sainsbury’s app so you’ve got everything at your finger tips.

Plans change – easy to deal with

You don’t have to follow the meal planner every day. Your own plans may change at the last minute with an invitation out, an overrunning appointment or an overriding craving for your favourite takeaway. If you really want something else to eat then go for it, most foods can be frozen on their use by date so if your chicken will go off if you don’t eat it tonight just be a storing superhero instead and go get your takeaway!