Meal Planning Overwhelming?

By: Heather St. Onge
Heather St. Onge (right)

Have you thought about meal planning before and the thought of it overwhelms you? You are not alone.

Meal planning can be time-consuming, to say the least.  However, it can save you time in the end. I believe people tend to eat healthier when they are prepared.  If you are prepared, you will be less likely to grab unhealthy food options.  I always prepare and bring extra foods with me during the day as “emergency foods” in case something unexpected comes up during the day.  You may be extra hungry because it was an intense workout that morning, you’re stuck in traffic, in a long meeting, etc.  For me, having these snacks or “mini-meals” with me has saved me many times from making an unhealthy decision and provided me with the energy I needed during the day.

I always prepare and bring extra foods with me during the day as “emergency foods” in case something unexpected comes up during the day.  You may be extra hungry because it was an intense workout that morning, you’re stuck in traffic, in a long meeting, etc.  For me, having these snacks or “mini-meals” with me has saved me many times from making an unhealthy decision and provided me with the energy I needed during the day.

Meal prepping and planning ahead of time can help you decrease stress, and save you time and money during the week.  Meal planning with the right nutrition counseling can ensure you’re getting the most out of every meal. It allows you to be in control and aware of what foods you’re eating on a daily basis.

Here are some helpful tips:

  • Plan your meals out for the week ahead of time, possible with the help of nutritional counseling.

    • Make a grocery list to include the items you will need

  • Make freezer meals ahead of time

  • Crock pots and pressure cookers are great kitchen gadgets to use

  • Prepare staple foods in bulk

    • Cut and cook veggies, rice, sweet potatoes, quinoa etc.

  • Prepare snacks ahead of time

    • Fruit, nuts/homemade trail mix, oatmeal, popcorn in individual bags

Mealing planning ensures you stick to the right foods instead of the foods that are simply available, and enlisting the help of a nutrition consultant can make your choices even healthier. Stay tuned for more short mini-articles from me!