The Plan to Eat Podcast

We're back! In this episode, we recap our summer meal planning, what shifted for each of us, and how we're resetting our approach heading into Fall. We make a case for doing a pantry clean-out now, why Fall is actually a smart time to stock up on holiday baking staples, and how to use what you already have to stretch your grocery budget a little further this season.

We also geek out a little over our favorite planning tools, from paper planners to sticky notes, before wrapping up with a rundown of everything new in the Plan...

This is a replay episode, and with grocery prices where they are right now, we thought it deserved another listen.

In this episode, we share what our meal plans looked like during a week of strict budgeting, and walk through all the ways we cut costs without sacrificing good food. 

We talk about shopping your freezer and pantry before you make a list, carrying one ingredient across multiple meals, keeping your recipe list simple, and going into the store with a focused mindset.

If you've been feeling the pinch at the grocery store l...

This is a replay of one of our favorite episodes! Even though we're heading toward the end of summer, there is still so much fresh produce available and plenty of reason to give this one a listen.

We walk through everything that's in season during the summer, talk about farmers' markets and CSAs, and why they're worth exploring. We get into how to pick a good melon, which vegetables you can regrow right on your counter, and do a mini deep dive on eggplant and cherries that includes some facts we think will genuinely surprise you. 

This week we're talking about building a meal system, which goes beyond the weekly task of picking recipes and making a grocery list. A meal plan is the action. A meal system is the infrastructure behind it, and having one makes everything work so much better.

We walk through all the pieces that make up a meal planning system:

The goal is to help you figure out what your system can look like based on your real life. We hope you enjoy!<...

This week we're talking about planner personalities! After years of talking to Plan to Eat customers, answering dinner dilemmas, and reading your emails, we've noticed some pretty distinct patterns in how people approach their planning. We put together five meal planning personality types, and we think you're going to recognize yourself in at least one of them.

We walk through each type, the pros and cons, and make the case that most of us are actually some combination depending on the season of life we're in.
If you think there's a meal planning type we missed...

This week we're trying something a little different! We each picked a topic to deep dive into without telling the other person what it was, and we're sharing what we learned live on the podcast. 

Riley kicks things off with a deep dive on food cravings. What they actually mean and what your body might be trying to tell you. We talk through what common cravings like sugar, salt, carbs, red meat, and dairy could signal about your nutrient levels, and why kids might actually be the best at listening to their bodies.

Then Roni t...

Sometimes, the meal plan doesn't make it to the end of the week, but in this episode, we're getting into the reasons why and what you can do about it so your whole week doesn't go off the rails.

We walk through six of the most common reasons meal plans fail, from not planning at all to planning so rigidly that there's no room to breathe when life gets in the way. We talk about why looking at your schedule matters so much, how to include your family in the process, and why somebody else's meal plan...

This week, we're talking about one of our favorite parts of summer, getting together with people over food. In this episode, we're getting into all things potlucks and group gatherings, from the nostalgia of food to the practical side of actually hosting a group meal. 

We talk through what makes a potluck successful, what dishes hold up well (and which ones you might want to reconsider), how to handle dietary needs for your guests, and why a themed potluck might be the best idea you haven't tried yet! We also get into the stressful parts of hosting, a...

This week, we're talking about the full lifecycle of food in our homes, from the moment it's planned all the way to the moment it's eaten (or thrown away). 

We talk through the most common breakdown points in the planning, cooking, and shopping, and why every ingredient needs a clear purpose. We also cover how to shop your fridge and pantry before you head to the store, how to build flexibility into your meal plan, and what it looks like to treat your leftovers with the same intention as a planned meal. Enjoy!

Sign up f...

In this episode, we’re talking about the pros and cons of weekend meal prep vs. weeknight cooking. We’re breaking down the different ways people make dinner work for their schedules, energy levels, and preferences. We talk about food fatigue, leftovers, decision fatigue, unpredictable schedules, and why there’s no “right” way to meal plan. Whether you love prepping meals on Sunday, prefer cooking fresh every night, or fall somewhere in between, this episode will help you figure out which approach best fits your real life! Enjoy!

Sign up for a free trial + get 20% off your first annu...

This week, we’re breaking down how to actually get dinner on the table in 30 minutes. We talk about quick recipes, but also systems we use that make weeknight cooking faster and less stressful. We discuss what slows dinner down, common mistakes, and how to simplify your approach. From using convenience ingredients to prepping ahead and building a go-to list of fast meals, this episode will help you think about how you approach meal planning and cooking so it works for your busy life.

