If you're like most people, evening meal prep is up there with doing laundry. Here's the secret to meal planning: plan just 3 to 5 meals ahead—it's less overwhelming. Your social plans can stay in place, and you can roll with whatever comes up. With prepped meals, you might have leftovers to freeze or save for the next week. Plus, you can keep your options open. These are all good ways to make healthy habits stick.
Here are five ways meal planning can change your life:
- Less stress.
- Save money.
- Save time.
- Healthier weight.
- Never having to ask, "What's for dinner?"
Your reasons are important
You have a reason why you want to plan your meals. Whether it's to save money, save time, or be healthier, keeping your reason top of mind keeps you inspired and motivated. List your reasons why you want to plan.
- Why I want to plan meals:
- My favorite meals are:
- How I can "healthify" these meals:
- My go-to cookbooks, blogs, or websites for recipe inspiration:
Add "spice" to your plan
Blogs, cookbooks, and online sources can help you add "spice" to your plans and discover new combos, hacks, and community. So grab something to sip on, listen to some good music, and start planning your most delicious meal ever.
Ready, Set…
What's in your plan? It's all up to you!
Here are some tips from those who have meal prep down to a science:
- Go on a scavenger hunt. What ingredients do you have in your cabinets right now? Whole-grain pasta? Tuna? Do an internet search on those ingredients … you'll be amazed at the recipes you've never thought of before. No extra shopping trips, and you can declutter your space. Double win.
- Discover your tastes. Try themes like: "Taco Tuesdays" or "Italian Fridays." Subscribe to online cooking channels, look to healthy-food blogs, or search your favorite social media outlets for new recipe ideas. And of course, good ol' cookbooks work too.
- Time is money. Search for slow-cooker recipes that you can prep and forget. Or designate one day of the week as your "meal prep" day. Use that day to prepare your food for the week. Then it's grab-and-go until next time.
- Recycle menus. When the week is over, keep your menus. In a few weeks, you can go back and repeat the meals you liked and ditch those you didn't.
- Write it down. When your menu is in place, make a list of all ingredients you need. Whether you use an app or put pen to paper is up to you.
- Call for backup. Invite your friend, roommate, or family member so you all can divide and conquer. Maybe you plan, they shop, or you share recipes so that anyone can cook when it is convenient.
My Meals This Week
- Meal idea 1:
- Meal idea 2:
- Meal idea 3:
- Meal idea 4:
- Meal idea 5:
My Grocery List
Fruits and Vegetables
Pick dark leafy veggies when possible—they pack more nutrients. Try frozen veggies and fruit which can be just as healthy as fresh and last longer.
Grains
Enjoy whole-grain alternatives to breads and pastas—they leave you fuller for longer.
Proteins
Try lean proteins like lentils, eggs, beans, tofu, chicken breasts, turkey, and salmon.
Dairy
Look for low-fat or no-fat dairy items.
Oils and Seasonings
Choose heart-healthy oils like olive, canola, or avocado.
Canned Goods
Cut the salt—you can't taste it anyway—by trying low-sodium
Unsweetened Drinks
Try sparkling water and green or herbal teas.
Snacks
Try nuts, trail mixes, whole-grain crackers, pretzels, or light popcorn.
My Week in Review
- What were my favorite meals?
- Tips for next week?
- What went well?
Current as of: February 28, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board: All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.