Why plan meals
Meal planning reduces decision fatigue, saves money, and helps you eat more nutritiously. A simple, repeatable process is more effective than an elaborate one you abandon.
Weekly workflow
- Choose 3–4 dinners you like and one flexible lunch option.
- List required ingredients and check what you already have.
- Create a categorized shopping list (produce, proteins, pantry, frozen).
- Pick one prep session: cook grains, roast vegetables, or portion proteins.
Shopping and prep tips
- Buy versatile ingredients that work across meals (e.g., greens, tomatoes, beans).
- Use frozen vegetables and canned beans for convenience and shelf stability.
- Prep components, not complete meals, to keep flavors fresh and flexible.
Keeping it practical
Start with a two-week rotation you can repeat and adjust. Track what gets eaten and what is wasted, then simplify the plan. The goal is consistency: small, sustainable choices lead to healthier weekly menus.
Tags
Life Hack