Meal Planning may seem like just another chore. But…
Have you ever looked at the clock, saw “dinnertime” and you have nothing prepared? Then, you hoped you have all the ingredients that you need to throw a meal together or you will have to opt for the drive-thru!
This last minute scramble is actually more of a chore than meal planning.
There are many reasons why meal planning rocks. Here are the top 3:
It Saves Time
Your set grocery lists will prevent you from wandering aimlessly around the grocery store. Your pre-planned menu will save you from having to think about what you are going to eat every day.
If you find some work days are busier than others, take some time out of the weekend to prepare most of your meals.
A few ideas include oats and frozen berries with yogurt in mason jars serve as great to-go breakfasts. Prepared quinoa with mixed veggies and beans serve well as a work lunch.
Cook one or two larger dinners on the weekend so you will have something for those days you are exhausted and don’t feel like cooking.
This could include soups, chili, meatballs, and marinated chicken breasts. Pre-portion and freeze them. Then, you can re-heat while you prepare a quick salad or veggie slices.
Meal Planning Saves Money
When you meal plan you will have less of those costly “take out” nights. It is expensive to eat out. Meal planning allows you to take advantage of weekly sales. These sales can give you ideas for what to have for meals that week.
This prevents you from throwing out ingredients you forgot you had in the fridge. You can create meal plans that specifically allow you to use up whatever you have on hand.
It’s Healthier
By meal planning, you can aim to have nutritionally well-balanced meals throughout the week. You control the ingredients so you know exactly what is going into the meal.
If you have to come up with something to eat last minute, you will find yourself going out for dinner instead. As a result, you are most likely to end up exceeding your calorie intake. Even just stopping at the grocery store to pick up a last minute dinner may lead to poor choices. When you shop hungry, you are more likely to throw junk food into your cart.
There are many ways to meal plan. Whatever method you choose will save you time, money, and it will result in healthier fare. You can always reuse meal plans and grocery lists to help cut down on planning and prep time. A two-week seasonal meal plan may be enough variety for you.
Still think meal planning is a challenge? Let me design a guide for you with the three key components to do your own meal planning. Just click and plan!
Call/Email or Schedule to get the easiest way ever to meal plan!