Estimating meat for the year

Estimating your households’ needs for red, white meat (pork), poultry and wild fowl for the year is pretty straight forward once you decide what a portion size means to you. It’s generally accepted that a healthy portion size of meat is about the same size as the palm of your hand. I tend to agree with the palm size estimate for many entrees such as burgers and chicken breast. For the most part though I think it’s more like the size of your whole hand. Lets get real when was the last time you ate a steak that would fit in the palm of your hand, maybe if it was folded over a couple of times.  Other examples are that most people like to have two pieces of chicken or want to make stew, neither of these quantities fit in the palm of a hand. My point is that the size you want will vary depending on your activity level, size of yourself or if you really enjoy a particular recipe. . For the purpose of meal planning in our household we wrap most meats to equal one pack per meal. Burger is about 1 pound, Ring bologna is one 2 pound ring and stew meat is about a pound. Any other meats like chicken legs are done by the number of pieces.

It only takes a few minutes to figure how much meat you’ll need for the year. If you think about it you already know what your meal preferences and sizes are. Set up a meal spread sheet. It’s easy, just decide what type of recipes you typically eat and then you’ll know what the meat ingredient type and size is. All that’s left is about how many of each.

 Set up the left column for the type and weight of meat. Use the top row for the type of meal and then fill in the quantities below each meal type. Use the far right column to extrapolate the total quantity per line item. Do yourself a favor and don’t get carried away with the meal type or specific quantity of each, just keep it generalized. Combine meal types that use about the same quantity and type of meat. For instance casseroles, chili and spaghetti generally use the same type and quantity. The main focus should be on how much and what type of meat you’ll need for the year. Remember though that size, variety and number of meals are the keys to successful planning.  No one wants to eat the same thing day after day or run short. Also some people hate left overs, some want them for lunch the next day and still others just like to feed like a dingo in a maternity ward no matter what they’re eating. Just get as close as you can and don’t forget that fish is not included on this list.