Let’s be real: I have a love-hate relationship with Facebook. It’s full of distractions, but sometimes it delivers little gold nuggets. Several years ago, a friend of mine posted a meal-planning idea she created, and I immediately knew I had to try it. It’s simple, flexible, and—most importantly—it works. Let’s go into the archives to 2016 and visit a popular guest post from my friend Tina.
After eighteen years of marriage and four kids, I’ve tried all kinds of meal planning methods. Some worked for a little while, but most left me feeling overwhelmed. This method? It’s become a game-changer in our home.
The Notecard Meal Planning System
Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need:
- A stack of notecards
- A pen
Yep. That’s it.
Start by jotting down all your go-to meals—one per card. Think spaghetti, tacos, chicken and rice… you know, the classics that actually get eaten. On the back of each card, write down the ingredients you typically need to buy for that meal (skip things you always have on hand, like flour or salt). Also, jot down a few sides that go well with it (e.g. green beans, French bread, salad).
Now take three more cards:
- Label one “Breakfast” and list what your family likes for breakfast (cereal, oatmeal, toast, eggs, etc.).
- Label one “Lunch” and write your regular lunch staples (sandwich items, yogurt, applesauce).
- Label one “Snacks” and brainstorm easy snack ideas (fruit, pretzels, granola bars, etc.).
Weekly Meal Planning Made Simple
Each week, just pull out your notecards and choose however many meals you need. Let the kids or your spouse help—it’s a fun way to get everyone involved and excited about dinner. Use the ingredient list on the back of each card to create your grocery list. Then check your breakfast, lunch, and snack cards to fill in the rest of the meals.
And that’s it! Meal plan = done. Grocery list = done.
Even better? You don’t need a long list of meals to get started. Begin with what you already make, and add more cards over time as you discover new favorites.
I use a magnet board to post that week’s meal cards, and after each meal, I just refile the card. If we end up eating out or have leftovers, I carry that meal over to the next week—no wasted planning.
Isn’t this idea fantastic? Thank you, Tina, for sharing.
My Family’s Favorite Easy Recipes
Want to start your card collection? These are some of the simple, tried-and-true recipes my family loves.
Breakfast Ideas
- Cinnamon Rhodes Rolls
- Rhodes Nut Rolls
- Bread in a Bag
- German Pancakes
- Homemade Granola
- Waffles
- Breakfast Burritos
- Bread Machine Whole Wheat Bread
Lunch + Dinner Ideas
- Best PBJ Sandwiches (Rhubarb Strawberry Jam)
- Chicken Quesadillas
- BBQ Cups
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
- Stew
- Biscuit Meat Casserole
- Runza Casserole
- Tater Tot Casserole
- Discover the motherload of Best Soup Recipes
- Over 75 Family Favorites Meals
Sides
Snacks
Let’s Hear Your Favorite Mom Hacks!
Meal planning doesn’t have to be fancy or stressful. Sometimes the simplest methods are the most sustainable—especially in a busy season of motherhood.
Have you tried something similar? Or do you have a favorite go-to meal that makes dinner time easier? I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below, join the conversation on Facebook, or shoot me an email. As we head into another school year, let’s keep encouraging each other to make everyday routines just a little easier. 💛
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