Menu Planning Central

Rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 70 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Why Menu Planning?

 

Not being the most organized person on this planet it was quite difficult for me to become a mother - well not that part ;-) but to have a child that just had to have healthy food several times a day was a big challenge for me. I am proud to say I succeded. It was done by planning the meals not a week ahead but one month ahead - and shopping once a week only.

A new membership site has just started: Menu Planning Central - a site I would have saved me time and thousands of dollars, but the Internet was not in Denmark at that time.

This lens is about being practical and an introduction to Menu Planning Central, a membership page. 



Thank you for the grand prize - I am honored!

Let's See How Many of You Plan Meals ;-) 

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Menu Planning Basics I 

What Exactly Is Meal Planning?

Menu planning is writing down what your family is going to eat for the week, making a grocery shopping list with the necessary items for the menu, grocery shopping once per week, and preparing the meals you have chosen. Sounds simple enough right?

Then again, you have to:

Browse for recipes
Sit down and plan the menu yourself
Sit down and develop the grocery list

Not exacly simple and also time consuming, time better spend with your family and friends.

Want to see a sample menu?
A healthy menu sample click here to download
and the healthy shopping list Click here to download

7 Benefits of Menu Planning

1) Get Dinner On The Table Faster
If you know what you are going to fix for dinner, and you
have everything you need at your fingertips, getting the
food on the table becomes a snap. You don’t have to stop at
the store on your way home, to pick up something to cook.
If you are stuck at the office, and your spouse knows what's
on the menu for the night - he or she can get started
without you.
2) Run To The Store Less Often
How many times do you run to the grocery store to buy
something to cook for dinner. I don’t know about you, but it
takes me at least 45 minutes every time I do that. Menu
planning allows you to get all your shopping done once a
week, and make sure you have what you need to prepare
every single dinner for the week.
3) You'll Eat Better
You have the best intentions to prepare wholesome, healthy
meals for your family. Then you get home late, everyone is
hungry and there is nothing in the fridge. You head for
takeout or call the pizza delivery guy. If you plan your meals
and have what you need at home you are much more likely
to actually cook all those healthy dishes for your family.
4) It Saves You Money
How much food do you throw out each week because you
just didn't get around to cooking it? Plus every time you go
to the store there are a few extra things that just make their
way into your cart and on your grocery bill. If you shop less
and only for those items that you actually need, you spend a
lot less money on groceries each week. We won’t even think
about how much we spend eating out each week.

To be continued...

Family Meal Cook Books 

The Kid-Friendly Food Allergy Cookbook: More Than 150 Recipes That Are Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Egg-Free, and Low in Sugar by Leslie Hammond

The Kid-Friendly Food Allergy Cookbook: More Than 150 Recipes That Are Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Egg-Free, and Low in Sugar by Leslie Hammond

Kids are our future, we have to take good care of more...1 point

Menu Basics II 

5) It Saves You Time
In addition to saving you money, meal planning also saves
you time. You only have to go grocery shopping once a
week, and there is no more walking around the kitchen each
evening for 20 minutes frantically trying to figure out what's
for dinner tonight. Everything you need from the recipe to
the ingredients is right at your fingertips.
6) Quality Family Time
When you think back to your own childhood, family dinner is
sure to come to mind as a time when everyone got together
to eat a meal and talk about the day. You can recreate that
experience for your family and spend some quality time each
week over a home-cooked meal.
7) It Is Easy
Last, but not least, menu planning is easy to do and makes
it easy to cook every day. All you need to do is set a little
time each week to plan out your weekly menu, write up your
grocery list and shop.

For at full report on Menu Planning Basics, a grocery list and a weekly menu plan go to:

Menu Planning Central.
Enjoy!

Food Commander Speaks! 

FOODCOMMANDER (Episode 5: Slay the Old Slaw!)

The FOODCOMMANDER is not willing to "make nice". In his cooking show, he will bluntly tell you what's good and bad, right or wrong. Follow his command and you will eat like a chef! Episode 5: Crunchy Coleslaw Recipe guides and more at www.foodcommander.com

Runtime: 1:45
1418 views
4 Comments:

powered by YouTube

The Benefits of Family Meal Planning 

Are you ready to save some time, feed your family healthier meals and save some money along the way? These are just some of the benefits of family meal planning. Let's look at all of them in a little more detail.

Eat Healthier

Planning your family meals will cut down on your trips to your favorite fast food restaurant and the amount of pizza you have delivered to your door. Food you prepare at home tends to be much healthier than hamburgers with fries, fried chicken or pizza. When you plan your meals include some lean protein like chicken breast, as well as some salads and vegetables. Your entire family will benefit from the healthier meals.

