I regularly post about the good deals I buy (often free, or for pennies with coupons). Today I was asked how I make regular meals out of the items featured.

The simple answer is I don’t. Seriously, you can’t make dinner every night with a few random items. What I do is buy different items every week and incorporate them into my stockpile. Because I’ve been at it for years, I’ve built up a huge amount of needed items. Having extra means I don’t have to buy anything at full price.

Think about what’s in your kitchen right now—cabinets, fridge, freezer. Most of us have tons of stuff hanging around. Start going through it all and separating it into the makings of different meals. Grab a notebook and write it down. This is key. Don’t try to keep it in your head. You’ll forget! For the super organized, download a free meal planner. (I’ve never used one; others I know swear by them. Try different methods.)

What should be on the meal plan? It depends on what you like to eat. If you need some basic ideas, here is a very loose plan to start with:

-Simple Breakfast Ideas-

Cold cereal and milk

Oatmeal

Toast and Eggs

Fruit

Bagels or Muffins (make the night before or make a big batch on the weekend and freeze to use throughout the week)

-Simple lunch Ideas-

Peanut butter and jelly, fruit

Tuna fish with pickles and celery, carrot sticks

Grilled cheese and soup

Turkey , sliced cucumbers and sprouts on whole wheat

Mixed salad greens topped with veggies, fresh bread

-Simple Dinner Ideas-

Roast beef with potatoes and carrots,  salad, rolls

Spaghetti, broccoli/carrots, rolls

Homemade pizza

Breakfast for dinner – Waffles or pancakes or french toast with eggs, and fruit salad

Burritos, rice, corn

Baked chicken, sweet potatoes, broccoli

For those who are short on time and/or inspiration, a meal delivery service can be awesome! My favorite features meals that are healthy and organic.

What’s on your Meal Plan?