Weekly Meal Plan Ideas: Easy Recipes (Week 208)
We have changed up our grocery shopping routine.
My friend Kim and I make a trip to Trader Joe’s together with our kids once a week. It is a bit of a haul- about 20 miles. That is a drive for us given the fact that there are literally 10+ grocery stores within a 2-3 mile radius of my house. Some people drive from Oklahoma to Texas to shop at Trader Joe’s. That is commitment!
We are both homeschool families- so our kids are with us. We have been doing this together for almost a year. (She was a loyal Trader Joe’s fan long before I was.) I love that we can get organic food for our family for the price of (or even cheaper than) junk food at a traditional grocery store. Ever notice how cheap junk food is? We try to make it an educational experience for our kids… but let’s face it, we’re just trying not to pull our hair out.
When we first started going to Trader Joe’s together we would go on Tuesday’s. (I would make a trip to Target on Monday’s for my non-TJ items.) Then we moved our Trader Joe day to Monday. That worked out really well because we were grocery shopping at the start of the week, but that was a double edge sword. Monday’s are busy days for both of us as homeschool families. If we do not start our homeschool week off strong it can be hard.
So, we have changed our Trader Joe Day to Thursday. This means I am essentially grocery shopping a week in advance for the majority of our groceries . (Not a full week, but you get it.) Then I will grab the other items I cannot get at TJ’s at Target that weekend or Monday. (I really hate the grocery store on weekends though.)
Let’s see how this impacts my meal planning.
Ready to see what we’re eating this week?
Weekly Meal Plan Ideas
Indiana Chowder– simple one pot meal. Protein, dairy, veggies and starch all in one. Served with rolls.
Easy Beef and Cabbage Casserole– my husband loves this. I love how light it is. Served with a side salad and fruit.
Crockpot Many Clove Chicken– this is yummy. The sauce is from Trader Joe’s. Affordable and not full of junk. Served with kale, rice and fruit.
Chicken and Summer Squash over Rice– this is one of my favorite meal lately. I love tomatoes and squash together. Served with dinner rolls.
Lime Butter Garlic Salmon– my family love salmon. Served with risotto and a vegetable.
Leftover Buffet– use ’em up!
Free Printable Meal Planner
Make sure you print out my newest free printable meal planner and matching free grocery list printable. You’re gonna love it!
Want more meal planning inspiration or ideas? Check out OrgJunkie where hundreds of bloggers share their meal plans every Monday.
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Junk food IS so much cheaper! I live in Oklahoma so I’ve never been to Trader Joes. You made me feel a little less crazy for thinking about a trip to Texas!
People drive from Oklahoma ALL THE TIME. One day a cashier was telling me how many Oklahoma residents they get. I guess it is like a once a month trip for some.