Save Time

How much time are you spending now running to the grocery store a few times a week. I used to run to the store at least 3 times a week to buy something to fix for dinner. Planning your meals out for a week at a time and then putting together a grocery list with everything you need to cook those meals will cut your trips to the store down to one a week. This alone will save you a few hours each week. Plus you won't be standing in front of your fridge and pantry every night trying to come up with something you can fix with what you have at hand.

Save Money

All that eating out and having food delivered can quickly add up. By preparing more meals at home you will save quite a few dollars each week. In addition, you will save on your monthly grocery bill, since you will be making a list of everything you need for the week and won't end up buying extras that just go to waste. I used to throw out food almost every week before I started meal planning.

For a free sample of Menu Planning Central click here

More to follow ...

My Favourite "Get Organized" programmes 

"Get Organized Now" is an ebook, written in straight forward and to the point language. It is easy to understand for those of us, who doesn't have English as our native tounge.

"I am Organized Now" is an audio, all you have to do is to put the CD on and get to sleep - yep you read it correct - do yourself a favour and check it out.
After 2 nights of listening to the CD I started to get organzied and now I can (proud) say: "I am an organized person!"
Get Organized Now!
LOVE THIS ORGANIZING BOOK! YOU WILL TOO!
Are you tired of the clutter in every room of your home? Is your To Do list a mile long? Do you wish your family was better organized? Are you drowning in paper? Are you wondering what you can do to stop proscratinating and start getting things done? Do you want more time in your day for your family and the things you love to do? Would you like to get organized, once and for all?
I am Organized Now Audio
Out Of Every Thousand People...
The most organized person will achieve the most, do it faster with the least amount of effort AND have the most free time...
Learn NOW how simple & easy it is to be that one in a thousand.

The Benefits of Family Meal Planning II 

Less Stress

You know the routine. It's 6 pm, everyone in the family is starving and you have no idea what's for dinner. Trying to come up with something to cook from what you have in the kitchen while your kids are tired, hungry and screaming isn't one of the most fun family activities. You will be much more relaxed about dinner, when you know exactly what you are going to cook ahead of time and known you have everything you need in the house.

Quality Time Together

Meal Planning also encourages everyone to gather around the dinner table each day. Who could resist the delicious smells coming out of the kitchen? Dinnertime has always been a great time for families to gather and share news and experiences of the day. Parents and children can pay each other undivided attention. Cook some dinner, set the table and don't forget to turn off the TV. Make dinner a daily family tradition again.

I encourage you to give family meal planning a try. I am sure you and your family will see the benefits within less than a week.

Don't have the time or patience to plan your family meals? Let Menu Planner Central do it for you!

For A Free Sample Menu Visit Menu Planning Central

 

bdkz

Great lens! I gave you 5 Stars and a Squid Angel Blessing!

Posted April 19, 2008

QuietMom

Another great lens! :-)

Posted August 28, 2007

Swiftwalker

What a great lens and a great idea! thanks for the info on menu planning.5 stars for you
*please take a look at my lenses*
cheers Tony.
ps im a fellow R.Js

Posted August 08, 2007

mmkellis

Susan-
Thanks for stopping by my lens. I really like yours as well and gave it 5 stars.

Posted August 07, 2007

beth_kiley

Susanne,
wow, another great lens!

Posted July 23, 2007

1BigDog

Very nice lens and congrats on the top 100 I need this lens.. Please stop in and visit my lens. Best regards
John

Posted July 19, 2007

Retro_Loco

Congratulations on making a great lens

Posted July 19, 2007

giddygabby

Susan, congrats on your well deserved LOTD honor! I confess I have failed at every meal-planning exercise because I'd rather be at my computer than cooking! The food rots in the fridge. And yet...those times I cook are marvelous fun, so I always have a pantry full of staples in case I get the urge.

Posted July 14, 2007

Lori Arriaga

Great lens and website resource you have. This is something we all can use some tips on. Feel free to stop by my website at www.christianwomensresources.com where you can submit menu planning articles to or add your lens to my CWR group lens I started.

Posted July 11, 2007

desertgrace

This is a great lens. I am sharing it with everyone I know!

Posted July 10, 2007

titanium_knights

Very nice lens - congrats on lens of the day! Will be using this helpful information!

Posted July 10, 2007

LABELSTONE

Congrats on being Lense of the Day - well deserved and great information!

Posted July 09, 2007

bdawkins

Great lens! I'm having Copper River Salmon for dinner tonight grilled on a cedar plank, glazed with orange honey, lemon, and dill! Yummy!!
Congradulations on your lens!!

