Feed a family of five without spending too much: easy and secret menus in bulk purchases | Mybjswolesale

Very well, we approach the beast that is meal planning for a family of five. If you are like me, you probably have looked at your fridge at least once this week (okay, maybe every day) thinking, What devils am I feeding these people now? It does not help that the groceries are not exactly cheaper, and children seem to treat snacks as if they were a competitive sport.

But don’t worry, you have this, and I have some tricks under the sleeve to help.

Why meal planning is the real MVP

The first thing is first. Meal planning is not just writing elegant lists and recipes worthy of Pinterest. It’s about saving your sanity, your money and, honestly, your time. When he plans in advance, he avoids those disasters of the last minute dinner that end up calling pizza delivery (again).

In addition, planning reduces food waste because it actually uses what you buy: no sadder and forgotten lettuce in the back of the fridge. Win-win, right?

More importantly, food planning is a secret weapon to save money, especially if you know how to buy intelligent (Hello, wholesale clubs!).

Understand your family’s needs

The first thing is the first: each family is unique, and their meal planning must reflect that. For example, perhaps one of his children mits herself when she sees the broccoli, her partner tries to cut carbohydrates, and wonders if the coffee tells how a food group (she does, trusts me).

Here we show you how to address everything:

Consider dietary preferences

Is your family composed of fucking? Dietary allergies or restrictions? Whether gluten -free waffles or meat without meat, write the preferences of all. Bonus points if you convince children to begin to like vegetables, and yes, bribery is 100% acceptable.

Schedule factor

Do you have a football practice at 6, a school recital on Friday, and that day that nobody seems to be at home at the same time? Factor all that in your plan. In this way, you will know when you need quick meals compared to when you can enjoy family dinners.

Keep it balanced

Of course, pizza nights are a lifeguard (and totally allowed), but try to include fruits, vegetables and proteins to keep things balanced. The objective is to plan meals that fill your family’s bellies. and Keep them energized.

Tips for meal planning as a professional

Buy in wholesale clubs

This is a game change. A membership at the BJ wholesale club can save you a lot because buying bulk is almost always cheaper in the long term. Things like rice, pasta, canned products and frozen vegetables are heroes of the pantry, and buying them in greater quantities means less last minute trips to the store (where we all know that it will leave $ 50 poorer because somehow The snacks happened).

Plan foods and coupons

Before starting to score ideas, see those circular and use the BJ application for additional coupons. If chicken thighs are on sale, you are having chicken, whether so.

Keep it simple

You don’t need to make five -star meals every night. Paste meals with superimposed ingredients for smarter cooking, no more difficult. For example, cook a large lot of ground meat and use it in tacos one night and spaghetti the next.

Store bulk items like a boss

Buying in bulk is fantastic, but the trick is to keep it fresh. Invest in hermetic containers or zipper bags to freeze things such as meat and large bags of snacks or basic pantry products in smaller portions. The bags and storage containers of the BJ freezer size are total lives for this.

Involve everyone

Yes, even children. Have them choose a meal or help prepare, how to mix the dough of pancakes or peel the vegetables. Not only do you get a little help, but children are much less likely to complain about the broccoli if they help do it.

Breakfast meal plan for the week

Breakfast can be chaos, but it doesn’t have to be. These recipes are quick to prepare, friendly for the family and full of nutritious goodness to start the day well.

Monday

Oats during the night

Prepare these the night before: only mix oatmeal, milk (or an alternative non -dairy), a honey drizzine and their choice of ingredients such as berries or bananas. Everyone can customize their bottle.

Tuesday

Eggs and roasted revolts

You can launch this in minutes! Add cheese, spinach or a sliced ​​avocado side for an additional impulse of nutrients.

Wednesday

Slope bowls

Mix the frozen fruit, yogurt and a touch of milk, then cover with granola, nuts or grated coconut. It’s like eating dessert for breakfast (but healthy!).

Thursday

Breakfast burritos

Fill the tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, beans and leftover vegetables. Wrap them and freeze extras for later; He will save you in the morning occupied.

Friday

Panqueque Friday

Everything comes out with pancakes (use a mixture if you have little time). Cover with fresh fruit, syrup and even a pinch of powdered sugar to have fun.

Saturday

Bars and cream cheese

Place the bagels with cream cheese and all fixations: humid, cucumber or even jam for children. BAM, DIY Breakfast bar.

Sunday

Weekend brunch

Make it fun with bacon, eggs and a fruit salad. It’s the weekend, you deserve something special!

Dinner meal plan for the week

Dinner is where food planning really shines. These meals approved by the family are tasty, balanced and do not require hours of preparation time.

Monday

Chicken and tray vegetables– recipe here

Throw chicken, broccoli, carrots and potatoes in a pan, season with olive oil and herbs and roast. Minimum dishes = maximum joy.

Tuesday

Night of Tacos

Configure a bar of beef or beans, tortillas, lettuce, cheese and coverage. It is customizable and bonus points if it makes it a Taco Tuesday tradition.

Wednesday

Spaghetti and meatballs

A classic. Use Frozen (the BJ brand so good!) Or homemade meatballs, Marinara Jarrada and the favorite pasta of your family. Add a side salad to sneak into some vegetables.

Thursday

Salteado Night

Save the chicken or shrimp, stir the vegetables (use frozen to save time) and end with a simple soy sauce and sauce sauce based on garlic. Serve on rice or noodles.

Friday

Homemade Pizza Night

Buy prefabricated mass and let everyone add their own ingredients. Fun and delicious.

Saturday

Slow cooking pot– recipe here

Throw beans, ground meat, tomatoes and spices in the slow cooking pot, and it will be. Cover with cheese, sour cream and cookies.

Sunday

Roast and relax

The week ends with a roast chicken, puree of steamed potatoes and vegetables. Use the leftovers for sandwiches on Monday.

Budget and time management tips

Meal planning not only saves you stress, but you can also save money and time. Here is like:

• Buy intelligent: Plan the meals around what is on sale and make a list before reaching the store. (Professional Council: Stay with the list!)
• Batch cook: Duplicate recipes such as Chile or spaghetti sauce to freeze portions for later.
• Reduce waste: Plan the meals that use similar ingredients. That leftover chicken on Wednesday? Use it for Thursday’s sauteed.
• Prepare ahead: VEGETABLE COURT, MARINED MEAT OR PRECOUSE GRADES ON SUNDAY TO SAVE TIME DURING THE WEEK.

Tools to help

A good meal planning application can do wonders. If you are from the old school, a notebook or board works just as well. Or grab me Printable meal planner! The trick is to keep it visible and stick to it.