The Benefits of Meal Planning
Meal planning reaps a host of benefits from saving time to reducing stress.
The problem is it can seem overwhelming to get started. Like any helpful habit, starting is the most challenging part so read on to explore some ways to meal plan, look at it’s benefits and learn why meal planning is a habit worth adopting.
TYPES OF MEAL PLANNING
There’s more than one way to plan your meals. Like any good habit, consistency is key and for that to happen you need to find a method that fits your lifestyle.
Here are some meal planning methods.
Weekly Meal Planning - Plan each meal for the entire week. This method works well if you like to know exactly what you will be eating and when.
You can build flexibility in this method by including unplanned days.
Weekly Meal Template- Instead of planning each meal, make a weekly template and then shift the meals around depending on your schedule and how much time you have each day for cooking.
For example, a template might include 2 bowls , 1 pasta, 1 taco night, 1 casserole, 2 stir fries.
This method allows for more flexibility than a set weekly meal plan.
Batch cooking with or without freezing (meal prep)- Spend some time making large quantities of dishes and freeze for use later. You can also make just enough meals for the week ahead.
Tip -Cleaning and cutting vegetables for the week, will save you time in the long run.
Meal Planning App- There are many available! The disadvantage to these tools is that you often need to use the recipes provided in the app. If you like the recipes, it will work for you but if the meals are not your cup of tea then it will not become routine.
These apps can be really helpful for someone new in the kitchen and who doesn’t have a repertoire of favourite meals.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEAL PLANNING1
1. MORE NUTRITIOUS MEALS
When you plan your meals, you can check that they are balanced, with a variety of foods to meet your body’s needs. You are also less likely to use rely on processed foods and restaurant meals.
2. SAVE TIME
Meal planning can save a significant amount of time during the week. By deciding what to cook in advance, you eliminate the daily stress of figuring out dinner at the last minute. You can also prepare some parts of the meal ahead of time, making cooking quicker and more efficient.
3. SAVE MONEY
When you plan your meals, you can make a shopping list and avoid buying items that you do not need. You will also spend less on restaurant meals.
4. REDUCES FOOD WASTE
Food waste is a significant environmental concern. Meal planning can help you reduce food waste by ensuring you only buy what you need and you use what you have on hand. By planning to use up leftovers, you can reduce the amount of food that you throw out.
Meal planning is a powerful tool that can improve your eating habits, save you money and time and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. So whether you are a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, consider giving meal planning a try and enjoy the impact it can have on your life.
If you are wondering how to cook for vegans and meat-eaters without spending extra time in the kitchen, check out my post “3 Ways to Cook for Vegetarians & Meat-Eaters without Making Two Separate Meals”
All content and information in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any kind of patient-client relationship. The information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in the area for your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any medical or health-related decisions.