10 Simple Steps to Meal Planning.

For many of us, meal planning is something we do on the fly—thinking up dinner ideas while standing in the supermarket aisle, or just getting through one meal at a time. And for some, it’s not on the radar at all (no shame here).

I’ve heard so many mums say they wake up already dreading the question: “What’s for dinner?”

They’re tired, stretched thin, and worried about whether the kids will eat what’s made—or whether there’s even time to prepare anything nourishing.

Meal planning won’t solve everything, but it really can help. It can save you time, ease decision fatigue, reduce stress, and support your family’s health in small but powerful ways. It also makes space for more real, whole foods and fewer ultra-processed options—without turning mealtimes into a battleground.

Here’s a step-by-step approach to meal planning that works in real life—with kids, chaos, and all.

10 easy steps to meal planning.

1. Set Aside the Time to Meal Plan

Planning meals takes time at first—especially when you're adjusting to a new rhythm. But it gets easier and quicker each week. I like to sit down on Saturdays with a cuppa and plan around the produce we have delivered.

Pick a time that feels calm (or calm-ish) and commit a little time to it. Even 30–45 minutes can go a long way.

2. Gather Your Tools

You don’t need fancy apps (unless you like them). Some people use a spreadsheet or calendar, others prefer a simple notepad. I use a $3 magnetic meal planner from Kmart—it includes space for dinners, snacks, and lunchbox ideas, and it lives on our fridge. That way, when someone inevitably asks “What’s for dinner?” (for the third time today), the answer’s already there.

3. Plan All Meals

Don’t just think about dinners. Planning for breakfasts, lunchboxes, and snacks can make a big difference during busy weekdays—and help you avoid expensive or less nourishing grab-and-go options.

Batch-bake a few things each week (banana bread or savoury muffins freeze beautifully) and portion them out. It saves time and gives kids a bit of independence when packing their lunchboxes.

4. Shop in your Kitchen First

Before choosing recipes, take a quick look at what you already have in the pantry, fridge, and freezer. Use up leftover veggies in a frittata, stir-fry, or broth. Frozen meat? Plan it into the week to save money and reduce waste.

Take note of staples you’re running low on too—so you’re not caught short midweek.

5. Check the Family Schedule

Meal planning only works when it fits your actual life. Look at your week: late finishes, after-school activities, or nights you won’t be home? Plan quick, easy meals or leftovers for those nights.

If you need to bake something for a school event or birthday, add it to the plan now to avoid last-minute panic.

6. Choose your Meals (with flexibility)

I love flicking through recipe books or picking up the free Coles and Woolies magazines for new ideas. Pinterest is also a great place to find simple, nourishing recipes.

Aim for variety—a mix of proteins, veggies, and carbs—without overcomplicating things. Introduce new meals slowly, especially if you’ve got fussy eaters. I usually plan one new recipe a week and keep the rest familiar.

And remember: dinner doesn’t have to be elaborate. Scrambled eggs on toast or sausages with mash absolutely count.

7. Plan for Leftovers

Cook extra when you can. A double batch of curry, bolognese, or meatballs means you’ve got a freezer stash for the nights you just can’t be bothered. Leftovers are also brilliant for lunches or breakfast the next day.

Do the same with snacks—make a double batch of muffins or energy balls and freeze them in grab-and-go portions.

8. Keep Snacks Simple

No time to bake every week? No problem. Plan in easy, nourishing snacks:

• Veggie sticks (chopped ahead and stored in the fridge)

• Trail mix made from nuts, seeds, and dried fruit

• Hard-boiled eggs

• Sliced cheese and crackers

These take very little prep and keep everyone’s energy levels (and moods) more stable throughout the day.

9. Make a List and Stick to it!

While planning your meals, write your grocery list at the same time. It saves time, cuts down on impulse buys, and helps you avoid missing key ingredients when it’s time to cook.

You can use an app or good old pen and paper—whatever works for your brain.

10. Small Steps and Don’t Stress

If you’re just starting to cook more from scratch or shift your family toward real food, start small. One new recipe a week. One extra veggie on the plate. That’s enough.

And if your week goes sideways and you don’t stick to the plan? That’s okay too. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about building habits that support your wellbeing, in the season you’re in.

Over time, meal planning becomes quicker, easier, and more intuitive. You’ll build a go-to list of meals your family actually enjoys—and you’ll free up brain space for the other 372 things motherhood asks of you every day.