The Top 6 Meal Planning Supplies You Can’t Live Without
If you’re a busy person on the go, cooking elaborate meals can seem like an impossible feat. Don’t despair! With some meal planning supplies, you can whip up nutritious, delicious and varied meals in no time at all. Here are the top six essential meal planning supplies everyone should have on hand. Not only will they save you time and money, but they’ll also ensure that you never get stuck eating ramen noodles three nights in a row again!
1) Grocery Bags
Reusable grocery bags are essential for meal planning. They help you save money and reduce waste. Plus, they’re much better for the environment than disposable plastic bags. I always make sure to have a few reusable bags on hand so I can grab them and go when I need to. It’s worth it in the long run! These days there are so many options: cloth bags, canvas bags, durable drawstring fabric ones – you name it. My favorite is this one from Rickshaw because not only is it cute and unique but also sturdy enough to hold up against all my weekly trips to the store. The best part? The price point is great at just $7!
The next item on our list of meal planning supplies you can’t live without is cooking spray. Cooking spray prevents food from sticking to pans and gets rid of extra oil or butter. Many oils that people use for cooking actually contain fat which we don’t want to be eating as often as possible. Cooking sprays like PAM cook evenly and provide an alternative to these fats. There are many different brands with different flavors (I love the garlic one) and prices ($2-$8). A jar lasts me about two months before I have to buy another bottle again, so it saves me money in the long run too!
2) Labels
The Top 6 Meal Planning Supplies You Can’t Live Without
1. A Good Quality Knife
2. A Cutting Board
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons
4. Storage Containers
5. A Food Processor
6. A Slow Cooker
7. A Blender or a Food Processor
8. Sharp Knives (to chop)
9. An Immersion Blender
10. Sheet Pans (to roast vegetables, chicken, etc.)
explain! 1. Label every container you use with what it contains and the date so you know what’s inside!
2. Prep your ingredients beforehand to save time in the kitchen
3. Get in the habit of prepping for dinner at night to reduce cooking time during the day (for example: put chopped veggies in containers on sheet pans, cook whole chicken breasts in slow cooker).
4. Make sure you have all necessary equipment before starting to cook
3) Cutting Board
A good cutting board is one of the most important meal planning supplies you can have. It’s a sturdy surface for prep work, and it can help you make clean, precise cuts. Look for a cutting board that’s large enough to accommodate all the food you’ll be preparing. If you’re short on space, choose a board that’s easy to store. Cutting boards made from bamboo are durable, stain-resistant, and antimicrobial. They don’t need oiling or seasoning like other types of wood boards do. Chopping Knife: Another essential for any kitchen is a high-quality chopping knife or two. The sharper your knives are, the more precise your cuts will be. And using the proper size knife means you’ll waste less food in the process as well! Knives come in a variety of styles; some are designed for general use while others excel at specific tasks. Choose the right knife by checking out what tasks you want to use it for and how often. For example, if you’re just starting out cooking, consider an 8 chef’s knife. Once you get more skilled with cooking techniques and recipes, upgrade to a smaller utility blade or an Asian-style cleaver (which is ideal for chopping meat). Nonstick Frying Pan: Nonstick pans cook foods evenly without sticking (thanks to their slick surfaces), so they’re great for low-fat cooking too. Plus, cleanup is easier because there’s no excess fat left behind. Stainless steel pots and pans are another option if you want cookware that lasts a lifetime. When shopping for stainless steel pots and pans, look for those with aluminum construction, which conducts heat better than stainless steel alone does. These cookware sets often include frypans, saucepans, stockpots, roasting dishes and sauté pans–all handy pieces of equipment to have around when making dinner.
4) Good Sharp Knives
A good sharp knife is an important tool in any kitchen, and it’s especially important when meal planning. With a good sharp knife, you can easily chop vegetables, fruits, and meats into the perfect size for your meal. Plus, a sharp knife is safer to use than a dull one. If you’re not sure if your knives are still sharp enough, try this test:
– First hold the blade against your thumb or finger
– Push down with a little pressure
– If it hurts, then its time to sharpen that blade! – Otherwise, just do some quick chopping on a cutting board and see how it feels.
– Knives should be sharpened once every six months. The best way to keep them nice and sharp is by using a whetstone, but there are also other tools such as a steel or electric knife sharpener that work well too.
5) Containers
Airtight containers are key for meal prep. They keep your food fresh and prevent leaks and spills. Plus, they make it easy to grab and go. Look for BPA-free options to avoid harmful chemicals.
Meal planning pads or sheets (five sentences): These come in handy when you’re trying to plan out your meals for the week. Write down what you’ll be eating and when, so you can stay on track. Don’t forget to include snacks! Make sure that you have a variety of healthy options like fruits, vegetables, nuts, granola bars, and more.
6) Weekly/Monthly Meals Planner
If you’re looking to save time and money on groceries, then meal planning is a must. But it’s not as simple as just jotting down what you want to eat for the week. You need the right supplies to make meal planning work for you. Here are the top six meal planning supplies you can’t live without:
1) Weekly/Monthly Meals Planner
2) Mason Jars or any airtight containers: These jars will keep your food fresh and organized so they last longer.
3) Non-stick skillet: A great skillet should have a non-stick surface that doesn’t scratch easily, sturdy handles that stay cool to the touch even when cooking at high temperatures, no rivets or welds on the outside of the pan, and an oven safe temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
4) Wooden spoons: Wooden spoons can be used in lieu of spatulas because they won’t scratch your cookware like metal ones do!