Posted July 09, 2007

easy-home-cleaning

Great lens surfsusan -

My newsletter
this month was just on this great topic. Saves so much time and even money!

Posted July 09, 2007

KimGiancaterino

Congrats on LOTD. Menu planning is so important to people with health issues. Thanks for the great advice and resources.

Posted July 09, 2007

Shellrose

WOW! Thank you for all the information!

Posted July 09, 2007

trafficpayouts

Fantastic Lens.
We will try and see if we can organise the 2 and 4 year olds with this plan.
Paul

Posted July 09, 2007

mommyrevenue

Great tips! I love to eat, sort of like to cook, but hate planning meals. When I do make appropriate plans, it really does save time from hunting in the frig trying to decide what to cook, and then realizing you need to thaw out some meat at the last minute.

Posted July 08, 2007

wahmfreeadvertisement

Awesome Lens, Meal Planning can save you lots of money
for sure!
two thumbs way up

Posted July 08, 2007

CultivateConnections_dot_com

I love your ideas, pictures and information. Keep up the great work! Teens Rock

Posted July 08, 2007

InFlames

Very informative, and you are lens of the day !! Congratulations, great work. 5 stars for you.

Posted July 08, 2007

surfsusan

Thank you for all your kind words, I have stared to return the visits, please have patience, since this may take some time ;-)

Posted July 08, 2007

Working_From_Home

Hi Susan, Thanks for making this lens. There are certainly many benfits of planning meals ahead of time. Lisa

Posted July 07, 2007

Partybluprints

Great Lens - Love Organization Help. Take a look at my party plans which walk you thru hosting a party in your home.

Partybluprints.com

Posted July 07, 2007

Rocity

I'm new but I sure know quality when I see it. This Lens exhibits Top Quality in all aspects.

Posted July 06, 2007

Brite-Ideas

Hey, great lens,
Barb

Posted July 06, 2007

ethis

Nice lens and helpful info! :)

Posted July 06, 2007

TrudyVan

hi there Susan. I agree what a wonderful lens. I have practiced menu planning for years now. It saves you money and most of all time. More time to spend with my loved ones (and to do my internet marketing)
Regards, TrudyVan
http://www.squidoo.com/missing-children-in-south-africa/

Posted July 06, 2007

Regina Baker

Congratulations on being lense of the day and for offering such an awesome service! Blessings for continued success!

Posted July 05, 2007

Crystal_Booth

Excellent tips! Congrats on LOTD! ~ Crystal

Posted July 05, 2007

Barry Wah Lee

Yes my lens shows that we have ingredients and allow people to get a high level of dinner quality at night.

Posted July 05, 2007

LifeTeamBuilders

Hey Susan!
Thanks for the awesome lens!
My husband is the family cook...
I just like to eat! I'm making
him take a look!
(But I fear he'll blow the
budget on your cool gadgets!)
Congrats on LOTD!
KK

Posted July 05, 2007

SJD1948

Hi surfsusan:

I really enjoyed your lens. It reminded me of a number of things I learned in a dietary managers course I took several years back.

I gave you 5 stars.

Posted July 05, 2007

kathysart

~*~

Fantasy Fairies are SMILING on YOU!
Aloha from the Big Island of Hawaii. Thank you for such a fantastic lens.

FIVE STARS

Kathy

~*~

Posted July 05, 2007

odordude

Well done Susan. I am having the slay slaw for dinner tonight no doubt. Congrats on being the lens of the day

Posted July 05, 2007

Jessica-Colon

Susan, Congrats on being lens of the day. It is great to see another MM get that recognition. I love the lense by the way.

Planning A Wedding On A Budget

Posted July 05, 2007

Barkely

Congrats on lens of the day. I need menu planning! I'm usually looking in the fridge at 5:00, wondering what to cook for supper.

Posted July 05, 2007

Karen

Thanks for putting together such a great lens! Anyway you could devise a Vegan menu planning ?
Keep up the great work! All the Best, Karen at Karen's Kinkade Art Store

Posted July 05, 2007

DianaWalker

Congratulations! Food is such an important subject, and you've certainly done lots with it!
Diana

Posted July 05, 2007

dianawalker

Congratulations on being Lens of the Day -- I love your site!
Diana

Posted July 05, 2007

budgetdial

Congrats on being the lenses of the day. Healthy meal planning is so important!

Posted July 05, 2007

kellymccausey

Susanne, congratulations on being featured! It's awesome seing a MMer getting some buzz on Suidoo!

Posted July 05, 2007

happynutritionist

Hmmm, not sure if my earlier post went through, as I wasn't logged in, so, here goes again...gave you 5 stars, I'm a fellow Squidoo-er, and also nutrition consultant for Menu Planning Central so it was great fun to find this in my email...congratulations!!

