I might use the weekend to dive into a different book, so don’t worry that the rest of your cookbook collection won’t get enough love. I have a huge cookbook collection, but I know I work more efficiently when I only focus on a couple of them seasonally.

Reducing visual clutter in the kitchen helps to make cooking more enjoyable. Such a game-changer! Plus, it’s one cookbook to keep on your counter for the week. I used to use more than one book, and then I tried this tactic. The more you use a cookbook, the easier it is to follow the recipe. One of the easiest tips I can share is to use one cookbook if you are trying some new recipes.Įach recipe in a cookbook tends to be formatted in a similar way.

I see some people create a meal plan using recipes from multiple websites/bloggers and chefs. Consider using fridge bins to organize upcoming meals so all components are together. I often forget what’s in the second freezer and I need a visual reminder of what’s available to cook. Once you know what you have, you’re ready to start meal planning. Plan to use proteins and perishable veggies in the first couple of days that you’re planning for.

Take inventory of what you already have.Ĭheck your pantry, your freezer, your fridge, and anywhere else you keep food. Let me give you some fast and easy tips that you can implement right now to make meal planning more successful and less painful. What if I told you there was a way to simplify the process? Do you avoid meal planning like my kids avoid zucchini? Even if you don’t scream in horror at the sight of a cookbook, I’m willing to bet it’s not your easiest task of the week. If there was ever a time to simplify meal planning, this is it.

Meal planning cheat sheet template