Something I felt wholly unprepared for when I moved out on my own at 18 was feeding myself three meals a day, 365 days a year. I ended up spending hundreds of dollars eating out every month, which has turned into thousands over the years. I’d rather spend that money on something else, but I also don’t want to spend hours every week planning meals and grocery shopping. Here is how I manage my pantry efficiently without sacrificing the yum factor.
Part One: Section Your Pantry
Part Two: Section the Meals
Dinner
Sides are meant to be the accompaniment to the protein in both flavor and nutrients, plus it bumps up those calories to keep you nourished! I usually only prepare one side per protein but you can always add more to increase serving sizes. Ultimately, the most important thing is to enjoy and feel satisfied with your meal. Rice, quinoa, and instant potatoes are great sides to keep on hand since they are non-perishable and inexpensive.
![](https://goodchickengardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot_20240604-203022_Samsung-Notes.webp)
Breakfast and Lunch
![](https://goodchickengardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screenshot_20240706-123454_Samsung-Notes-1024x919.jpg)
The last meals to consider are breakfast and lunch. With my lifestyle, these meals tend to happen on the go, so I prioritize convenience over variation. Oatmeal, smoothies, and egg bagels are some of my favorites because they are delicious and easy to keep on hand. Plan for a simple lunch that you can easily change up the sides for, such as turkey sandwiches and fruit. Sandwiches really can’t be beaten for both convenience and cost-effectiveness! Incorporating dinner leftovers whenever they are available can also help to keep lunch appetizing.
Snacks
Snacks and are something I used to forget about often when meal planning but busy days are so much easier with quick fuel options.
![](https://goodchickengardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screenshot_20240706-124857_Samsung-Notes-1024x535.jpg)
Part Three: Do the Shopping
Now, it’s time to do the easy part: shopping! Using grocery pick-up or delivery services can help you find the best value before you purchase by comparing online carts. Purchases can sometimes earn you targeted coupons if you have an online account, but not all grocery stores offer that. Pick-up is ideal for my personal schedule, and because I usually purchase groceries once a week, it is easy to pass the minimum purchase threshold for free pick-up at my local Kroger. The examples in this post show a meal plan that will feed two people for around $100 a week or $50 per week per person in the Atlanta area. That’s an average of around $3 a meal, which absolutely cannot be beaten by eating out! Adjusting the menu can drive that price even lower by adding more inexpensive items, like rice, or repeating dishes more often so ingredients can be purchased in bulk.
When shopping in the store without a list, start with proteins and build one meal at a time. With a solid goal in mind, you can navigate the grocery store efficiently and avoid impulse buys. This not only saves you money but also ensures you have all the ingredients you need for the week. Snacks and treats are best left for last; otherwise, you might find yourself overindulging.
![](https://goodchickengardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20231127_095005-edited-scaled-1024x1024.webp)
Managing your pantry efficiently and planning your meals doesn’t have to be a time-consuming or daunting task. By mastering the staples, considering your meals thoughtfully, and carrying out your shopping strategically, you can enjoy delicious, nutritious meals without breaking the bank or spending hours planning your grocery excursions. With these tips, I hope you can streamline your meal planning, save money, and still enjoy a variety of tasty dishes throughout the week. Happy cooking and happy eating!