In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of daily life. Trying to ensure you get enough nutrients into your diet can be tricky but by implementing a simple yet effective practice known as meal planning, we can regain control over our diets, save time, reduce stress, and make healthier choices.

At first, it will seem intimidating and you might feel it can be time-consuming but meal planning and prepping are wonderful skills to have in your personal health and wellness tool kit.

But first, what is meal planning?

Meal planning is the process or set time, either at the end or beginning of a new week dedicated to building a weekly menu to best suit your nutritional needs.

The benefits of meal planning

Healthier eating habits

It is so quick and easy to buy a take-out meal so meal planning encourages healthier eating habits. When we plan our meals in advance, we have the opportunity to incorporate a variety of nutritious foods, ensuring a well-balanced diet. This allows us to consume more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while reducing the intake of processed foods and unhealthy snacks.

Time and money savings

By creating a shopping list based on your planned meals, you can avoid unnecessary trips to the grocery store and impulse purchases. Additionally, you can buy ingredients in bulk or take advantage of sales and discounts. Planning meals also saves time during the week, as you won’t have to spend precious minutes each day deciding what to cook or running to the store for last-minute ingredients.

Reduces food waste

How often have you thrown away unused, spoiled ingredients at the end of the week or overcooking and not finishing food? Meal planning helps combat food waste by ensuring you use up all the ingredients you purchase. By organising your meals ahead of time, you can buy exactly what you need, cook in batches, and repurpose leftovers creatively. This not only helps the environment but also saves you money.

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Stress Free

You will agree that the constant dilemma of “what should I cook tonight?” can be stressful. Meal planning eliminates this stress by providing a clear roadmap of your meals for the week. Knowing what to cook in advance allows you to relax and enjoy the process of preparing your meals. When you have a plan in place, you can avoid the temptation of ordering takeout or relying on unhealthy convenience foods.

How to meal plan

Set time aside and start small! Choose a specific day or time during the week to sit down and plan your meals. Either on a Sunday or even a Monday. You don’t have to plan every meal if you are just starting out. Start with lunches or dinners

With meal prep and planning you are able to enforce portion control as well.

Create a meal calendar. Use a calendar or a simple spreadsheet to outline your meals for each day of the week. Consider your family’s preferences, dietary goals, and any social events or commitments.

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Build a shopping list. Once your meal calendar is complete, make a shopping list based on the ingredients required for each meal. Ensure you check your pantry for items you already have to avoid unnecessary purchases. Here you can consider each food group as well to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need.

Organise your list according to the layout of your grocery store for efficient shopping.

Prep ahead. Take advantage of your meal planning by doing some meal prep in advance. Chop vegetables, marinate meats, or cook large batches of grains or proteins that can be used in multiple dishes. This will save you time during busy weekdays.

Stay flexible. Remember that meal planning is a tool to help you stay organised, but it should also be flexible. Be open to making adjustments as needed, such as swapping meals between days or incorporating leftovers. Adapt the plan to fit your changing schedule or unexpected events.

Meal planning is a simple yet powerful habit that can transform your eating habits, save time and money, reduce stress, and minimise food waste. By investing a small amount of time each week, you can create a roadmap to healthier eating and streamline your cooking routine. Give it a try and experience the positive impact of meal planning in your life.

Bon appétit!

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