Menu planning

There are many ways to plan menus. If you have kids, invite them to help. They might enjoy creating menus with markers and paper, or on the computer.

	Meal planning basics Use these basic methods to help you plan meals.
	Eat right with the plate method An easy way to make sure you’re eating the right amount of food is to use the “plate method.”
	5 day meal planner Use up what you have as you plan for the next five days.
	Is your diet balanced? Here's a tool to help plan nutritious meals and snacks.
	Meals for entertaining on a budget We have celebration and party planning ideas and recipes for birthdays, barbeques, holidays, and more.

RECIPES

ALL

Salad in a Bag

How to get it on SALE--EVERY TIME

Check grocery ads and store websites for sales and coupons.
When you see an item advertised on sale, add it to your shopping list and stock up, making sure to note the brand, package size and cost.

Check and chuck! Check your refrigerator every day, your freezer every week and your pantry at least once a month. Add it to your meal plan before you have to toss it.

When you plan ahead for healthy snacks, you're less likely to reach for the bag of chips when you're hungry.

Ensure a healthy diet!

Include something from each group: fruit, vegetable, protein, bread, and dairy.

Pay attention to prices!

If you know how much something usually costs, you'll know if it is a good deal when it's "on sale."

Plan for double portions

Prepare one portion to cook and serve, and the other to freeze for later.