Meal planning hacks for busy lives

Between work, daily commitments, social activities, and keeping the household running, finding time to cook nutritious meals can feel like a challenge. But with a little planning, you can take the stress out of mealtimes and save time, money, and energy. Here are some tried-and-tested meal planning hacks to help busy homes stay organised and well-nourished.

1. Create a List of Your Favourite Meals

To simplify meal planning, keep a running list of your favourite meals. Categorise them into breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or even by cooking time (e.g. 30-minute meals, slow cooker meals, freezer-friendly meals). This way, you can choose meals that suit your week without having to think too much.

2. Set Aside Time for Weekly Meal Planning

Spending 15–20 minutes each week to plan your meals can make a huge difference, especially when you think about the daily struggle of deciding what to cook or making last-minute grocery runs. Choose a quiet moment each week to plan, I prefer Thursday night. It helps me prepare for the weekend and encourages better food choices, especially since we all know weekends often bring the temptation of takeaway and eating out. Consider your schedule and plan quick meals for busier days, leaving more elaborate dishes for when you have extra time.

3. Enjoy Leftovers

Don't overcomplicate things by trying to cook every night. Cook meals that provide leftovers, this gives you space in your week to enjoy more time with your family or have some much-needed rest.

4. Get Organised with a Grocery List

A well-organised grocery list saves time and prevents last-minute dashes to the shops. Write your list based on your meal plan and group items by where you need to shop (supermarket, market, fruit shop) to streamline your shopping trip. I also keep a running grocery list on the fridge, adding items throughout the week as staples run low.

5. Shop Online

Shopping for groceries online is a game-changer when it comes to saving time and simplifying the process. You can browse your favourite stores, compare prices, and find exactly what you need without stepping foot in a store. With the ability to shop from the comfort of your home, you can easily stick to your list and avoid distractions or impulse buys. Woolworths and Coles also offer delivery or Click & Collect options, saving you even more time and effort, especially on busy days.

6. Prep Meals or Ingredients in Advance

Taking time over the weekend or at the start of your week to prep ingredients or cook meals and snacks will make a big difference, easing both your schedule and mental load. Wash and chop veggies, marinate meats, and cut up fresh fruit to save yourself time on busy weeknights. If mornings are chaotic, prepare smoothie packs or overnight oats the night before for easy, grab-and-go breakfasts. By planning ahead, you’ll not only save time but also reduce the stress of last-minute meal decisions, leaving you feeling more organised, energised and relaxed throughout the week.

7. Batch Cook and Freeze Meals

Cooking in bulk is a lifesaver for busy weeks. Make double batches of meals like lasagna, pies, casseroles and curries, then freeze portions for later. Having pre-prepped meals in the freezer means you’ll always have a backup for hectic days.

8. Keep Pantry and Fridge Staples on Hand

Stocking up on essentials like pasta, rice, frozen veggies, and sauces ensures you can whip up a quick meal when plans change. A well-stocked pantry makes it easier to throw together last-minute dinners.

9. Be Flexible and Keep It Simple

Meal plans don’t have to be rigid. Life happens, kids get sick, work runs late, or plans change. Have a few easy meals on standby, like eggs on toast and pasta with sauce, or even stock your freezer with a few go-to items like nuggets and chips for those nights you feel like doing nothing. The key is to make meal planning work for you, not to feel pressured by it.

10. Try Meal Delivery Services

If you’re short on time or inspiration, meal delivery services like HelloFresh, Marley Spoon, or YouFoodz can take the hassle out of meal planning. These services provide pre-measured ingredients, easy-to-follow recipes and ready-to-heat meals, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Meal planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few smart strategies, you can save time, reduce food waste, and enjoy stress-free meals with your family. Whether you batch cook, embrace leftovers, or simply keep a well-stocked pantry, every little effort counts towards making mealtimes easier and more enjoyable.

Do you have any other meal-planning tips? Let me know in the comments below!