What is the definition of "menu planning"?

Menu planning is the process of organizing meals ahead of time. The main course and sides are determined in advance, and menus can be planned for the week or month.

Menu planning can save money on grocery bills, since predetermined meals cut down on impulse spending at the supermarket. Planning meals ahead of time can also be a time saver, since the need to go the store for missing ingredients is eliminated. Depending on the type of menus that are planned, the meals can increase a family's consumption of fruits and vegetables. Coupons or sales flyers from grocery stores can serve as helpful aids for menu planning, since families can organize their meals around the items that are on sale for the week.