
Plan once, eat well all week
Making meal planning a weekly habit saves time, reduces waste, and makes healthy choices easier. A short planning session each weekend sets the tone for the week.
Steps to follow
- Pick three anchors: one protein-forward dinner, one vegetarian, and one flexible option (stir-fry, pasta, grain bowl). 
- Create a simple grocery list organized by store section to move faster. 
- Prep 30–90 minutes: wash and chop vegetables, cook a grain, portion proteins, and store in clear containers. 
- Assemble grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches so mornings are effortless. 
Practical tips
- Double recipes to freeze or eat twice; schedule one leftovers night. 
- Keep a running inventory on your phone to avoid buying duplicates. 
- Use versatile ingredients (eggs, canned beans, greens) to pivot midweek. 
- Label containers with date and contents to rotate food safely. 
Start small: plan three meals, prep one hour, and iterate. Over time the process becomes faster and the benefit—less stress and better meals—grows.