When you’re learning how to meal plan, figuring out how to make a meal plan for someone else can be extremely difficult. You need to know their schedule, preferences, and eating habits – plus their favorite foods.
If you’re struggling to help a client, patient, or someone else lose weight or eat healthier, or if you want to create a meal plan for someone who’s sick, elderly, or a new parent, these tips are perfect!

What to Expect:
- What is the concept of meal planning?
- How do I create a meal plan template?
- Next steps… meal planning for beginners
What is the Concept of Meal Planning?
Creating a meal plan is a great way to save money, reduce waste, and eat healthier.
Whether you’re trying to lose weight yourself or help a client, patient, or family member eat healthier, meal planning is the perfect solution.
Meal planning is simply creating a menu for one person or even an entire family. It’s the process of deciding what you will shop for, prepare, and eat for the next few days or weeks.
It is a very important part of healthy eating because it helps you to plan your food intake and avoid impulse eating.
The concept of meal planning may seem simple, but it can be difficult to stick to if you are not organized. Here are four tips for successful meal planning:
Successful meal planning is a key to healthy living. It can help you save time and money, and it can also help you lose weight.
- Plan Ahead: Planning your meals in advance will not only save money when you buy groceries, but also reduce the likelihood of impulse buying at the grocery store.
- Make a List: A list will help you stay organized and make sure that nothing gets forgotten.
- Shop Around: Shop at different grocery stores or farmer’s markets for the best prices on different items, or to find seasonal produce that is cheaper than usual.
- Stay Flexible: Be open to trying new recipes and ingredients!
Plan your meals around what’s in season: The produce that is in season is cheaper and tastes better than produce that isn’t in season.
Plan your meals around what’s on sale: Planning around what’s on sale will help you get the best deals and save money without sacrificing flavor or quality of food.
How Do I Create a Meal Plan Template?
A meal planning template can be a great way to create a meal plan for someone else. It also makes it much easier to organize your grocery list.
The first step is to make a list of all the meals for the week. If you’re creating a meal plan to lose weight, gain muscle, or for someone to eat healthier, create a list of healthy options that they can mix and match.
Next, create a column for each meal and write down the ingredients that are needed for each recipe. You can also add columns for any additional items like condiments or spices that may be needed. The last column should include how many people will eat that meal and how many servings it will make.
Download my free printable meal planner below:
Next Steps: Meal Planning for Beginners
If you’re new to meal planning, get the Organized Motherhood Kitchen Binder HERE. It includes The Ultimate Guide to Meal Planning, in addition to over 50 slow cooker and Instant Pot recipes for simple dinners.