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Meal Planning in a Crisis (COVID-19) - Mindful Money

Meal Planning in a Crisis (COVID-19)

How do you get started with Meal Planning?

Meal planning your way through this current environment will take a lot of stress out of the situation. Knowing also that you at least have your favourites and staples all sorted with a few alternatives to spice it up will bring much comfort in a time of uncertainty.

The Catch

Generally speaking, human beings are not wired to be all that comfortable with uncertainty. Our brains like us to have control over our lives, and the constant changes wrought by COVID-19 is making that sense of control harder to find.

Getting Control

Finding a part of your life where you can do some concrete planning can really help. Planning helps bring some order to our thoughts. This can ease feelings of anxiety and helplessness—something that is vital in this current climate.

Food planning can be one of those controllable areas. It can also save you a lot of money. It can reduce the number of times you need to go to the shops for something that you’ve forgotten. Even in good times, this is a habit that can save you considerable time and cash.

Your Meal Planner Guide

If you have never purposely planned your meals (and therefore, your grocery shopping), you might find our printable meal planner  really helpful. The planner has been designed to help you review your current stores and think about all your favourite meals—an easy and comforting place to start.

Challenges To Spice It Up

Here are a few ideas to challenge you to see how much you can create from the grocery supplies you have on hand now, and how far you can push out your next shopping trip:

  1. Engage your family in planning (what are their staple and favourite meals?)
  2. How many meals can you create using what you have in the pantry, fridge, freezer or garden right now? Tap into your resourcefulness so you end up with the smallest possible shopping list.
  3. We all have one or two ingredients that we have no idea what to do with (for me, it’s a jar of millet that I can’t remember buying…). Select a couple of ingredients you’re struggling to use and do an internet search for recipe ideas. I am often pleasantly surprised when I do this.
  4. If you have some tips or meal ideas for menu planning while you’re staying at home, we’d love to hear them.

Another benefit of conscious meal planning is that you often end up eating more nutritious and tasty meals. Instead of grabbing a quick bites. Meal planning and eating proper meals together can also be a good opportunity to connect with our families and loved ones.

So, get planning, grab your meal planner here and stay well-nourished and healthy! And, if you find this post helpful, please share it.