20 Winter Meal Planning Tips That Save Time and Money

Winter can make meal planning seem overwhelming. These tips provide actionable steps to help make the process easier and save you time, money, and headaches during the colder months. Prep these meals so you won’t have to worry this winter.

1. Power of the Pantry

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Retreating to your pantry can feel like a journey to your personal treasure trove of deliciousness.
If you have pantry basics that can do double duty, such as beans, lentils, canned tomatoes, and frozen vegetables, on hand, you can create a dozen tasty, economical meals. A stocked pantry ensures you don’t make last-minute trips to the store or impulse shop.

2. Soup’s On

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Soups are a wintertime favorite for a reason: They’re soothing, fortifying, and ridiculously cheap. Throw leftover vegetables, herbs, and protein into a pot, cover with broth, and simmer for a profoundly savory and filling meal. Soups can be easily reheated and last all week, perfect for busy evenings.

3. Magic of Meal Prepping

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Take two or three hours on a weekend to prepare some ingredients for the week ahead. Prepping vegetables, cooking grains, and marinating proteins ahead of time will make it easy to assemble quick, healthy meals throughout the week. This not only saves time but also reduces food waste.

4. One-Pot Wonders

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One-pot meals are a blessing when you’re short on time and energy. Protein, vegetables, and grains all in one pot; let them mingle to make a very wholesome, happy work of food. On busy weeknights, you can’t beat a one-pot meal since all they need is for you to toss everything in and then clean a single pot afterward.

5. Freezer is Your Friend

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Don’t be afraid to freeze leftovers or cooked meals for later use. This will reduce food waste and simplify meal planning on busy evenings. Frozen dinners can be heated in the microwave or oven for an easy, satisfying meal.

6. Budget-Friendly Bulk Buys

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Stock up on pantry staples and save in the long run. Look for discounts on shelf-stable staples like rice, beans, pasta, and canned goods. Bulk buys stay fresh and last longer when stored in sealed containers so that you can rest assured.

7. Get Creative with Leftovers

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Avoid wasting leftovers. It’s all about having fun and turning them into something delicious! For example, you can turn leftover chicken into chicken salad, leftover vegetables into a stir-fry, and leftover broth into soup.

8. Ditch the Delivery

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While takeout is tempting, it is also pricier and not always the healthiest option; eat out less to save money and control your consumption. With some foresight and prep work, cooking at home can be as convenient as ordering takeout.

9. Embrace the Power of Spices

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Because a little goes a long way, a sprinkle of spice here and a dash there can transform a dish into a flavor masterpiece. Naturally, use whatever herbs and spices you like to make it your own. Much like taste, spices can offer health benefits, too.

10. Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Things

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Venture outside your comfort zone and cook unfamiliar foods and recipes. You might discover flavors and cooking techniques that you love at home. Try to cook new fun recipes with good lighting, as it’s a journey.

11. Involve the Whole Family

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Get the whole family involved in meal planning and cooking. Introduce them to healthy eating and new cooking skills, and have everybody brainstorm and help with the meals.

12. Plan Your Meals

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Plan your meals for the coming week. The directions will tell you what to buy and ensure everything is on hand. PlaMeal planning also helps avoid waste and saves time—no more last-minute impulse purchases.

13. Use a Slow Cooker

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You can cook items like soup and casserole in a slow cooker with minimal effort. Throw your ingredients in a slow cooker, turn it on low, and let it cook while you go about your day. Slow cookers are excellent for busy weekdays or if you want to prepare dinner the day before.

14. Don’t Be Afraid to Double Recipes

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When it’s time, and you have energy, double the recipes and freeze the excess for later meals. This will save you time and energy in the long run. 

15. Take Advantage of Seasonal Produce

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In-season produce is typically less expensive and more flavorful than out-of-season produce. Purchase seasonal fruits and vegetables from your local farmers market or grocery store. Cooking seasonally with fresh ingredients leads to delicious flavors.

16. Grow Your Own Herbs

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Besides being cheap, growing your herbs can be a way to have fresh herbs at your fingertips. You can grow herbs inside or outside. They can be used to elevate many types of meals.

17. Don’t Waste Food

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Get creative with your leftover ingredients before they go bad. For example, you can turn leftover vegetables into soup or stew and meat into a sandwich or salad.

18. Cook in Bulk

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Make large pots of meals and freeze them for later. If you have a family, you’re cooking for; this can be a great way to save time and money. In a bind, thaw and cook the frozen dinners.

19. Learn An Array Of Basic Cooking Skills

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It means putting in time to learn basic cooking skills, how to dice vegetables, where to sear proteins, and how to do a straightforward bake. Once you master these skills, you can prepare many delicious, affordable recipes.

20. Enjoy the Process

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Do not forget to enjoy the whole cooking and meal planning aspect. It can be fun and fulfilling. Have some fun, listen to music, and chill while working on a meal for you and the entire family. 

• Tags:
• meal planning
• save
• time
• money
• Winter