Connect with our 30-minute recipes from the link below!

Sign up fo...

This week, we’re diving into why meal planning is so easy to procrastinate, even when we know it makes life easier. From busy schedules and mental load to perfectionism, habits, and not knowing where to start, we break down the real reasons meal planning gets pushed off. 

We also share practical ways to get unstuck, including starting small, lowering expectations, using templates, and building a system that actually works for your life. If meal planning has been sitting on your weekly to-do list longer than you’d like, this episode will help you move forward with less...

This week, Hannah Van Ark joins the show again to talk about family meal planning and creating systems that make feeding your family easier. After becoming a mom, Hannah realized that most families don’t need more nutrition knowledge; they need practical systems that reduce stress and get balanced meals on the table. 

We discuss flexible meal planning, how to serve one family meal without being a short-order cook, navigating picky eating, and creating calm at dinnertime. Hannah also shares her five components of a balanced meal and practical ways to adapt meals for kids while still mee...

This week, we’re talking about why meal planning can feel more exhausting than other household chores. Tasks like vacuuming or folding laundry can usually wait, but feeding yourself or your family happens every single day, multiple times a day!

From deciding what to cook, grocery shopping, managing preferences, and actually making the meal, the mental load adds up quickly. We explore the invisible work behind feeding a household, why thinking about food can feel so relentless, and how the emotional and mental weight of meal planning makes it different from other chores.

Sign up fo...

When life is busy, mental bandwidth to decide what's for dinner disappears. It's easy to get stuck in a rut and feel completely uninspired to meal plan. Even strong planners have periods where ideas dry up, and planning feels like a chore. 

In this episode, we're combating a lack of creativity and recipe ideas with so many great tips to help you create this week's meal plan. From finding new recipes online, to phoning a trusted friend, to capsule meal planning. We hope you feel inspired and ready to start planning at the end of this episode! E...

This week, we're tackling food waste! Leftovers pile up, ingredients get pushed to the back of the fridge, and before long, our precious kitchen inventory goes to waste! Riley and Roni discuss practical strategies for reducing food waste and using up what you already have at home. We will teach you our favorite meal planning strategies to actually use the food you're buying and stop wasting it!

Sign up for a free trial + get 20% off your first annual subscription: plantoeat.com/PTEPOD

Contact us: podcast@plantoeat.com

Connect with Plan to Eat online:<...

From answering your dinner dilemmas in 2025, we learned that many families juggle multiple dietary needs: picky kids, allergies, macros, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, low-sodium, etc. And creating meals that satisfy everyone feels exhausting!

This week, we're spending the entire episode tackling the problem of managing multiple diets and dietary needs in one house. Our goal is to help you avoid being a short-order chef in your house and reduce the burden of cooking for everyone's needs and preferences. We hope you get a lot from this episode! 

Sign up for a free trial + get 20% off your f...

This week, we're helping you handle crazy schedules and a lack of time to plan and cook. Evenings get packed with kids’ activities, meetings, and errands. Schedules can change at the last minute, making it hard to cook consistently, prep ahead, or stick to a plan. If you find you're often getting takeout, skipping meals, or wasting groceries, this episode is for you!

Let's dive into some tactics to help you save time, get people fed, and stick to your meal plan. Enjoy!

Sign up for a free trial + get 20% off your first annual subscription: pl...

Many people want to plan and cook but feel too tired, overwhelmed, or depressed by the end of the day to follow through. And even well-made plans fall apart when energy runs out. In this episode, we're discussing how to combat low energy and motivation, so you can still feed your family!

We talk about how to actually cultivate motivation, why systems help reduce your lack of energy, and give you practical tips for creating meal plans. And, as always, we're here to remind you that meal planning is a favor to your future self! The energy...

We're kicking off the New Year with some questions about meal planning and the podcast! We asked AI to ask us questions about meal planning from our experience of hosting the Plan to Eat Podcast. 

Over the past 120+ episodes, we've reviewed books, had dozens of world-class guests, and shared so many tips and tricks about meal planning. In this first episode of 2026, we're reflecting on what we've learned, how it's changed us, and what advice we have for meal planners. 

This is a unique episode format for us, and we hope you enjoy!

Si...

