My Menu for 2 Weeks

Meal Ideas — By Dr. Mommy on October 13, 2008 at 1:12 pm

Yes, you read the title correctly…. I actually planned our menu for 2 weeks. I have been doing this for quite some time but finally convinced my husband that it was a wise thing to do. First off, we would not have to go to the store 3-4 times per week for items we neglected to put on list. Secondly, it has actually saved us money. I have been adapting some of the tips I learned from a book that I read called, ‘America’s Cheapest Family‘. Of course, at first I thought it was impossible, but with some strategic planning and the pairing of coupons, we spent $300 total for 2 weeks groceries, which include, snacks, lunches and cleaning supplies.

So here is my menu for the following 2 weeks:

Week 1

Monday – Homemade Pizza

Tuesday – Tamale Bean Pie w/salad

Wednesday – Peasant Pasta

Thursday – Take-out Thursday

Friday – Rice w/blk beans, pork and plantains

Saturday – Burgers, baked beans, fries and slaw

Sunday – Pasta Verde

Week 2

Monday – Orzo Shrimp Stew

Tuesday – Chicken Enchiladas

Wednesday – Minestrone Macaroni

Thursday – Take-out Thursday

Friday – Picadillo w/salad

Saturday – Feta/Tomato Basil Fish w/roasted potatoes

Sunday – Vegetarian Chili

Now it took me approximately 2 hours to determine the menu, grocery list and match the coupons and determine which stores we would tackle. Then I gave my hubby a list and I took a list and within 2 hours we were home and packing away our groceries.

Now will you take the challenge and shop for 2 weeks at a time? It is difficult at first but once you get used to it you would not have it any other way. With a family of 7 we always have to have our pantry stocked and doing this twice a month is wise and a great money saving tip.

The Chronicles continue…

Share and Enjoy:

Tags: grocery shopping, menu, saving tips, tips

7 Comments

Ray Medina says:

October 13, 2008 at 1:28 pm

Hi DrMommy, I recently started to follow you on Twitter and I saw this post come through Twhirl. I agree with your grocery list, we are a family of 4 and spend $300 every two weeks in groceries, including Lunch, snacks,etc…

I don’t have a problem with the $300, but our issue is that sometimes we (and by we, I really mean ME) buy stuff that we don’t cook in those two weeks for whatever reason and then we just throw it out.

I think I’m going to start adopting this menu thing and just buy exactly what we need.

Thanks for the article.

Reply
Kandice says:

October 13, 2008 at 1:42 pm

Great tip and something I need to try. It seems that I am at the store at least 3x’s a week. Thanks!

Reply
LisaNewton says:

October 13, 2008 at 9:40 pm

I totally agree with the planning aspect, although two weeks is too long for me. I usually plan my meals around the advertised specials, so I plan for one week.

Plus, in the past, I have tended to purchase too many fresh produce items, so now, I go to the local market to get produce a couple of times a week. That way, I use them before they spoil……….:)

Reply
Rachel says:

October 13, 2008 at 9:44 pm

I prefer a two week menu too; it’s definitely much easier!

Reply
Laura says:

October 14, 2008 at 2:43 pm

I do the same thing – plan for 2 weeks. I might have to stop at the store after one just to pick up things like milk, produce, etc, but I think it saves time and money. Great article!

Reply
Julette Millien says:

October 14, 2008 at 8:12 pm

Hello!

This is a wonderful idea. will put it into action. My husband has been trying to get us to go stock up on canned goods…just because, so maybe I’ll just try a 2 week menu in advance…just because too

I’ve been moving in this direction, thanks for the needed reminder.

Reply
InstantAmber says:

October 15, 2008 at 8:12 pm

It’s the smart and economical thing to do. It will not only save you money but it saves your sanity. I personally don’t like grocery shopping.

Reply