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April 9, 2011 by: Shell

E-Mealz.com Meal Planning Review and Giveaway

With three little boys who already eat like they are teenagers, I really have to meal plan: trying to stretch our grocery budget and come up with meals that they would like. There’s no such thing as just going to the grocery store and grabbing some things for dinner.

But, it was a long process for me: looking for recipes I wanted to make that week, then writing out a grocery list, then crossing off items after I checked my pantry, then rewriting the list according to how items are grouped together in the store to make my shopping trip a little faster.

It worked for us, but it was very time-consuming. I kept thinking I should try a meal-planning service, but I never got around to it.  But, then, I was asked by E-mealz.com to try their meal-planning service.  My verdict:

Make Time For Family - E-Mealz Blog

E-Mealz has over 20 meal plans to choose from for families ranging in size from 2-6.  There are low-carb, low fat, point system, vegetarian, and G-free meal plans, as well as being able to choose from menus based on different grocery stores.

We tried the Walmart Family Plan first.  The grocery list was all ready for me, with notes as to what meals each item was for.  I did shop my pantry first to see if there was anything that I could cross off.  The list was organized by sections of the store and gave the prices, with a total, so that I knew how much I should plan to spend for these seven meals.

According to the shopping list, my total should have been $74.88 and I spent $82.93.  I think I substituted a few brand-new items instead of using a generic recommended.  But, less than $83 for seven meals was still a great deal.  Plus, we had plenty of leftovers, so this actually stretched into more like 12 meals for us.

As for the recipes themselves, they were very easy to make: the directions for all 7 meals fit on one printed page(some weeks’ plans take a page and a half). I hung the plans on my fridge for easy reference.

It was so nice not to worry about what was for dinner or if I had everything that I needed.  I also tried the vegetarian menu, as we like to have a few meatless meals each week.  The low-carb menu has a mix of these choices, too.

I wish I hadn’t waited so long to try a meal planning service- E-Mealz really did make this process so easy!

GIVEAWAY: One of you will win a 3 month subscription to E-mealz!  Giveaway will close on 4/16 at 9pm ET and winner will be notified via email. If your email is not visible in your profile, you must leave it with your entries. Giveaway winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected.

FIRST ENTRY: Visit E-Mealz and leave a comment telling me what meal plan you would like to try.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES: Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

*Visit the E-Mealz blog and tell me one thing you learned.

*Follow @emealz on twitter and leave your username

*Like E-Mealz on facebook and leave your username

*Follow Things I Can’t Say (one entry total, but may be GFC, facebook, or twitter)

I was given the opportunity to try E-mealz in exchange for my honest opinion.

This giveaway is now closed. The winner is #29 VandyJ.

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Comments

  1. Natalie says

    April 9, 2011 at 11:59 am

    I'm not even waiting to see if I win! I'm gonna subscribe today and try it out – this is exactly what I need!

  2. Carri says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:08 pm

    This is awesome! Also exactly what I need. I learned that his son just turned 15. πŸ™‚

  3. Carri says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:08 pm

    Following emealz. @carribrown

  4. Mama Marchand says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:08 pm

    This is awesome! πŸ™‚ I'd get the Regular Family Meal Plan for 4-6 people for any store … sadly, we don't have a super Wal-Mart near us anymore.

  5. Carri says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:09 pm

    Following your blog via RSS. πŸ™‚

  6. Mama Marchand says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:09 pm

    I learned that Jon Acuff uses this plan … I love him!!! His book is HILARIOUS.

  7. Mama Marchand says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:10 pm

    I follow them on twitter (@mamamarchand).

  8. Mama Marchand says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:10 pm

    I follow you!

  9. Mama Marchand says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:10 pm

    I like them on FB! (Tricia Marchand)

  10. Kate says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:32 pm

    I would def try the Walmart plan cuz we don't have the other stores here in Maine.

  11. Paula @ Simply Sandwich says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:35 pm

    Hi Shell! So glad to see this as I have heard about EZ Meals and wondered what it was really like. I would pick the Ralphs CA Regular Family Plan.

    I already follow you on FB and Twitter so I am on my way to the other sites!

    Thanks for the info! Have a great weekend! πŸ™‚

  12. danielle says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:35 pm

    I'd like to try the Aldi meal plan for 2

  13. Charlotte says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:35 pm

    Wow! This is amazing!! I have always wanted something like this. I would totally try the VEGETARIAN Any Store Family Plan.