Surprise! This week, we're giving you a bonus episode to finish up the final handful of dinner dilemmas. In this episode, we tackle dilemmas about juggling multiple eating preferences in one household, budgeting constraints, and preparing unique side dishes. 

Thank you for making us your trusted friends in meal planning and sending your questions, frustrations, and dilemmas! 

Happy New Year!

Sign up for a free trial + get 20% off your first annual subscription: plantoeat.com/PTEPOD

Contact us: podcast@plantoeat.com

Connect with Plan to Eat online:
Instagram
Fa...

We are finishing 2025 with lots of recipe inspiration! As we transition into Winter and a New Year, we are encouraging you to add some new recipes to your meal plans. Break out of those ruts and start 2026 with some fresh ideas for your planning. 

Thanks for listening in 2025 and Happy New Year!

Sign up for a free trial + get 20% off your first annual subscription: plantoeat.com/PTEPOD

Contact us: podcast@plantoeat.com

Connect with Plan to Eat online:
Instagram
Facebook
Pinterest

The holidays are coming, and your kitchen is about to get a whole lot more crowded. Let's make space now before the chaos begins!

Between holiday meal prep, leftovers, cookie exchanges, and the inevitable influx of food, your kitchen can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we're walking you through some kitchen declutter tips that will save you stress, money, and precious counter space.

Decluttering now means you'll start January with a clean slate instead of inheriting last year's mess. 

Sign up for a free trial + get 20% off your first annual subscription: plantoeat.com/P...

Think you don't need a meal plan? Or winging it is easier? We're busting the biggest meal planning myths today, and you might be surprised at what you've been believing.

In this episode, we're tackling the misconceptions that keep people from experiencing the true benefits of meal planning. From "it's only for organized people" to "my handwritten list is working just fine" (spoiler: it's not), we're setting the record straight. If you've been resisting meal planning because of any of these myths, this episode will change your mind. 

Plus, we're answering more dinner dilemmas, including h...

This week, we're diving into dinner dilemmas that hit close to home because even meal planning pros get stuck in ruts!

Ever meal plan for "fantasy you" only to realize real you has karate, dance class, and zero energy? We've all been there. In this episode, we're tackling picky eaters and food sensitivities, breaking free from the same-five-recipes cycle, and making meal planning work with tiny kitchens and limited storage.

Plus, we share our go-to hacks for when nothing sounds good.

You'll walk away with practical strategies to keep dinner interesting without spending...

This is the final episode in our Meal Plan Like a Pro Series, and today we're helping you go beyond the basics with advanced meal planning techniques.

When you are an advanced meal planner, you're able to adapt and make changes on the fly without getting flustered. You become a meal planning strategist. In this episode, we discuss three strategies that advanced planners can use to get the most out of their meal plans. Plus, we break down how you can make these strategies possible with Plan to Eat!

Find Amylee's interview mentioned in this...

We're going back to the basics! In this episode, we're helping overwhelmed listeners get started meal planning and feel successful quickly. Our three themes for today's episode are Foundation, Adjustment, and Personalization. Build the foundation of creating a meal planning habit, learn and adjust future plans, and start to personalize your planning to your life and personality. 

We're here to guide you and encourage you to just get started and let the pieces fall into place as you gain more confidence. Enjoy!

Read about some possible meal planning frameworks that could work for you!

This week, in our Meal Plan Like a Pro series, we're helping you build a repeatable system you can rely on. The best part about having a meal planning system is that it takes the decisions out of planning! 

In this episode, we discuss creating meal planning templates for easy drag-and-drop planning, "capsule" meal planning (and what it means), and how to plan around what you already have at home. These systems are going to help you save money, waste less food, and take a lot of brain drain out of meal planning!

Learn more a...

Welcome back to Meal Planning Like a Pro! Today, we are covering a few more "advanced" meal planning strategies to help you streamline grocery shopping and reduce decision fatigue.

In this episode, we talk a lot about meal planning for a longer stretch of time and then only grocery shopping once to save time and energy. We also cover coordinating your recipes to save money and adapting your plan for sales or seasonal ingredients.

If you’re working on building your meal planning habit this month, you’re not alone. Find us on Instagram, where we’r...

Welcome to our new Meal Plan Like a Pro Series! Whether you’re brand new to meal planning or a seasoned pro, we’re going to help you become a better planner and take a deep dive into meal planning in the next several episodes. Today, the topic is sticking to your plan!

