Why Meal Planning is a fantastic idea
Meal planning can be a total game-changer for anyone looking to eat healthier while saving time and money. Picture this: instead of scrambling at the last minute to figure out what is for dinner, you have a plan in place that not only helps you shop more effectively but also reduces waste. By planning out your meals, you can reduce waste because you will know exactly what ingredients you need. Plus, it gives you a chance to improve your health and nutrition by ensuring you’re eating balanced meals. Remember to eat the rainbow as well as plenty healthy fats/oils and legumes.
Involving the family in meal planning can turn it into a fun activity rather than a chore. They may learn some cooking skills and you get to spend time with the kids or significant other. Occasionally there will be disasters, but you learn from your mistakes and have a laugh.
You get to eat according to the seasons, which means fresher ingredients and better variety on your plate. Why not try something new each week? There are some brilliant recipe apps out there with shopping list and nutrition features. They make meal planning a breeze while adding an element of creativity. You will find yourself learning new skills in the kitchen and training your brain to think creatively.
The jury is still out on Ultra processed foods but by planning your meals from scratch you can avoid these Ultra processed food products. Everyone is a winner.
What is meal planning?
Briefly it is planning your meal a week in advance – depending on how your household runs and work commitments etc. An example would be to plan on a Sunday for the following weeks meals. Breakfasts tend to be similar for most family members – easy to shop for.
How to make it work for you:
- Have a meal planned for each night of the week with the possibility of leftovers for lunches.
- Make a shopping list accordingly. Do not try to be too adventurous at first as this can lead to expense and waste.
- Double check fridge and store cupboard before shopping for ingredients.
- Be flexible – if something crops up on an evening when you had something planned swap it out to the next night.
- Be mindful of sell by dates on meat and fish you buy.
- Leave one or two nights per week for freestyling – a takeaway or a soup/ stew to use up left over vegetables or leftovers.
- Do repeat meals that the family has enjoyed.
Why not double the recipe and take healthy leftovers for a work lunch or load up kids’ lunch boxes? This will save money as well as time – mornings can become chilled again.
Think of meal planning as an opportunity to test your cooking skills and train your brain! Remember the more you practice a skill the better and faster you will become. It is creative, it is fun, and who knows—you might just discover your new favourite dish along the way. So, gather the family around, brainstorm ideas together, and let the culinary adventure begin!