  14. Charlotte says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    I also now follow emealz on Twitter (@MyPixieBlog)

  15. Kate says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    From the blog, I learned β€œBetter the dull knife you know than the sharp knife you don’t.” Genius! lol

  16. Kate says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    I subscribe/follow via GFC

  17. Paula @ Simply Sandwich says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:41 pm

    Following emeals @simplyasandwich

  18. Paula @ Simply Sandwich says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:45 pm

    Following emeals on FB: Simply Sandwich

  19. Renegades says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    I'd like to try the Walmart plan.

  20. Renegades says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    I already follow you.

  21. Renegades says

    April 9, 2011 at 12:54 pm

    They tell where to locate coupons on the blog.

  22. Steff says

    April 9, 2011 at 1:20 pm

    I'd use the GF Any Store meal plan!

  23. Steff says

    April 9, 2011 at 1:21 pm

    I 'like' E-Mealz' on FB.

  24. Steff says

    April 9, 2011 at 1:21 pm

    I follow you!

  25. Steff says

    April 9, 2011 at 1:22 pm

    One thing I learned is that there is a GF option! I know you said it in your post, but it was cool to see that option. Think like that rarely happen!

  26. VandyJ says

    April 9, 2011 at 1:37 pm

    I like the Walmart meal plan.

  27. VandyJ says

    April 9, 2011 at 1:41 pm

    I learned that you can pick and choose the meal plan you want to use.

  28. VandyJ says

    April 9, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    I "liked" E-meals on face book. As Vandy Jones.

  29. VandyJ says

    April 9, 2011 at 1:43 pm

    I already follow you.

  30. Bethany@ImperfectMom says

    April 9, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    I've hears great things about E-Mealz-I think it's just what I need to get organized. I would try the Family Plan for four at Kroger, or a Low Fat plan.

  31. NANCY says

    April 9, 2011 at 3:38 pm

    What a brilliant idea! I would love to use it for Walmart. I'm always struggling with ideas for dinner and new recipes are always a big help!

  32. Evonne says

    April 9, 2011 at 4:08 pm

    This is awesome! I really need to make more of an effort to meal plan.

    I would choose the Any Store plan, but the vegetarian list is a close second.

  33. Evonne says

    April 9, 2011 at 4:09 pm

    I follow you

  34. Dysfunctional Mom says

    April 9, 2011 at 5:47 pm

    My pastor was just telling me that he & his family us E-mealz and he highly recommends it!
    I would like to try the Publix meal plan.

  35. Dysfunctional Mom says

    April 9, 2011 at 5:49 pm

    Following on Twitter @dsfunctionalmom.

  36. Dysfunctional Mom says

    April 9, 2011 at 5:54 pm

    I visited the blog and learned how to fix errors when printing coupons! WOOT!

  37. Dysfunctional Mom says

    April 9, 2011 at 5:54 pm

    I liked E-Mealz on FB, DysFUNctionalMom.

  38. Dysfunctional Mom says

    April 9, 2011 at 5:55 pm

    I already follow you everywhere =)

  39. Sorta Southern Single Mom says

    April 9, 2011 at 6:48 pm

    Holy Cow Shell! I'm so jealous! As a single working mom, I'd LOVE to review this for myself! This is right up my alley! Maybe I'll win.

    I'd probably choose between the Low-Fat or the Low Carb Any Store plans. I liked the selection on the Low carb better.

  40. Sorta Southern Single Mom says

    April 9, 2011 at 6:49 pm

    I follow you on GFC and facebook!

  41. Sorta Southern Single Mom says

    April 9, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    I "Liked" E-Mealz on facebook: L. Thomas

  42. Sorta Southern Single Mom says

    April 9, 2011 at 6:53 pm

    I learned that Dave Ramsey (I'm an FPU graduate) endorses E-Mealz!

  43. Making It Work Mom says

    April 9, 2011 at 10:13 pm

    I follow you on GFC and Facebook

  44. Making It Work Mom says

    April 9, 2011 at 10:14 pm

    I would probably do the Lo-fat family plan for either Wal-mart or any store

  45. Making It Work Mom says

    April 9, 2011 at 10:15 pm

    following E-Mealz on twitter
    @makingitworkmom

  46. Helene says

    April 9, 2011 at 11:23 pm

    Is this for real??? This is SOOO what I need! I'd probably choose the Portion Control Family Meal Option.

  47. Helene says

    April 9, 2011 at 11:24 pm

    I'm already a follower of your blog!

  48. Helene says

    April 9, 2011 at 11:24 pm

    I liked them on FB (Helene Paul Gaither)

  49. Helene says

    April 9, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    Following them on Twitter (helene1108)

  50. Reagan says

    April 10, 2011 at 1:17 am

    I would subscribe to the regular family plan (4-6 people) for Kroger grocery stores.

  51. Reagan says

    April 10, 2011 at 1:18 am

    I follow you on GFC and facebook!

  52. Reagan says

    April 10, 2011 at 1:20 am

    I went to the blog and learned that I have a similar story about the candybars in the checkout lane. My mom always said no. And now that I'm a mom, I say NO too!