In our recent listener survey, staying consistent with planning came up as one of the biggest challenges, so we're here to help you tackle it. 

In this episode, we cover: 

- Why your plan might be failing (and how to fix it...

In this episode, we share a mix of surprising facts and practical grocery tips from the final chapters of Grocery Shopping Secrets. 

We dive into the seafood section! Learn how to pick the freshest fish and the difference between wild-caught and farm-raised salmon. We also explore the deli counter, which isn't just about deli meat! Carol Ann provides a great breakdown of how to create your own veggie and fruit trays, plus extensive info on how to self-cater a party!

Don't miss our final episode of this book club breakdown!

Find the Lasagna R...

In this episode, Roni and Riley dig into the meat chapters of Grocery Shopping Secrets by Carol Ann Kates, from choosing the best cuts to making your dollars stretch further at the store. We talk about how meat is labeled, how to select the best cuts, and why the freezer is your best friend when it comes to reducing waste.

You don’t have to buy the most expensive cut to cook a great meal. With a little knowledge and smart planning, you can make a delicious meal, reduce waste, and save money at the store!

...

In this special episode, Roni and Riley sit down with Carol Ann Kates, award-winning author, former grocer, and expert in all things food and shopping. Carol Ann shares her story of growing up in her family’s grocery store, co-owning a chain of markets in Northern Colorado, and turning decades of experience into practical tools for home cooks.

You’ll hear about the real-life challenges of running a family business, her favorite childhood memories at the store, and what inspired her to write Grocery Shopping Secrets.

This conversation is full of heartfelt stories, practical wisdom, and...

In this episode, we continue our book club breakdown of Grocery Shopping Secrets by Carol Ann Kates, focusing on the chapters about dairy and eggs. From how to properly freeze milk and cream to understanding egg labels at the grocery store, this chapter is full of useful, often surprising, information.

We discuss why some butters have more flavor and how gelato compares to ice cream. We also cover how dairy fat content affects taste and texture, and share practical tips for storing both dairy and eggs to preserve freshness and quality.

If you want to...

This is a special bonus episode with answers to your Dinner Dilemmas! Check out this episode for answers to questions about getting started with the paleo diet, having different preferences than your spouse, cooking with busy after-work schedules, budgeting, and more!

Links & Resources:

If you’re enjoying the podcast, the best way to support us is to share it with a friend or fami...

We're continuing our Book Club Breakdown of Grocery Shopping Secrets by Carol Ann Kates. This week we're diving into the sections on selecting fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs/spices at the grocery store!

These chapters have SO much information about produce including fun tidbits, how to select the best produce, how to store it to keep it fresh longest, and seasonal availability. There are tips for how to freeze and preserve produce as well with exact instructions, so you'll never question what to do!
 

Featured Recipes:

Riley's Tuscan Chicken
R...

We’re kicking off a brand new Book Club Breakdown with Grocery Shopping Secrets by Carol Ann Kates!

In this first episode of our multi-part series, we’re delving into the early chapters, discussing grocery budgets, pantry clean-outs, sneaky food labels, and how a well-planned shopping trip can save you money!

We share what we learned, what surprised us, and the simple ways you can save money without overhauling your life. Let's learn how to spend less and shop smarter!

The book: Grocery Shopping Secrets by Carol Ann Kates

Follow along on I...

It's almost Summer and we're tackling vacation meal planning in this episode!

Vacations are for slowing down and making memories, not stressing about what’s for dinner. In this episode, we’re talking about how to meal plan - before, during, and after your trip - to keep things simple and stress-free.

Whether you're road-tripping with snacks in the cooler or coming home to an already-planned grocery list, a little planning goes a long way! Enjoy!

Our new book club pick!

Want to ask us your Dinner Dile...

In this episode, we dive into a seasonal favorite: spring cleaning! But instead of tackling closets and garages, we're talking about cleaning out your fridge, freezer, pantry, and even your Plan to Eat recipe book to freshen up your meal-planning routine.

Plus, we answer multiple Dinner Dilemmas! This week covers:

It’s the final episode in our Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat breakdown. This week is all about Heat - the element of transformation. Whether you’re roasting, simmering, searing, or baking this chapter details the nuances of it all!

We explore how heat affects ingredients, including their flavor and texture, and how to gain confidence in applying heat for the best results. As with all the elements, the way to get the best result is to know what you're after. Do you want food that's crisp, tender, chewy, or soft? Heat is the key to developing any of t...