Chapter 14Food & Cooking

How do I plan meals for the week?

Pick 3 dinners with overlapping ingredients, plan a 'leftovers night', one 'easy night' (pasta, eggs), one 'takeout budget' night. Write it on the fridge. Shop with the list once. Saves 3–5 hours a week and reduces food waste.

Follow-up questions

Meal kits worth it?

For learning to cook, yes. For ongoing use, more expensive per meal than shopping with a plan.

How much to spend on groceries?

USDA's 'thrifty plan' 2026: about $290/month per adult. Add 20–50% based on location and lifestyle.

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