Meal Planning Just FACS

What’s for breakfast, lunch and dinner ?

Why Plan Meals? Reduces stress Saves time and money Helps better meet nutrient needs Helps better manage calorie intake

6 Easy Steps to Meal Planning Step 1: Create a Meal/Menu Step 2: Take Inventory/List ingredients Step 3: Create a Meal Plan Step 4: Make a Shopping List Step 5: List equipment Step 6:Prepare meal

Step 1: Create a Meal List Research dishes you like to eat or that you would like to know how to prepare. REMEMBER THE MEAL HAS TO BE BALANCED

Example Meal List Spaghetti and meatballs with tossed salad and corn Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and peas Macaroni and cheese, baked chicken and vegetables Beef burgers with lettuce and tomatoes Chili dogs, fries and Cole slaw

Step 2: Make an Inventory/List ingredients. Write down all the ingredients needed for the meal you want to create.

Step 3: Create a Meal Plan Identify the length of time each dish will take to prepare. Document in a procedural manner how you would prepare each dish within a specific time frame.Remember to clean as you go.

Step 4: Create a Shopping List Use the information from your meal plan and inventory to create a list of items needed from the store. Pay attention to quantities needed. Do not buy to little or too much.

Step 5: List equipment Make a detailed list of all the equipment and tools that you will need Consider equipment needed from the beginning of your preparation to the ending.

Searching for Recipes Allows you to enter ingredients you have on hand and generates a list of recipes. Also have an app on the iPhone or iPod Touch

Meal Ideas If you are looking for meal ideas visit the following websites:

Tips to Remember Remember that meal planning does not have to be hard! Planning meals ahead of time helps save time, money, reduces stress and helps meet your nutrient needs.