Who isn’t interested in an opportunity to get a head start on ways to stay on track (or as close as possible) with healthy eating during the holiday season? How? Menu planning. Many of the tips and suggestions for healthy eating during the holiday season can be accomplished with a weekly menu plan. What’s For Dinner Menu Planning is your motivation and support to start!
As I mentioned last week, Mommy Run Fast and Fitness, Health and Happiness are hosting a menu planning challenge and link-up beginning Sunday, September 30.
The basic idea?
To encourage and hold each other accountable as we purposefully plan out regular, weekly meal menus.
The goals?
To serve healthier food, manage grocery budgets, and put meals on the table throughout the week with ease.
And, I almost forgot to mention, we have prizes! Weekly drawings will be held with entries for linking up, commenting, tweeting and Instagram.
Prizes generously donated by:
All of the details, challenge button and sign up can be found here > What’s For Dinner? Menu Planning
As part of the challenge we’re providing 2 menu planning templates. The templates are what I use after repeated revisions to find what worked for me. The templates can be used as is or revised to find what will work for you and your family. You might even want to start with planning dinner only. Laura and I want this to be as user friendly as possible to make your menu planning a success.
Both templates are provided as Word docs. Click images below to download.
This template is what I use when handwriting the menu. Basic and keeping with one of the best menu planning tips, keep it simple.
Most of my menus are done on the computer with this 2 page template. Note: the calorie count is not something I use every week. I use this option once every few months when I feel like my calorie intake needs to be tweaked. This is most often the case when my workout routine changes.
What works for me. Menu Planning Tips.
- Keep it simple. I learned with a few failed attempts that if you try to include too many details on your menu it quickly becomes too much to keep up with on a weekly basis.
- Trial and error. Expect to change your template a few times before you find exactly what will work for you.
- Make creating a weekly menu part of your routine.
- Consider what ingredients you already have.
- Get family input.
- Plan for an on-your-own and eating out nights.
- Make a list and stick to it when you’re shopping.
- Look at your calendar for the week before you start planning. Make note of busy evenings.
- Cook on Sunday with leftovers in mind.
- Whether you’re using your computer or handwriting the menu use a template.
- Use recipes that can be made ahead of time and reheated for a meal during the week.
More information on Menu Planning can be found at Menu Planning Benefits and Tips.
Read the benefits and come back and sign up here!It’s tempting isn’t it?
Tagged: #FitFluential, blog hop, challenge, Fit Approach, giveaway, goals, link up, menu planning, motivation, nutrition, on the menu, Sweat Pink, What's For DInner
I'm a wife, mom of 2, Swiftwick, FitFluential, Sweat Pink and Girls Gone Sporty Ambassador that is passionate about running, plant-based nutrition, fitness and an overall healthy lifestyle. Living a healthy life is not about perfection. It's about commitment, effort and progress! 
There are prizes too? I am so linking up since I need to make sure now more than ever that I am well planned out to begin our week.
Fancy Nancy recently posted.."Almost" Wordless Wednesday
Already signed up! I need to get back into my meal planning (specifically dinner). I have always done that but over the summer it got away from me. This week I did great so here’s to being back on the bandwagon!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..Good Habits
that looks really neat and fun! what a cool idea! happy wednesday and spa love to ya!
These are great templates, Jill! Thanks for getting that together. I’m also looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with!
Laura recently posted..Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal + Wiaw
I’m a sucker for meal planning, especially in the beginning of my health and fitness journey
Now, it comes easy…practice I guess 
Kierston recently posted..WIAW: BirthDAY Edition!
These are such great tips for menu planning. I really need to do that more consistently. I have good intentions at the start of the week and then work and schedules get in the way by about Wednesday.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..What I learned at FitBloggin’
Love this idea! I always plan out my dinners on Sunday, but that’s as far as it goes. It does help. I’ll be linking up!
Carissa @Fit2Flex recently posted..Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Bites
Very cool… having everything laid out so you can track your progress (daily, weekly) is extremely beneficial.
Pavement Runner recently posted..7 Photos to Celebrate Dog Week
I’m really looking forward to this because I waste good food because I am sucky at planning meals. And with my parents now living with me, this would help a lot. Thanks!
Fitness Girl Kitchen recently posted..what i ate wednesday: my marathon training culture shock #1
I’ve never tried meal planning for a week… I have a general idea, but I’ve never written it all out before. This might be an interesting challenge!
Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted..Breaking The Fast
I can’t wait! It’s going to be fun and a learning experience for all of us!
Travel Spot recently posted..Wine and Love (7)
[...] and to get the details. And lastly, are you looking for a convenient menu planning template? Menu Planning Templates includes 2 template [...]
Great challenge, my biggest challenge is time. I will be posting my meal plan tomorrow!
Toni @runninglovingliving recently posted..My Tips For Fitting In Fitness