Tips on Meal Planning

If you’re trying to improve your fitness, you might be thinking about things like working out more often, or eating more vegetables. But there’s one other factor that can make a big difference in your results: meal planning.

That’s right, meal planning is key to reaching your fitness goals. And yet, it’s often overlooked or ignored altogether. Why? Probably because it’s not as glamorous as a new workout routine or diet plan. But the truth is, meal planning is essential if you want to see real results.

Here’s why: when you plan your meals in advance, you’re more likely to stick to healthy eating habits. You’ll have all the ingredients you need on hand, so you won’t be tempted to order takeout or eat unhealthy snacks. Plus, you can save time and money by batch cooking or meal prepping.

We all know that eating healthy is important, but sometimes it can be difficult to find the time to cook a nutritious meal. The number one excuse we hear when it comes to meal planning is “I just don’t have the time.” It’s hard for me to say this, but I would rather have you skip a workout to meal plan. Put meal planning into your schedule just like a workout or a family gathering. Also if you truly, truly, do not have the time to cook then look into a meal prep company for yourself. There are many out there with healthy options, and some can also be pretty affordable.

Typically the next excuse is, “I don’t know what to cook.” Well, this is very similar to heading into your training session without a plan- so what are you going to do? Plan your meals for the week. We all know that the first time attempting to do this is going to take some time and be painful.But once you have two or three weeks worth of different meals you will be set!

When it comes to meal planning, you don’t need a lot of ideas to get started. Just three ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a few snacks, can give you all the variety you need.

Here are some breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas to get you started:

Breakfast:

1. Overnight oats with fruit

2. Scrambled eggs with toast

3. Smoothie bowl with granola

Lunch:

1. Garden salad with grilled chicken

2. Turkey wrap with avocado mayo

3. Cobb salad with hard-boiled egg

Dinner:

1. One-pan roasted salmon with vegetables

2. Crock pot chicken chili

3. Air fryer pork tenderloin, brussel sprouts and roasted potatoes

And finally the last excuse, “I hate cooking.” Fair, but there are a few things you can do to make cooking more enjoyable. First, try to find recipes that fit your taste and skill level. If you’re a beginner, look for simple recipes that don’t require a lot of ingredients or steps. As you become more comfortable in the kitchen, you can start trying new recipes that are more challenging. Second, put on a podcast, music or some trash TV while you cook. If you have the ability to spend time alone in the kitchen (sorry Moms and Dads) use that time to catch up on something you love. Lastly, buy a great knife! Cooking is so much easier and more enjoyable when you have great kitchenware- just watch those fingers.

When it comes to meal planning, it’s all about getting into a groove. In the beginning, it will take a little extra time and effort to sit down and figure out what you want to eat for the week. But once you get into the habit of meal planning, it will become second nature.

One of the best things about meal planning is that it can help you save money. When you know what you’re going to be eating for the week, you can make a grocery list accordingly and avoid buying things you don’t need.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of meal planning, just take it one step at a time. Start with dinner and work your way up to meals for the entire week. If you stay consistent you’ll have meal planning down pat, and wonder why you didn’t start earlier.

By Brett Kirkland