Meal planning is an easy step to help you reach your goals, whether to improve your health, save money, or just feel better.
“If You Fail to Plan, You Are Planning to Fail” – Benjamin Franklin
Planning meals and snacks ahead of time increases the chance for success – less opportunity to make an unhealthy decision because you are pinched for time or have a crazy schedule. And eating well does not have to be complicated.
Here are a few things I’ve learned from planning and making the shift in my mindset:
HEALTHIER OPTIONS
When you’re hungry, you’re more inclined to eat whatever you can get the fastest. Therefore, we usually settle for something unhealthy – fast food, vending machines, whatever bag of chips you find lying around in the office kitchen!
Meal planning eliminates picking up those unhealthy options when you have your snacks and meals ready and available right at your fingertips! Â
SAVE TIME
Taking the time at the beginning of the week saves you time – time to catch up on a Netflix show or go on a bike ride with the kids! Being prepped allows you time to slow down and not be stressed thinking of what you’re going to eat NEXT! Â
You can make it fun for the family – let your kids help you cook, and they will start to adopt those habits as well!
SAVE MONEY
Who doesn’t like to save money?! If you plan well and have a list – you’re likely to spend less while grocery shopping, and you will avoid impulse buying. And the obvious you will save money on eating out, as we all know it’s not cheap to eat out.
LEARN PORTION CONTROL
Planning your meals will allow you to see how much you’re actually eating, which prevents you from overeating. Start out by tracking your calories, macros, etc.. – you will quickly learn how much a serving is and what your intake should be! There are many free apps to track this!
IMPROVES MENTAL WELLBEING
Healthy habits improve your mental health. Getting the right mix of nutrients can help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety – looking after yourself by eating well is essential as you take steps to good mental health, and you feel better!
KEEP IT SIMPLE SILLYÂ
Don’t try to be Gordon Ramsay with a five-course, extravagant meal – Keep It Simple Silly. Try to incorporate protein, carbohydrates, veggies, and fruit on your plate!Â
Oh yeah and… DRINK H2O and Take your Vitamins!
REMEMBER
Everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for the next. You will need to experiment with what works for YOU and what healthy options YOU like.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the only way to ensure a lifetime of improved health!Â
#consistencycompounds
