What's For Dinner? Printable Meal Planners Part 2
Where to Get Meal Planners
Free Printable Meal Planners
All you need to do is Google "free meal planners" and you will find plenty of choices: PDF's, Word files, image files. The big advantage, of course, is that they are inexpensive.
Meal Planner Templates
Digital PDF Meal Planner Templates
Digital Meal Planner Templates are sold in PDF format. After you download, use a notetaking app, like Goodnotes, to be able to write your plan directly on your device using a pen/stylus and save.
Until recently, these were predominantly available only for iPads, but with the recent release of Goodnotes for Windows, the PDF can be used on android tablets and on PC's with touchscreens and a pen.
Online Meal Planners
Advantages
Convenience: You can access your meal plan and shopping list from anywhere, as long as you have your phone or computer.
Automation: Some apps can generate shopping lists for you, making it easier to stay organized.
Customization: Many digital meal planners allow you to input your dietary preferences and restrictions, making it easier to find recipes that fit your needs.
Disadvantages
Cost: Many digital meal planners require a subscription fee or in-app purchases.
Learning curve: It can take some time to learn how to use a new app or website.
Screen time: If you're already spending a lot of time on your phone or computer, using a digital meal planner may not be the healthiest option.
Printable Meal Planner Templates
Advantages
Cost: Most printable meal planner templates are available for free online.
Flexibility: You can customize your planner however you like, using your favorite pens and paper.
Minimal screen time: If you're trying to reduce your screen time, using a printable meal planner template can be a good option.
Disadvantages
Limited automation: You'll need to manually generate your shopping list and calculate your calorie intake.
Limited customization: You won't be able to input your dietary preferences and restrictions as easily.
Physical clutter: If you're someone who doesn't like keeping a lot of paper around, using a printable meal planner template may not be the best option.
faq
You can create an editable meal plan template using PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. Simply create a table with columns for each meal and rows for each day of the week. You can then customize the template by adding your own meals, ingredients, and notes. Once you have created your template, you can save it as a PDF or print it out for use.
The meal planner in the images above was made in PowerPoint and then downloaded as a PDF into an iPad and a Microsoft Surface Book 3
Using a printable meal planner can help you save time and money by allowing you to plan your meals in advance and avoid impulse purchases at the grocery store. It can also help you eat healthier by ensuring that you have a balanced and varied diet. Additionally, it can help reduce stress by eliminating the need to decide what to eat each day.
Yes, there are many meal planner templates specifically designed for Google Sheets. Some popular templates include the Meal Planner by Vertex42 and the Meal Planner by Smartsheet. These templates are fully customizable and allow you to track your meals, ingredients, and grocery lists all in one place.
Some tips for sticking to a meal plan include setting realistic goals, choosing meals that you enjoy, and planning for snacks and treats.
To have on hand to reduce waste and save money. Consider batch cooking and meal prepping to save time during the week.use a printable meal planner to save time and money, start by planning your meals in advance and creating a grocery list based on the ingredients you need. Try to use ingredients that you already
There are many free meal planner templates available online that you can download and print. Some popular websites that offer free meal planner templates include Eatwell101, Mayo Clinic Diet, Vectordad, and 101planners.
These would be especially helpful for folks with families!
My style is more local and seasonal – what’s in garden or available at the Farmers Market, where I shop most weeks. I’m fortunate to live in the PNW, where fresh food is available year round, and mostly prepare for one ❤
I’m also part of an Edible Landscaping project, tending a tea garden in a raised bed, and we host an annual seedling give away.
It’s always a good idea to plan our meals in advance.I haven’t used any online planners though.
I’ve never thought of writing meal planners. I usually open the freezer at night and plan what’s for dinner the next day. LOL