Claudia @ http://happynutritionist.com

Posted July 05, 2007

happynutritionist

Wonderful lense! When I saw the "Lense for the Day" I wondered if it was the same Menu Planning Central I'm helping as Nutrition Consultant for, and it is:-)

5 Stars from a fellow-lensemaster...stop by and visit sometime :-)

Claudia L. Meydrech, CN
http://happynutritionist.com

Posted July 05, 2007

brookehudson

Hi Susan, amazing lens. Thank you for the valuable menu planning tips and resources. Great job! This lens is super 5 stars from me.

Posted July 05, 2007

Jump-Start-Your-Finances

Congratulations on lens of the day. Great info also. I have been trying to do more menu planning to save on grocery costs, and the info you share is very helpful.

Posted July 05, 2007

Nursegwen

Congratulation on your lens of the day. I know my husband shops and plans our meals as we have role reversal in that I work shifts and he runs his business from home. I am not complaining though, he is a great cook.

Posted July 05, 2007

Jennifer-Sams

Congratulations on achieving the lens of the day award. I love to be organised so the information was just right for me. Rock Climbing

Posted July 05, 2007

Dominique

Hi, great lens. I am always trying to plan meals without much luck. Thanks for the tips! They will help me get started again.

Posted July 05, 2007

Amy_VanishMyMortgage

Great lens! As a mother of four, I appreciate the wealth of great information that you have provided. All the best, Amy at VanishMyMortgage.com

Posted July 05, 2007

jessica9653

Interesting Lens. I know there are a number of menu planning sites out there including DinnerPlanner.com which was one of the first. I think their service is less expensive.
http://www.dinnerplanner.com
Still, a nice lens

Posted July 05, 2007

PaulaFarris

Congrats on LOTD! Good information here. And I really like the layout. Your lens is very well designed. Good work!
Paula Farris
http://www.squidoo.com/CampingWithoutCrampingYourStyle

Posted July 05, 2007

debsgreatfinds

just wanted to say the menu planner is great

Posted July 05, 2007

Deb

Great lens and info rated you 5***** check out my lens thanks

DEb

Posted July 05, 2007

Janusz

Thoroughly deserved!!! well done Susan.

Posted July 05, 2007

Rystique

Inpirational. Maybe if I get more organized, I will have more time to put into developing my lens.

Posted July 05, 2007

BowWowBeds

Very informative lens. I find myself making spaghetti a lot because I know how. You are right! If I kept certain ingredients on hand then I could whip up other meals without having to run to the store each time. Oh

Posted July 05, 2007

Christopher_Scott

Great lens girl. Seems like a great way to eat better and more healthy.

Posted July 05, 2007

rms

Congrats on LOtD! Well deserved. 5 stars!

Posted July 05, 2007

Garuda_The_Rider

gr8 lens.. very useful for mom.. :-)

Posted July 05, 2007

VacationTip

Congratulations, you've done a great job here, excellent information! 5 stars! Visit my lens about Top 10 Vacation Spots.

Posted July 05, 2007

Waterwalker_Publishing

Hi Susan, Great lens :-)

Posted July 05, 2007

JonitasKalimpo

Great lens this one!! congratulations susan, you made a very excellent job. Left you the 5stars

Posted July 05, 2007

estories

What a great resource for families! Original idea!
I focus my attention on my squidoo,website and blog towards preschoolers. Drop by Children's Personalized E Stories for some links to personalization tips for preschool treats!

Posted July 05, 2007

Kmre68

My mother-in-law always plans her meals. Me on the other hand not so much, but some good tips. Thansk.

Posted July 05, 2007

gpower2llc

Thank you surfsusan. I have a family of six, so this information will be very helpful indeed!

Posted June 30, 2007

Janusz

Great Lens Susan.. 5 Star performance

Posted June 29, 2007

CliveAnderson

Hi Susanne, This is certainly a great lens you have here. Great subject and very well presented. I see you advertise for FREE in the SQUIDOO Zone on FirstForIncomes Forum. 5 stars 4 U. Thanks again... Clive Anderson

Posted June 26, 2007

surfsusan

Hi HCD I did write this lens for you and all of us, who is not that organized ;-) will visit your lens.

Posted June 26, 2007

HCD

Hi surfsusan-
I loved this lens. It was as if you wrote it for me!
I gave you 5 stars.

Posted June 26, 2007

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Look who made this lens!

surfsusan

surfsusan

Love food, love food, love food. I read about food, when I go shopping it is for FOOD, I plan meals, I talk about food, I eat at restaurants, I cook and last but le...

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