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Saturday, April 9, 2011

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.

Labels: ,

112 Comments:

Blogger Natalie said...

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!

April 9, 2011 at 11:59 AM  
Blogger Carri said...

This is awesome! Also exactly what I need. I learned that his son just turned 15. :)

April 9, 2011 at 12:08 PM  
Blogger Carri said...

Following emealz. @carribrown

April 9, 2011 at 12:08 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is awesome! :) 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.

April 9, 2011 at 12:08 PM  
Blogger Carri said...

Following your blog via RSS. :)

April 9, 2011 at 12:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

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

April 9, 2011 at 12:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I follow them on twitter (@mamamarchand).

April 9, 2011 at 12:10 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I follow you!

April 9, 2011 at 12:10 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I like them on FB! (Tricia Marchand)

April 9, 2011 at 12:10 PM  
Blogger Kate said...

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

April 9, 2011 at 12:32 PM  
Anonymous Paula @ Simply Sandwich said...

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! :)

April 9, 2011 at 12:35 PM  
Blogger danielle said...

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

April 9, 2011 at 12:35 PM  
Blogger mypixieblog said...

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

April 9, 2011 at 12:35 PM  
Blogger mypixieblog said...

I also now follow emealz on Twitter (@MyPixieBlog)

April 9, 2011 at 12:36 PM  
Blogger Kate said...

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

April 9, 2011 at 12:37 PM  
Blogger Kate said...

I subscribe/follow via GFC

April 9, 2011 at 12:37 PM  
Anonymous Paula @ Simply Sandwich said...

Following emeals @simplyasandwich

April 9, 2011 at 12:41 PM  
Anonymous Paula @ Simply Sandwich said...

Following emeals on FB: Simply Sandwich

April 9, 2011 at 12:45 PM  
Blogger Renegades said...

I'd like to try the Walmart plan.

April 9, 2011 at 12:51 PM  
Blogger Renegades said...

I already follow you.

April 9, 2011 at 12:51 PM  
Blogger Renegades said...

They tell where to locate coupons on the blog.

April 9, 2011 at 12:54 PM  
Blogger Steff said...

I'd use the GF Any Store meal plan!

April 9, 2011 at 1:20 PM  
Blogger Steff said...

I 'like' E-Mealz' on FB.

April 9, 2011 at 1:21 PM  
Blogger Steff said...

I follow you!

April 9, 2011 at 1:21 PM  
Blogger Steff said...

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!

April 9, 2011 at 1:22 PM  
Blogger VandyJ said...

I like the Walmart meal plan.

April 9, 2011 at 1:37 PM  
Blogger VandyJ said...

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

April 9, 2011 at 1:41 PM  
Blogger VandyJ said...

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

April 9, 2011 at 1:42 PM  
Blogger VandyJ said...

I already follow you.

April 9, 2011 at 1:43 PM  
Blogger Bethany said...

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.

April 9, 2011 at 1:48 PM  
Blogger NANCY said...

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!

April 9, 2011 at 3:38 PM  
Blogger Evonne said...

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.

April 9, 2011 at 4:08 PM  
Blogger Cyndy Bush said...

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.

April 9, 2011 at 5:47 PM  
Blogger Cyndy Bush said...

Following on Twitter @dsfunctionalmom.

April 9, 2011 at 5:49 PM  
Blogger Cyndy Bush said...

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

April 9, 2011 at 5:54 PM  
Blogger Cyndy Bush said...

I liked E-Mealz on FB, DysFUNctionalMom.

April 9, 2011 at 5:54 PM  
Blogger Cyndy Bush said...

I already follow you everywhere =)

April 9, 2011 at 5:55 PM  
Blogger Sorta Southern Single Mom said...

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.

April 9, 2011 at 6:48 PM  
Blogger Sorta Southern Single Mom said...

I follow you on GFC and facebook!

April 9, 2011 at 6:49 PM  
Blogger Sorta Southern Single Mom said...

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

April 9, 2011 at 6:52 PM  
Blogger Sorta Southern Single Mom said...

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

April 9, 2011 at 6:53 PM  
Anonymous Making It Work Mom said...

I follow you on GFC and Facebook

April 9, 2011 at 10:13 PM  
Anonymous Making It Work Mom said...

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

April 9, 2011 at 10:14 PM  
Anonymous Making It Work Mom said...

following E-Mealz on twitter
@makingitworkmom

April 9, 2011 at 10:15 PM  
Blogger Helene said...

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

April 9, 2011 at 11:23 PM  
Blogger Helene said...

I'm already a follower of your blog!

April 9, 2011 at 11:24 PM  
Blogger Helene said...

I liked them on FB (Helene Paul Gaither)

April 9, 2011 at 11:24 PM  
Blogger Helene said...

Following them on Twitter (helene1108)

April 9, 2011 at 11:25 PM  
Blogger Your mom said...

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

April 10, 2011 at 1:17 AM  
Blogger Your mom said...

I follow you on GFC and facebook!

April 10, 2011 at 1:18 AM  
Blogger Your mom said...

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!

April 10, 2011 at 1:20 AM  
Blogger Elizabeth R., EA said...

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.

April 10, 2011 at 3:33 AM  
Blogger Elizabeth R., EA said...

I follow you on Twitter. (@Eligabiff)

April 10, 2011 at 3:34 AM  
Blogger Elizabeth R., EA said...

I follow emealz on twitter. (@Eligabiff)

April 10, 2011 at 3:36 AM  
Blogger Elizabeth R., EA said...

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.

April 10, 2011 at 3:40 AM  
Blogger Elizabeth R., EA said...

I followed EMealz on Facebook. Username Elizabeth Ruh.

