Have you ever wondered why planning your meals is so important ? Well , let ’ s find out together !

Why Is Menu Planning Important ?

Menu planning is like making a map for your meals . Just like how you plan your route before going on a big adventure , planning your meals helps you make sure you ’ re eating all the yummy and healthy foods your body needs . Here ’ s why it ’ s super important :

1 . Healthy Eating : Planning your meals helps you make sure you ’ re eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits , veggies , grains , proteins , and dairy . This helps keep your body strong and healthy .

2 . Saving Time : When you plan your meals ahead of time , you know exactly what ingredients you need . This makes grocery shopping faster and cooking dinner easier !

3 . Saving Money : Planning your meals helps you avoid buying extra food that you don ’ t need . This saves money and helps your family ’ s budget stretch further .

4 . Reducing Food Waste : When you plan your meals , you only buy what you need . This helps reduce food waste , which is good for the environment .

How to Plan a Balanced Menu :

Now that we know why menu planning is important , let ’ s talk about how to plan a balanced menu . Here are some easy steps to follow :

• Make a List : Start by making a list of all your favorite foods from each food group . This includes fruits , veggies , grains , proteins , and dairy .

• Mix It Up : Try to include a variety of foods from each food group in your meals . This keeps your meals interesting and ensures you ’ re getting all the nutrients your body needs .

• Plan for the Week : Sit down with your family and plan out your meals for the week . Think about what you ’ ll have for breakfast , lunch , and dinner each day .

• Include Favorites : Make sure to include some of your favorite foods in your menu plan . This makes mealtime more fun and enjoyable !

• Be Flexible : Remember , it ’ s okay if your plans change . Life happens ! Just do your best to stick to your menu plan most of the time .

By following these simple steps , you can plan healthy and balanced meals that keep you feeling strong , happy , and ready for anything !

My Menu

Grab a pencil and let ’ s start planning your next delicious meal adventure !

Guest List How many people will be eating this meal together ?____________

What are some of their favorite foods ?

____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________

Menu List the foods you will serve . Remember you want a balanced meal with food items from all five MyPlate categories .

Fruits :_______________________ Vegetables :___________________ Grains :_______________________ Protein :______________________ Dairy :________________________

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