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Plan a week of meals in 20 minutes

Food3 minute readUpdated October 2026

A simple plan saves money and answers the daily question of what to cook.

A quick method

  1. Check what you already have in the fridge, freezer and pantry.
  2. Pick four or five dinners. Plan leftovers for the other nights.
  3. Choose meals that share ingredients, such as rice, beans, eggs or vegetables.
  4. Write one shopping list and stick to it.

Keep it flexible

Plan meals but not exact days. That way you can swap if you are tired or plans change.

Save time

Cook a large batch of one staple on the weekend, such as rice, soup or roasted vegetables, and use it in different ways during the week.

Plainly gives general information for everyday decisions. It is not professional medical, legal or financial advice. For personal situations, speak with a qualified professional.