April 10, 2011 at 3:41 AM  
Blogger Erin said...

The Walmaart plan for two please.

April 10, 2011 at 8:35 AM  
Blogger Erin said...

I liked E-mealz on FB

April 10, 2011 at 8:35 AM  
Anonymous Pat R said...

I'd like the low-carb Walmart plan.

psrrn@aol.com

April 10, 2011 at 9:59 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

lo fat is for me.

April 10, 2011 at 11:52 AM  
Blogger Sara @ Domestically Challenged said...

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

April 10, 2011 at 9:42 PM  
Blogger Stephanie in Suburbia said...

I follow your blog and your Twitter!

April 10, 2011 at 10:36 PM  
Blogger Stephanie in Suburbia said...

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

April 10, 2011 at 10:37 PM  
Blogger Stephanie in Suburbia said...

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.

April 10, 2011 at 10:38 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

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

April 11, 2011 at 2:33 PM  
Blogger Heather said...

i want to get the kroger 2 person plan!

heather_lovering@yahoo.com

April 11, 2011 at 3:59 PM  
Blogger Heather said...

i'm following you now on GFC!

heather_lovering@yahoo.com

April 11, 2011 at 3:59 PM  
Blogger Heather said...

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

heather_lovering@yahoo.com

April 11, 2011 at 4:00 PM  
Blogger Heather said...

i liked e-mealz on facebook :) heather terrell

heather_lovering@yahoo.com

April 11, 2011 at 4:00 PM  
Blogger Heather said...

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

heather_lovering@yahoo.com

April 11, 2011 at 4:01 PM  
Blogger Trinity! said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

April 11, 2011 at 4:19 PM  
Blogger Trinity! said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

April 11, 2011 at 4:21 PM  
Blogger Trinity! said...

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

April 11, 2011 at 4:23 PM  
Blogger Trinity! said...

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

April 11, 2011 at 4:23 PM  
Blogger Trinity! said...

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

April 11, 2011 at 4:26 PM  
Blogger Trinity! said...

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

April 11, 2011 at 4:28 PM  
Blogger KristinFilut said...

I would try the portion control plan.

April 11, 2011 at 10:36 PM  
Blogger KristinFilut said...

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

April 11, 2011 at 10:36 PM  
Blogger KristinFilut said...

I followed emealz on twitter @Kristin_OPC

April 11, 2011 at 10:37 PM  
Blogger KristinFilut said...

I follow you everywhere! ;)

April 11, 2011 at 10:37 PM  
Blogger Jayme said...

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.

April 12, 2011 at 3:42 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

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!

April 12, 2011 at 7:43 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I follow you on GFC.

April 12, 2011 at 7:43 AM  
Blogger Di said...

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!

April 12, 2011 at 11:36 AM  
Blogger Di said...

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

April 12, 2011 at 11:37 AM  
Blogger Di said...

Following emealz on twitter as littlebitlife

April 12, 2011 at 11:38 AM  
Blogger Di said...

Liked on fb as Diana Oliver

April 12, 2011 at 11:38 AM  
Blogger Di said...

I stalk you on every forum you have given me access to! :)

April 12, 2011 at 11:38 AM  
Blogger TheCuttingEtch said...

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

April 12, 2011 at 1:16 PM  
Blogger TheCuttingEtch said...

follow on twitter @thecuttingetch
TheCuttingEtch1 at yahoo dot com

April 12, 2011 at 1:16 PM  
Blogger TheCuttingEtch said...

follow emealz on twitter @thecuttingetch
TheCuttingEtch1 at yahoo dot com

April 12, 2011 at 1:17 PM  
Blogger Babes Mami said...

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!*

April 12, 2011 at 4:37 PM  
Blogger Babes Mami said...

I learned she has three daughters!

April 12, 2011 at 4:38 PM  
Blogger Babes Mami said...

following ez meals on twitter as babesrockinmami

April 12, 2011 at 4:39 PM  
Blogger Babes Mami said...

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

April 12, 2011 at 4:39 PM  
Blogger Babes Mami said...

I follow you everywhere!

April 12, 2011 at 4:39 PM  
Blogger Elena Wollborg said...

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.

April 12, 2011 at 10:14 PM  
Blogger We 2 Bees said...

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

April 13, 2011 at 11:15 AM  
Blogger We 2 Bees said...

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

April 13, 2011 at 11:18 AM  
Anonymous Crystal said...

i would like to try the Vegetarian Meal Plan

cyclona66 at aol dot com

April 15, 2011 at 6:04 AM  
Blogger speck135les said...

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

April 15, 2011 at 8:58 AM  
Blogger weta1972 said...

Would choose vacation menu for twelve

April 15, 2011 at 11:37 AM  
Blogger weta1972 said...

GFC follower weta1972@yahoo.com

April 15, 2011 at 11:37 AM  
Blogger Gretchen Magruder said...

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

April 16, 2011 at 10:22 AM  
Blogger Gretchen Magruder said...

I follow emealz on twitter: @gretchengrude

April 16, 2011 at 10:22 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I also follow you and ezmealz on Twitter.@wyndall93

April 16, 2011 at 10:31 AM  
Blogger Betty C said...

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

willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

April 16, 2011 at 8:01 PM  
Blogger Betty C said...

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

April 16, 2011 at 8:04 PM  
Blogger Betty C said...

I follow @emealz on twitter as willitara.

April 16, 2011 at 8:07 PM  
Blogger Betty C said...

I like E-Mealz on facebook (Betty Curran)

April 16, 2011 at 8:07 PM  
Blogger Betty C said...

I follow you with GFC.

April 16, 2011 at 8:08 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

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

April 16, 2011 at 8:40 PM  

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