In the past, I’ve explored two programs designed to streamline monthly cooking and weekly meal planning. My ultimate aim is to lower my grocery costs and reduce the time and energy I invest in the kitchen, goals I’m sure many share. Both monthly cooking (also known as freezer cooking) and weekly meal planning can significantly cut costs and save time. Using my recommended vacuum sealers, you can extend food freshness while saving money. However, deciding which of these methods suits your budget and your family’s needs best can be challenging. I’m going to break down both methods to help you assess the pros and cons.
MONTHLY COOKING
While I have followed the Onceamonthmeals.com plan in the past, I have also experimented with my own freezer cooking schedule. If I’m cooking recipes I’m familiar with, the shopping and meal prep process can be quick, allowing me to prepare 20-30 dinners in five hours. The grocery budget for these dinners ranges from $200-300, which might appear steep for feeding two adults (and a toddler with unpredictable eating habits).
The appeal in preparing freezer meals lies in the fact that I can take a break from cooking for the rest of the night. However, a drawback to this method is the substantial grocery bill from a single shopping trip, with the bulk of the ingredients used for preparing meals. I usually have to spend another $140-200 towards the month-end to stock up on breakfast and lunch items (and, of course, the toddler’s snacks). So, although this method saves time and energy, it often results in a towering grocery bill at the month’s end.
WEEKLY MEAL PLANNING
When I visit the grocery store once a week, I tend to spend around $40-70. I usually buy discounted meat alongside other essentials. But by the time I need to start making dinner, I’m often too drained. This fatigue tends to lure me towards fast food alternatives, and I also find more food wastage occurring with this method.
Despite my experience, I’ve observed numerous bloggers successfully manage weekly meal planning. I believe it’s totally feasible if you diligently stick to your meal plan.
WHAT’S BEST FOR YOU?
Ultimately, choosing a method requires trial and error. I am inclined towards monthly freezer cooking because it eliminates the daily task of cooking and reduces food wastage. Despite the slightly higher monthly cost, it helps us avoid frequent fast food consumption. I plan to lower my grocery expenses via freezer cooking by adding more breakfast and lunch freezer meals and shopping less frequently at the grocery store. After all, it’s hard to overspend if you’re not visiting the grocery store every week!
I’m curious to know what works for your family. Are you a freezer cooker, a weekly menu planner, or a spontaneous kind of cook? Let me know!
