Does the thought of meal planning and prepping make you want to run and hide?
I know. I hear that. A lot. And I’ve felt the same. And when you’re busy with work, family, other activities or have any health conditions, the last thing you want to do is cook.
But we talked last week about how cooking at home is much healthier and cheaper than eating out. Since we’ve also been focusing on simplification, one key area we all need to simplify in is meal planning and prepping. We make it too hard and talk ourselves out of even beginning – however imperfect that may be. But just beginning is progress.
So here are some easy simplification meal prep strategies:
1. Make a list of your favorite meals (and your family’s). Write them all down – side dishes, too.
2. Then narrow it down to your 4 absolute favorites for dinners. Ask yourself this question,” Will this food bring health and make me (or my family) feel good?” If so, then these will make up your new rotation plan.
3. For breakfast and lunch, just make it easier by alternating between two for breakfast and lunch. You can eat leftovers for breakfast or lunch!
4. Make a grocery list.
5. Add to your calendar an appointment to go to the grocery weekly or every 2 weeks.
6. Stick to the perimeter (where the healthier ingredients are) and buy real, whole food (how it’s grown naturally).
7. Buy in bulk – Sam’s, Costco, local butcher or farmer – you can split bulk amounts with a friend.
8. Check out frozen foods (2nd best after fresh).
9. When you get home from the store, chop up veggies and brown ground meat to refrigerate or freeze in smaller containers for the week ahead. (Or make this a weekend task.)
Bonus tip: Teach your children, grandchildren, or spouse how to help you out. (And ask for the help!) This is an important life skill for all girls, boys, men, and women to learn.
“Your health is an investment, not an expense.”
I hope this is helpful as you simplify your life. Once you start planning and prepping your meals for the week, you will learn how to do it in a quick timeframe which will actually save you the stress and headache of the 5:00 hour when everyone (including yourself) asks “What’s for dinner?” Plus, you know you are providing healthier nourishment for you and your family.
Leah Cheshire is a national board certified health and wellness coach as well as a speech-language pathologist. After having numerous health issues herself, she embarked on a wellness journey using various nutrition and lifestyle modifications. She then decided to return to school to help others. Leah now works primarily with women who have weight issues, digestive problems, brain fog, and fatigue by providing guidance and accountability to help them decrease symptoms and improve their overall health. If you need help from someone who, not only has helped clients but who also has also been in your shoes, reach out today to set up a free 20-minute session. Click here to schedule.
