If I was going to evaluate the importance of the many habits needed to successfully change from poor eating habits to healthier ones, I would choose meal planning as one of those high up on the list. Over my many years of health coaching, this is the one that sets people up for the greatest success.
Now, I wish I could say that I was a skilled meal planner..... but, I'm not. I know people who are gifted with meal planning, and I envy them. For some it really is a gift, and for others, like myself, it takes a lot of practice. When my family was young, I tried the whole meal plan thing. I was cooking every night and we had more leftovers than we could eat. It was tiring.... and disappointing that I was working so hard and still throwing food. Meal planning was supposed to make life easier.
Fast forward several years when the boys were full tilt into hockey. Winters were crazy with practice schedules and weekend travel for games. It was busy! Thankfully, my husband knew our itinerary from week to week and when we should be prepared with meals. The crockpot was our tool of choice most of the time so we could have a hot meal ready to go as soon as we got home. And, we used the crockpot all through their high school years. Now, with the air fryer and pressure cooker, I think a lot of great meals could be prepared in a short amount of time.
So, back to why meal planning is so important. When you plan for meals, have the foods you need available and ready to put a meal together, you save time.... and money. I know it seems easier to throw in some chicken nuggets, a frozen pizza or some fast food, but you're not getting the same quality of food or nutrition. I mean how do you sneak vegetables into that kind of food? LOL
There are some good sayings related to preparation -
"By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail." - Benjamin Franklin
"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." - Collin Powell
And, they hold a lot of truths. I wouldn't say that I have perfected meal planning, and I probably never will. I know from experience...
and I know from failure...
that when you have a plan, even if you don't stick to it one hundred percent, that you will do better and go farther than you ever expected. And, this is why meal planning is so important....
Saves time so you spend less time in the kitchen
Saves money because you buy what you need and reduce food waste
Healthier foods on hand, which means you're grabbing healthier snacks, too, which also means you can plan for less processed foods
Plan on foods you love - and try some new recipes 1-2 times a week
Eat seasonally, meaning use fruits and vegetables that are in season and fresher, more plentiful, and usually less expensive
Reach health goals by planning and preparing healthier meals and snacks
So...
"Before anything else, preparation is the key to success" - Alexander Graham Bell
In order to make the upcoming 5-Day Jumpstart easier for you, I've made a meal plan, if you choose to use it. And, contrary to what I used to do, make a new meal every night, I've made it so that you don't have to! Isn't that good to hear?! Be sure to email me if you're interested in participating or have any questions. Or, just use this link - I've made registering super easy. :)
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