  53. Elizabeth R., EA says

    April 10, 2011 at 3:33 am

    This is what I've been looking for! I would go with the vegetarian option since I'm vegetarian and I can always throw some meat in for the hubby.

  54. Elizabeth R., EA says

    April 10, 2011 at 3:34 am

    I follow you on Twitter. (@Eligabiff)

  55. Elizabeth R., EA says

    April 10, 2011 at 3:36 am

    I follow emealz on twitter. (@Eligabiff)

  56. Elizabeth R., EA says

    April 10, 2011 at 3:40 am

    I visited the blog and it's nice to read about family dinner and why it's important. Also the take or leave it dinner approach.

  57. Elizabeth R., EA says

    April 10, 2011 at 3:41 am

    I followed EMealz on Facebook. Username Elizabeth Ruh.

  58. Erinsgobragh says

    April 10, 2011 at 8:35 am

    The Walmaart plan for two please.

  59. Erinsgobragh says

    April 10, 2011 at 8:35 am

    I liked E-mealz on FB

  60. Pat R says

    April 10, 2011 at 9:59 am

    I'd like the low-carb Walmart plan.

    psrrn@aol.com

  61. Anonymous says

    April 10, 2011 at 11:52 am

    lo fat is for me.

  62. Sara @ Domestically Challenged says

    April 10, 2011 at 9:42 pm

    Oh my, this may actually cure my Domestic Challengedness! I love the family plan.

  63. Stephanie in Suburbia says

    April 10, 2011 at 10:36 pm

    I follow your blog and your Twitter!

  64. Stephanie in Suburbia says

    April 10, 2011 at 10:37 pm

    I really liked the idea of the low-fat any store plan. We don't have a Super Wal-Mart near here either.

  65. Stephanie in Suburbia says

    April 10, 2011 at 10:38 pm

    I read the blog and I think the most interesting articles were on sugar. Specifically I learned how much sugar really mirrors drugs. Kind of scary, actually! I'm very prone to Diabetes because of family history and it's something I try to be very aware of.

  66. tatertot374 says

    April 11, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    I like the KROGER Family Meal Plan ($15.00)
    thank you
    tatertot374@sbcglobal.net

  67. Heather says

    April 11, 2011 at 3:59 pm

    i want to get the kroger 2 person plan!

    heather_lovering@yahoo.com

  68. Heather says

    April 11, 2011 at 3:59 pm

    i'm following you now on GFC!

    heather_lovering@yahoo.com

  69. Heather says

    April 11, 2011 at 4:00 pm

    i'm following @emealz on twitter (@heatherlovering)

    heather_lovering@yahoo.com

  70. Heather says

    April 11, 2011 at 4:00 pm

    i liked e-mealz on facebook πŸ™‚ heather terrell

    heather_lovering@yahoo.com

  71. Heather says

    April 11, 2011 at 4:01 pm

    i visited the e-mealz blog and learned that they post coupon deals on there as well!

    heather_lovering@yahoo.com

  72. Trinity! says

    April 11, 2011 at 4:23 pm

    What a fantastic website! I can't wait to try this out!
    –Trinity
    trinity.white@att.net

  73. Trinity! says

    April 11, 2011 at 4:23 pm

    The owners are sisters who credit their success to their mother!
    -Trinity
    trinity.white@att.net

  74. Trinity! says

    April 11, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    Following on twitter. User name TimelessWorks
    -Trinity
    trinity.white@att.net

  75. Trinity! says

    April 11, 2011 at 4:28 pm

    I already follow your blog on twitter! User name, TimelessWorks
    -Trinity
    trinity.white@att.net

  76. Kristin says

    April 11, 2011 at 10:36 pm

    I would try the portion control plan.

  77. Kristin says

    April 11, 2011 at 10:36 pm

    I learned that Dave Ramsey endorses them. I love him!

  78. Kristin says

    April 11, 2011 at 10:37 pm

    I followed emealz on twitter @Kristin_OPC

  79. Kristin says

    April 11, 2011 at 10:37 pm

    I follow you everywhere! πŸ˜‰

  80. Jayme says

    April 12, 2011 at 3:42 am

    Oh I'd love this- I have never planned meals out in advance, and I'd love to stop spending so much at the store and getting stuff the day I'm cooking!

    I'd probably go with the walmart one as well.

    I'm curious, do you get to pick the meals? There are lots of things we don't eat.

  81. Adrienne says

    April 12, 2011 at 7:43 am

    I have tried E-mealz before, and really liked it. I stopped doing it b/c I was paying for it, but a FREE subscritpion would be awesome! I would definitley go with the Publix meals. I heart publix!

