Meal planning, some people dread it others love it. The definition of the word ‘plan’ is “decide on and arrange in advance”.
In our busy lives it seems as though we live more of a reactive life versus proactive. If we have specific goals that we want to achieve then chances are they will not happen by chance but rather by choice.
Planning is a choice. Meal prep is when you plan the meals and actually prep them. Meal planning is planning your meals so all of the ingredients are available when you want them. Both are a choice. But were should you begin?
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
Benjamin Franklin
Decide why you want to plan your meals. Is your schedule always rushed and you rarely have great food choices in your house, so, you eat potato chips for dinner?
A great place to start is at the beginning.
Do you have physical goals that you want to reach? Do you want to gain or lose weight? Do you want more energy?
Are you looking for ways to save money?
Now decide, which meals do you want to plan?
Do you always skip breakfast even though you understand the value of eating breakfast?
Do you find serving a healthy dinner is a struggle on a regular basis?
Or, do you love to cook and usually have excellent meals but you want a few meals in the freezer for those nights you just want to have an easier evening?
Write your menu
Once you’ve decide which meal you want to prepare write your menu.
Breakfast: Egg Muffins, Oatmeal with added protein and a shake.
Lunch: Lettuce salad with turkey and tomatoes, Ezekiel bread with tuna and veggie burger served with corn and avocado salad.
Dinner: Crock pot beef stew, Salmon with riced cauliflower and broccoli, Black-bean ‘meatballs’ with marinara sauce.
Then write your grocery shopping list from your menu.
Before you head off to the store, eat a healthy snack. Food shopping while hungry could lead to impulse buying. Stick to your plan, the items you have written on your grocery list.
When choosing fruits and vegetables if you are going to use them quickly try to purchase fresh. If there is a chance they will spoil before you eat them consider buying frozen.
If you enjoy leftovers consider buying in bulk.
So, Why will Ignoring Meal Planning Cost You?
First, you have to have a plan to reach your goals. You become 42% more likely to achieve your goals, simply by writing them down.
Whether your goals are physical or financial meal planning will help you reach them.
When we plan our meals we are less likely to eat out and more likey to make healthier choices.
Instead of roaming through your kitchen deciding what to eat, you can have your healthy meal ready in minutes. Planning saves you time.
Sticking to what’s on your list while grocery shopping and not eating out as frequently will save you money.
Lastly, when we plan our meals we tend to have less waste.
If this is a new habit for you begin with planning meals one week out of the month. Then as you get more comfortable add in two weeks per month and before you know it, you’ll be a pro.
