Meal Planning Pocket Chart

tiffanytallent1981
Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 131 Posts

Meal Planning Pocket Chart - in use finished chart Like many people, I have struggled with my weight all of my life. The extra pounds didn't start affecting my overall health until the past couple of years. But I am a food addict. When I'm not eating, I'm thinking about my next meal. Food is comforting and I reach for it to celebrate and to feel better, which is ironic because it's slowly killing me!

I have tried different diets and they never last because I'm not motivated. I've watched shows and documentaries that show what will happen to me if I keep gaining weight. I've reached out to nutritionists and doctors for advice. And I've come to the realization that it's all up to me to change. Other people can give tips and tools, but I have to commit to using them. This is why I'm going to try weekly meal planning. And I'm going to use a huge classroom pocket chart in my kitchen to make it easier and fun to interact with.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks will all be accounted for. I will also leave a spot for one cheat meal and dessert each week. I hope this works and will be something I can stick to. I'm excited to attempt meal planning and I am ready to lose this weight!

Total Time: 2 hours

Yield: 1 Chart

Supplies:

1 pocket chart with at least 6-7 rows
1 or more Sharpie markers
scissors
laminator with sheets
alphabet stickers
56-62 small 3x5 colored index cards or a single color
dry erase markers
dry erase marker eraser or paper towel

Steps:

Hang the pocket chart first because you'll need easy access to test out how all the cards will fit. There will need to be room for eight going across. Place index cards on one row to see how much needs to be cut off of each. I wanted to leave a little space between each card and ended up cutting about 1.5 inches off of all of them.

Meal Planning Pocket Chart - hang chart and check fit the index cards, cut to fit

You'll need 55-60 index cards. I color coded mine by meals, but you could just use one color. Cut all index cards to be the same size. I did end up making my days of the week cards smaller because it looked better.

Meal Planning Pocket Chart - choose how you will use the colored cards, and cut to size

Use the stickers, the Sharpie, or both to write the days of the week on one card color. Then use another color to write meal names. I also used one color for my title and extras. Leave the other cards blank. Laminate all cards and cut them all back out.

Meal Planning Pocket Chart - label cards then laminate all of the cards

Place meal name cards, and days of the week in the chart. I put the meal names vertically and days of the week horizontally, to feel more like an actual calendar.

Meal Planning Pocket Chart - place days of the week and meal cards in the chart

Give each meal a different color card, like pink for snacks. Or once again, you could just use one color for everything. Use the dry erase marker to write your weekly meals on each blank card. Place meal cards in the chart, like I did for Sunday, aligning them with days and meals cards.

Optional: If you like to have a sweet bite or cheat meal, make a row for extras at the bottom of the chart. I am going to put Mountain Dews on my extra cards because that is my biggest craving. Once I go through my extra cards, I don't get anymore that week.

Meal Planning Pocket Chart - write meals with marker on blank cards

Once you have eaten a meal or snack, flip the card over so you know that food is done. You can see that my week starts on Thursday and I've turned all of those over.

At the end of the week, use the eraser or a paper towel to take off the marker. Then plan new meals for the new week! And make sure to test your markers before you fill out all the cards. I found that my black one smeared too easily.

Meal Planning Pocket Chart - turn cards over as you finish a meal

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colliepam
Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 157 Feedbacks

December 31, 20180 found this helpful

great idea!i wish you all the luck in the world!x

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tiffanytallent1981
Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 131 Posts

January 8, 20190 found this helpful

Thank you! I'm excited about it still, so hopefully I'll keep it up!

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ladypeterson61

December 29, 20190 found this helpful

Try savingdinner.com/sprint
I've lost 25 pounds on her program. It's free! There is a whole community to support you and she's been a nutritionist for 25 years!

She's even lost 100 pounds herself.

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juby

January 3, 20210 found this helpful

Love it! Please describe your chart with more detail (Brand name, etc) even where I can get one.

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Jess
Silver Post Medal for All Time! 267 Posts

January 4, 20210 found this helpful

If you look at the complete craft project, there are step by step instructions on how to create one yourself. This is entirely handmade so there is no brand or place to purchase one.

Good luck with your 2020 goals.

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