In last week’s post focused on taking time to plan your weekly dinners. There is a tool that I have found invaluable for meal planning – a cookbook and recipe software package. These packages allow you to enter recipes, size them, put together a menu (either for a specific meal, party, or week), and . . . best of all. . .produce a grocery list. I have several weeks of menus in mine, so that if I’m short on time, I can pick a prior week’s menu, print out all the recipes and grocery list, and I’m set for the week. Talk about a time saver and stress reducer!

There are several packages on the market. I use MasterCook, but there are several packages on the market from which to choose. Here is a link to reviews of ten of them.

Yes, the software does take time to learn, setup, and get your recipes in (some come pre-loaded with recipes). But, once you are up an running, the software will save time, energy, and stress. Check them out and see if one will may work for you.

Planning weekly meals has always been difficult for me. I know I should and that I eat better when I do, but it is so easy not to. A few weeks ago I got a copy the new book 7-Day Menu Planner for Dummies by Susan Nicholson, RD, LD. In this book, Susan does a great job of explaining how to plan meals, how to plan for leftovers, planning “theme nights,” and getting the whole family involved in the menu planning. She also includes a whole year worth of dinner menus by week so even if you do not do the planning yourself, you have the menus and recipes. From there, you can put together your grocery list and off you go. Susan includes a lot of great information including about how she developed the years worth of weekly menus.

While reading Susan’s book, something dawned on me. I enjoy cooking. This is something that has developed over time – I did not used to like to cook. What I got from Susan’s book is that every meal does not have to be a perfect production. It has to be tasty, look good, and be nutritious. But, I don’t need to be spending a ton of time in the kitchen every night. What I need to get on the table is a protein, veggies, and a starch. . . and maybe a dessert or something sweet like fruit.

Realizing this has taken a lot of pressure off for weekly meal planning. Now that I know every meal doesn’t have to be perfect, it is a lot easier to take the time to plan. I can look through recipes in magazines (like Cooking Light) and online, find a new one to try and try it without the cooking-related performance anxiety of worrying about it not being perfect.

Since it is Friday, how about if you take some time over the weekend and plan a few meals for next week. If you need some help, take a look at Susan’s book.

Note: I received a complimentary evaluation copy of 7-Day Menu Planner for Dummies. However, my comments have not been tainted by this. I would still highly recommend this book even if I had purchased it.