As a budget-conscious individual who still wants to eat healthy and delicious meals, meal planning is an essential tool in my arsenal. Planning out a menu for the week not only saves me time and stress, but it also helps me control my spending on groceries. Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years as I’ve navigated low-cost meal planning.

Plan Ahead 📅

Planning ahead is the key to both a successful and affordable meal plan. Take some time each week to sit down and plan out what meals you’ll have for the upcoming week. Consider what ingredients you have on hand and what foods are in season and on sale. This will help you create a list of groceries you’ll need and avoid making impulsive purchases.

A person with a pencil and notebook planning out their meals for the week

Shop Strategically 🛒

Once you’ve planned your meals and made your grocery list, it’s time to hit the store. It can be tempting to grab the most convenient or eye-catching items, but these generally aren’t the most budget-friendly. Instead, try to shop the perimeter of the store where the fresh produce, meat, and dairy products are usually found. These items are typically less expensive than pre-packaged or processed options found in the middle aisles.

A person shopping in the produce section of a grocery store

Batch Cooking 🍲

Batch cooking is a great way to save time and money. It involves cooking large quantities of food at once and then freezing portions for later use. Not only does this save money, but it also helps reduce food waste since you’re less likely to let things spoil if you have a plan for how to use them. Some great recipes to try batch cooking are soups, stews, casseroles, and chili.

A person with several containers filled with different meals, ready to store in the freezer

Meatless Mondays 🌱

Meat is often one of the most expensive items in a grocery budget. Consider designating one day a week as “meatless” to help cut down on costs. Vegetarian meals can still be delicious and filling, and incorporating more plant-based foods in your diet can have health benefits as well.

A plate of delicious vegetarian stir fry with vegetables, noodles, and tofu

Buy in Bulk 🔍

Buying in bulk can be a great way to save money, especially on staple goods like rice, pasta, and beans. Check out your local bulk food store, or look for bulk options at your regular grocery store. Make sure to check the price per unit to ensure it’s really a better deal than the regular packaged options.

Shelves of different bulk foods like grains, nuts, and spices

Repurpose Leftovers ♻️

Don’t let leftovers go to waste! Instead, repurpose them into a new meal. For example, leftover roasted vegetables can be added to a pasta dish, and leftover cooked chicken can be used in a salad. This will not only reduce food waste but also make meal planning and prep a little easier.

A person holding a plate of a delicious stir fry made from leftover vegetables and rice

Shop Seasonally 🌿

Shopping for foods that are in season can help reduce costs because they’re often more abundant and less expensive. Plus, seasonal produce often tastes better and can add variety to your meals. Visit your local farmers market to see what’s in season and support local growers.

A basket filled with different fruits and vegetables in autumn colors

Low-cost meal planning doesn’t mean sacrificing taste and nutrition. With a little planning, budgeting, and creativity, you can eat well without breaking the bank.

An image of a happy person smiling while holding a fork and a knife and enjoying a delicious meal