THE ULTIMATE MEAL PLAN GUIDE FOR THE BUSY MILLENNIAL
Planning and preparing meals can be quite a challenge, especially while juggling work, social life, and trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Hello, pizza delivery.
But! I’m here to share my ultimate meal plan guide to help you get your meal game on point while saving time and money.
I realized I needed to change when I struggled with energy slumps, lack of focus, and frequent food cravings.
That’s when I, rolled up my sleeves and dived into the world of meal planning.
Tackling the Challenges of Meal Planning
Starting any new journey can feel overwhelming, and meal planning is no exception. Here are some potential struggles you might encounter and the solutions that worked for me:
Problem: “I don’t have the time for meal planning.”
Solution: Dedicate just one day of the week to planning and preparing your meals. For me, Sundays work best, but you be the judge!
Problem: “I always over or underestimate the portion sizes.”
Solution: Measure your portion sizes to avoid waste and ensure you’re eating the right amount. Meal prep containers can be a handy tool for this!
Problem: “I get bored eating the same meals every day.”
Solution: Mix it up by trying new recipes and using leftovers creatively. Planning your meals with a variety ensures your taste buds won’t get bored.
The Key to Successful Meal Planning
Now that we’ve tackled some common challenges, here are the key steps to help you create your personalized meal plan:
- Set realistic goals: Understand your nutritional needs and preferences, and plan accordingly.
- Make a grocery list: Save time and money by creating a list of ingredients you need for the week.
- Prep and cook: Prepare your meals in one go, and store them in the freezer or fridge. Voila! Ready-made meals throughout the week.
- Stick to your plan: Stay committed to your meal plan and watch the positive changes unfold in your life.
Benefits of Meal Planning
let’s talk about the why. Meal planning can really be a game-changer, and here are a few reasons why:
Save Time
No more standing in front of the fridge wondering what to make for dinner. Planning your meals ahead of time can save you precious minutes (or hours!) every day. Plus, meal prepping means fewer last-minute trips to the grocery store when you can’t figure out what you need.
Save Money
Having a plan helps you avoid impulse buying and reduces food waste by only purchasing what you need. Plus, it’s way cheaper than eating out every day!
Better Health
Customizing your meal plan means choosing healthier options, moderating portion sizes, and skipping high-calorie takeout options. Hello, beach body!
Alright, now that you’re as pumped as I am about meal planning, let’s discuss the various strategies you can choose from to find your perfect fit.
Finding Your Meal Planning Style
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to meal planning, you gotta experiment (kinda like dating ). Here are a few styles you can try:
Weekly Planner
Plan your meals for the entire week ahead. Pro tip: Do this on your laziest day so you can race through the rest of the week stress-free!
Theme Nights
Pick a cuisine theme for each night, like Meatless Monday, Taco Tuesday, or Fish Friday. Get creative and find delectable recipes to match your theme!
Batch Cooking
Prepare and cook large batches of meals that can be portioned out and stored for later. Ideal if you really don’t feel like cooking after a long day at work (or a Netflix marathon).
Take some time to figure out which style (or a combination of) works best for you. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Building Your Grocery List
First step: Let’s talk about shopping for groceries. Things can go from zero to chaotic real quick when you don’t have a plan.
So let’s start with building your grocery list.
1. Check your pantry
Before you go shopping, make sure to give your pantry a quick check. You’ll be surprised how many things you already have, some of which you may have forgotten about. So make a quick inventory, and keep this information handy when you’re building your list.
2. Plan your meals
Pick several recipes that you’d like to cook for the week. I’ll suggest some amazing recipes later on, so worry not—help is coming. Once you have the recipes, you’ll know the exact ingredients you’ll need. Don’t be ashamed to feel proud af for being so organized (We’re adulting so hard now.)
3. Build that grocery list
Use your new meal plan as a guide, noting down the ingredients you need. Remember to also include snacks, drinks, and any other items you need (Excluding 2 AM regrettable impulse purchases. I see you there, random partially melted chocolate.)
4. Organize your list
Separate your list by grocery store sections. You’ll thank me later.
5.Use the right containers:
Invest in high-quality, reusable containers with separate compartments to keep your meals organized and fresh.
6. Learn to love your freezer:
Store your prepped meals in the freezer to ensure they stay fresh throughout the week.
7.Have fun:
This is your meal-prepping , so make it enjoyable by playing your favourite tunes or inviting friends to join you!
Meal Prep 101: Tips and Tricks
We’ve all heard the phrase “Work smarter, not harder,” right? Let me tell you, it applies to meal prepping as well. Here are some meal prep tips and tricks you’ll wish someone had told you sooner.
1. Multi-task in the kitchen
Get your productivity game face on. While chopping onions for one recipe, you can also be pre-heating the oven and marinating the chicken for another. You’ll save a lot of time and feel like a top chef. Well, minus the dramatic TV show scenarios.
2. Prepare ingredients in bulk
When you’re prepping ingredients for a meal, think about preparing a tad more than you need. You can use the rest in another meal. This is a trick that will help you save time and avoid wasted ingredients.
3. Cook in batches
Choose a day that works best for you and cook multiple meals at once. I find Sundays work best for me.
Wrapping it Up – Embrace the Healthy Lifestyle You Deserve
See, meal planning isn’t that complicated. I can’t recommend it enough – it has truly transformed my life, and I believe it can do the same for you. Give it a shot, stay dedicated, and watch your health get better.
Remember, we owe it to ourselves to feel good, both inside and out.
And what better way to start than by having delicious, healthy meals prepared just for us?
Happy meal planning!
carissa
