One of the questions I hear most often is:
"How do you decide what to make for dinner?"
The truth is, for years I struggled with it myself.
My husband enjoys more vegetarian meals, my children and grandchildren often want meat-based meals, and I had stacks of recipes that weren't organized in any useful way. Every week I felt like I was starting from scratch.
Then I realized something important.
The best meal plan isn't built around new recipes.
It's built around the meals your family already loves.
That's exactly what The Common Sense Meal Planning System helps you do.
Step 1: Create Your Family Favorites List
Ask each family member for their top three favorite dinners.
Write them down by category:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Vegetarian
- Pasta
- Ethnic Favorites
- Soup & Sandwiches
- Freezer Meals
You'll quickly create a master list of meals your family already enjoys.
Step 2: Choose 7 or 14 Meals
Instead of assigning meals to specific days, choose 7 meals for the week or 14 meals for two weeks.
This gives you flexibility when life happens.
Step 3: Shop Your Pantry First
Before creating your grocery list, check:
- Pantry staples
- Freezer inventory
- Refrigerator items that need to be used
This reduces waste and saves money.
Step 4: Prep Ahead
Simple prep can make the week much easier.
Examples:
- Cook beans
- Make bread
- Chop vegetables
- Cook rice
- Prepare freezer meals
Why This System Works
The goal isn't a perfect meal plan.
The goal is having a simple system that helps you feed your family with less stress and fewer last-minute grocery trips.
That's what has worked for our family, and I hope it helps yours too.
Grab your FREE Meal Planning Bundle below and start building your Family Favorites list today.
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