5 Meal Planning Tips For Beginners
If you are trying to watch your weight or save a couple of bucks, meal planning is key to reaching that goal. In the beginning, it may feel impossible. But the truth is, once you make a plan and stick to it, you’ll spend less time and effort in the kitchen.
Meal planning helps us to prevent the waste of food and money, but also it is the perfect opportunity to control portions, unhealthy ingredients, and salt intake.
Are you still unsure how to start? We’ll make your life easier with these 5 tips:
Plan according to your needs
Even though meal planning helps us to eat healthier, it doesn’t mean it’s an inflexible process. First, ask what you are really aiming for.
Do you want to save time? Do you need to follow a specific diet? Or maybe just want more variety during the week? Pick a goal and build the surrounding plan, meal planning must adapt to your taste and family lifestyle!
2. Choose recipes carefully
When looking out for cooking inspiration, keep in mind you’ll eat this meal at least two times the next week. Choose something you like, preferably with lots of veggies and fruits.
Moreover, look for recipes with shared ingredients and those that can bless you with leftovers you can reuse or freeze for another day.
3. Try the two-step checklist
Shop more accurately and faster with this method. First, go through each recipe’s ingredient list to know what you’ll need to start cooking.
Then, go through your kitchen and cross off anything you already have. Check out every product’s expiration date just to be sure. Whatever is left is what you need to get from the store!
4. Pick a day for meal prepping
Generally, on weekends, we have more time to attend to our homes and do chores. Spare one hour of every Sunday -or any day you have free time-for preparing these meals.
Start with meats, rice, and legumes. As they need to soften, you can cook them beforehand and keep them ready in the fridge. You can also chop vegetables, wash dark-leaf greens, and dice fruits to optimize time.
5. Make room for spontaneity
Meal planning is all about making your life easier, so don’t stress if one of those days you end up eating something different. While the food is properly stored, it can last longer!
If everything is correctly sealed and refrigerated, you can enjoy an impromptu pizza night with the family.
Are you looking for healthy recipes to start? Check out my Instagram for fun, easy cooking ideas you can make at home.