What I do/What you do:

I have tested and edited recipes from many popular sites (https://www.simplymealplanning.com/classes#suggestions/tips) and have made changes to make each one easier, more accessible for weeknight cooking, and/or healthier. I put each recipe into a nutrition website that generates the nutrition labels, making it easy for you to track any calories, macros, and micros if you’d like.

First thing’s first: Decide you’re ready to make a plan for your meals and stick to it. I suggest you try this for a month and see how you like it and adjust after that. It does take some time to get used to following a schedule rather than going based on what you feel like eating or cooking in the moment. Once you get used to the schedule, you will really appreciate that you don’t have to think about it, ask what the family wants to eat, or go to the store each night before cooking (I’ve absolutely done that).

Next, you’ll go through the recipes (think of it like a restaurant menu), find ones that sound good to you for the week, add them to your cart noting the number of servings you’re making, and check out. Once you’ve done that, sit back and wait while I create your shopping list and recipe collection. I will organize your shopping list by aisle (most stores are fairly similar in layout), but if you would like it separated by meal, send an email after you’ve put in your order and I’ll be sure to send you your shopping list in your preferred way.

To take full advantage:

Be sure to follow a meal plan that fits your cooking abilities/time/effort. If you don’t cook at all, start with 2 meals a week. If you cook a few nights a week, try for 5 recipes a week. Don’t take on more than is reasonable. There’s no judgement here! If you sign up for 5 recipes a week, try cooking all five at least once and see how it goes. If you want to double a recipe for busy weeks (make one meal to last you multiple days), let me know and I can give you some tips. Some recipes work better than others for doubling or adjusting, and storage can be tricky sometimes. If you’re counting macros and want to try doubling the protein in your recipes, let me know and I’ll help you figure out the best recipes.

Challenge yourself:

Challenge yourself and see the benefits you can get from following the plan. You don’t need to do 5 meals a week every single week. Just try it out so you can see what we’re going for here. If you end up ordering out one or two nights, don’t feel bad about it. We’re human and we have limited time and energy! The point of this plan is to save time and money while preserving your sanity. If eating out one night a week will help you to enjoy life, do it.

Cooking for a group:

If you’re having people over and don’t know what to cook, send me an email and we can talk about options. You’ll only be charged for the recipes you decide on, so you won’t be charged more just because you’re feeding more people. I have tons of recipes that are easy to multiply and still make you look like a master chef to friends and family.

Pantry Staples:

I consider the following things to be pantry staples, so I will separate them in your grocery list:

Salt, pepper, olive oil, canola/vegetable oil, salted butter

Substitutions (note that some substitutions will change the nutrition information):

• Ground Beef = Ground Turkey = Ground Chicken = Impossible Meat Substitute

• Shrimp = Tilapia (you may have to adjust cooking times)

• Honey = Agave Nectar

• Brown Rice = White Rice (brown rice takes longer to cook, is better for digestion)

• Jalapeño or Serrano = poblano for less spice

• Bread = Keto bread (lower net carbs, higher fiber)

• Tortillas = carb balance tortillas

• Sour Cream = fat free plain Greek yogurt

• Pita Bread = carb balance tortillas

• Rice-a-Roni = Goodles or Right Rice for a healthier option (higher protein, sometimes lower carb)

• Pasta = whole wheat pasta (takes an additional 1-2 minutes to cook)

• Sour Cream = sour cream + 1 tsp taco or fajita seasoning packet for creamy taco sauce

• Coconut Oil = avocado oil or olive oil if the heat will be below 350 degrees