How To Create A Weekly Meal Plan As a Couple

When I started meal planning alongside my then boyfriend (now husband) I immediately noticed a lack of information and tips for modern couples that don’t currently have children or anyone else living with them. We share the tasks of cooking, grocery shopping and cleaning up the kitchen. But we also only need to plan and cook for ourselves which is both more freeing but also can be more overwhelming. Which is why today I am sharing these steps to create a weekly meal plan as a couple!

Before we get into the steps though let’s quickly talk about the benefits of creating and using a weekly meal plan.

Benefits of creating and using a weekly meal plan:

Saves Time: Having a meal plan in place saves time by eliminating the need to decide what to cook every day. With a clear plan, you can streamline grocery shopping and meal preparation, making the entire process more efficient.
Reduces Stress: Knowing what you’ll be eating throughout the week reduces mealtime stress and decision fatigue. You won’t have to scramble to figure out dinner at the last minute, which can be especially helpful during busy or hectic days.
Promotes Healthy Eating: A well-thought-out meal plan can help you make healthier food choices. By including a variety of nutritious foods, you’re more likely to consume a balanced diet that meets your nutritional needs.
Minimizes Food Waste: With a meal plan, you can plan meals that use similar ingredients, reducing the chances of food going to waste. You’ll be more mindful of portion sizes and leftovers, making it easier to use up ingredients efficiently.
Supports Weight Management: Meal planning can be a valuable tool for weight management. You can control portion sizes and plan meals with the right balance of nutrients, which may aid in maintaining a healthy weight.
Saves Money: By shopping with a clear list and avoiding impulse purchases, a weekly meal plan can help you save money on groceries. Additionally, reduced food waste means you get more value out of the items you purchase.
Encourages Variety: With a meal plan, you’re more likely to include a diverse range of foods and try new recipes. This variety keeps mealtime exciting and prevents monotony in your diet.
Enhances Cooking Skills: Planning and preparing meals in advance can help you develop and truly improve your cooking skills. You’ll have the opportunity to experiment with new recipes and techniques.
Fosters Family Bonding: If you’re creating a meal plan for your family, it can serve as an opportunity to involve everyone in the decision-making process. Planning and cooking together can foster family bonding and create memorable moments.
Supports Health and Fitness Goals: Whether you’re aiming to eat more vegetables, reduce sugar intake, or follow a specific diet plan, a weekly meal plan can help you stay on track with your health and fitness goals.
Increases Mindfulness: Planning meals in advance encourages mindfulness about what you eat. By taking the time to think about your food choices, you develop a deeper awareness of your dietary habits.
Empowers Time Management: Knowing when and what you’ll be cooking allows you to manage your time effectively. You can plan cooking sessions around your schedule and allocate time for other priorities.

Now that we have chatted about the benefits of using a weekly meal plan let’s get into how to actually create a weekly meal plan as a couple.

*** This article may contain affiliate links that I receive a small commission off of. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I always appreciate any support to keep this site running! Thank you!***