  82. Adrienne says

    April 12, 2011 at 7:43 am

    I follow you on GFC.

  83. Di says

    April 12, 2011 at 11:36 am

    Oh – Publix for sure. I try to avoid Walmart if at all possible. I may do this anyway though just to make life easier on us!

  84. Di says

    April 12, 2011 at 11:37 am

    I visited the blog and learned their daughter is getting married. Then I started reminiscing about my wedding since my anniversary is creeping up!

  85. Di says

    April 12, 2011 at 11:38 am

    Following emealz on twitter as littlebitlife

  86. Di says

    April 12, 2011 at 11:38 am

    Liked on fb as Diana Oliver

  87. Di says

    April 12, 2011 at 11:38 am

    I stalk you on every forum you have given me access to! πŸ™‚

  88. TheCuttingEtch says

    April 12, 2011 at 1:16 pm

    Id like to try the low fat plan for 2
    TheCuttingEtch1 at yahoo dot com

  89. TheCuttingEtch says

    April 12, 2011 at 1:16 pm

    follow on twitter @thecuttingetch
    TheCuttingEtch1 at yahoo dot com

  90. TheCuttingEtch says

    April 12, 2011 at 1:17 pm

    follow emealz on twitter @thecuttingetch
    TheCuttingEtch1 at yahoo dot com

  91. Babes Mami says

    April 12, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    I know you mentioned walmart but that would be the one I would use, maybe the publix but I shop mainly at bilo and walmart for prices/coupon policies/deals.
    smartinez03 at live dot com

    *ps I really hope I win, it takes me so long to meal plan and budget out our lists!*

  92. Babes Mami says

    April 12, 2011 at 4:38 pm

    I learned she has three daughters!

  93. Babes Mami says

    April 12, 2011 at 4:39 pm

    following ez meals on twitter as babesrockinmami

  94. Babes Mami says

    April 12, 2011 at 4:39 pm

    liked ez meals on facebook, gotta keep track of them now!
    smartinez03 at live dot com

  95. Babes Mami says

    April 12, 2011 at 4:39 pm

    I follow you everywhere!

  96. Elena says

    April 12, 2011 at 10:14 pm

    I can't believe you got 7 meals for that price! Amazing! What a great service. I would totally do that any store plan. I'm going to look into this some more.

  97. We 2 Bees says

    April 13, 2011 at 11:15 am

    AWESOME! I have been looking for something just like this!
    I'm going to do the Walmart family plan.

  98. We 2 Bees says

    April 13, 2011 at 11:18 am

    I learned that most stores will let you use 2 coupons. Had no idea!

  99. Crystal says

    April 15, 2011 at 6:04 am

    i would like to try the Vegetarian Meal Plan

    cyclona66 at aol dot com

  100. speck135les says

    April 15, 2011 at 8:58 am

    i get your email at speck135les at yahoo, lowfat walmart family plan im also a facebook fan

  101. weta1972 says

    April 15, 2011 at 11:37 am

    Would choose vacation menu for twelve

  102. weta1972 says

    April 15, 2011 at 11:37 am

    GFC follower weta1972@yahoo.com

  103. Gretchen Magruder says

    April 16, 2011 at 10:22 am

    Oooh, I'm interested in the Aldi plan…their limited selection helps keep me from impulse-buying!

  104. Gretchen Magruder says

    April 16, 2011 at 10:22 am

    I follow emealz on twitter: @gretchengrude

  105. Wendy says

    April 16, 2011 at 10:31 am

    I also follow you and ezmealz on Twitter.@wyndall93

  106. Betty C says

    April 16, 2011 at 8:01 pm

    I'd like to try the Portion Control Meal Plan: Wal-Mart.

    willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

  107. Betty C says

    April 16, 2011 at 8:04 pm

    I learned the Acuff family recommends using the "2 minute warning" so everyone gets to the table on time.

  108. Betty C says

    April 16, 2011 at 8:07 pm

    I follow @emealz on twitter as willitara.

  109. Betty C says

    April 16, 2011 at 8:07 pm

    I like E-Mealz on facebook (Betty Curran)

  110. Betty C says

    April 16, 2011 at 8:08 pm

    I follow you with GFC.

  111. purango says

    April 16, 2011 at 8:40 pm

    I would like to try the Any Store Family Meal Plan. garrettsambo@aol.com

  112. MarielDumas says

    April 16, 2011 at 8:43 pm

    I would try the aldi meal plan

Welcome to Things I Can't Say: Tips and Tales from an Introverted Mom. I'm Shell. Boy mom, beach girl, bookworm, ball games, baker, brand ambassador, Thinking yoga, food, and travel should start with "b," too. Finding the easiest way to do some things while overthinking so many others. Read More…

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