Plan your meals first.

Start with a simple plan that works for you.

• Set a goal for the number of meals you plan to cook for you and household during the week.
• Make a grocery shopping list.
• Check your fridge, cupboards, pantry and freezer before grocery shopping.
• Include the kids in the planning and cooking process – they’re more likely to eat the meal they’ve helped make.
• When meal planning, try to plan back-to-back meals that incorporate ingredients or leftovers from the previous meal.

Useful Links (Checklists, food planners and other organization tools)

• Follow Canada’s Food Guide.
• Printable meal plan from the York Region Good Food Program
• Meal planning tips from the Dieticians of Canada
• Meal Planning Apps
  • Mealime – meal planning website and app (basic plan is free)
  • Big Oven – Recipe website with meal planning app
  • Cooksmarts – Meal planning app (free trial period)
  • Plan to Eat – Meal planning app (free 30-day trial)