Let’s be honest, meal planning can feel like one of those things that “perfect” people on Instagram do with colour-coded spreadsheets and matching containers. In real life, most of us are juggling work, kids, and the constant mystery of what on earth to cook for dinner that everyone will actually eat.
What works for me is not a rigid plan for seven days of the week. Life happens. Sometimes we come home later than expected, sometimes we fancy heading out, and sometimes nothing sounds better than a cheese toastie eaten in front of the telly. So instead, I plan just four or five meals each week. That way, there’s structure without pressure, and enough flexibility to deal with reality.
My Theme Nights
To keep ideas flowing (and stop me from cooking the same three dinners on repeat), I use themes as a starting point:
- Meat-Free Monday – veggie pastas, lentil curries, or roasted veg trays.
- Try It Tuesday – a new recipe from Pinterest or a tweak on an old one.
- Round the World Wednesday – anything with global flavours, from tacos to stir fry.
- Thrifty Thursday – budget-friendly meals, often using up leftovers.
- Friday Favourite – the reliable dishes we all love, usually something comforting.
- Whatever Weekends – flexible and often spontaneous.
This simple rotation means I am not reinventing the wheel each week, but there is enough variety to stop us falling into a rut.
A Few Favourites
I will link a few of my go-to recipes from Pinterest here:
https://gusscooks.com/the-best-lebanese-tabbouleh/
https://www.munchkintime.com/grilled-chicken-shawarma-recipe/
https://themodernnonna.com/greek-chicken-gyros/
https://littleferrarokitchen.com/moqueca-brazilian-fish-stew/
https://www.slimmingeats.com/blog/tuna-pasta-bake
https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/one-pot-vegetarian-chilli-mac/
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/courgette-curry
https://simply-delicious-food.com/baked-gnocchi-with-bacon-tomato-and-mozzarella/
https://www.seasonsandsuppers.ca/pork-chops-with-peppercorn-sauce/
https://www.foodiewithfamily.com/peposo/
https://www.dontgobaconmyheart.co.uk/cheesy-ground-beef-quesadillas/
The Point
Meal planning should make life easier, not harder. A little structure helps me eat better, save money, and reduce the stress of that 6pm fridge stare. But it works because I keep it realistic. Four or five planned meals, themes to guide me, and permission to say “cheese toastie it is” when the day has been too much.
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