Why Are Meal Plans Important

Aug 28, 2023 | Health, Nutrition

Meal planning is something I have always found invaluable over the years to ensure myself and loved ones eat a varied and healthy diet.

If you’re looking to improve your diet and achieve your health goals, meal planning is a great place to start.

With a little planning, you can easily create healthy meals that fit your budget and your personal taste buds.

There are many different ways to meal plan, so find a method that works for you and stick with it.

1. Meal planning is important because it can help you make healthier choices. We can all relate to grabbing unhealthy choices when we feel hungry or rushed. However, it is a fact that you’re less likely to select unhealthy choices when you plan meals ahead of time

2. Planning meals ahead will ensure that you eat a more balanced diet with a variety of foods from all food groups. This will help you get the essential nutrients your body needs.

3. Cook at home is a healthier often. When you cook at home, you have more control over the ingredients in your meals. If you do buy food out; read food labels carefully and pay attention to the number of calories, fat, sugar, and sodium in the foods you choose.

4. Plan your meals ahead of buying your groceries to ensure you have the ingredients you need to prepare your dishes. This also avoids food waste and can save money.

5. Careful meal planning can help you reach your own specific health goals. This might include weight loss, to gain muscle, or improve your overall health. Foreword meal planning allows you to see how much you’re actually eating and can help you stay on track.

6. Meal planning can help you save time by planning meals that are easy to prepare and by cooking in bulk.

7. Plan your own fast-food meals or a big batch of your favourite dish. Create dishes that can be stored in the fridge, or freeze in single portions so they defrost quickly ready to re-heat. A much healthier and cheaper options than processed food or a take- out.

8. Meal planning can also help you save money by buying groceries in bulk and avoiding impulse purchases.

9. Aim to plan for 3 meals each day. Eat the meals at regular intervals each day which will help to regulate energy levels.

10. Plan snacks. Make your own snacks, tasty protein balls, or mix up a bag of your favourite nuts and seeds.

11. Think about your drink. Keep your water bottle with you to ensure you keep hydrated.

12. Planning healthy meals can help to reduce your stress levels as you will know what you are going to eat and when. Eating healthier food choices improves overall physical and mental health and reduce stress.

It is helpful to kit out your kitchen with some essentials such as pots, pans and utensils. Set up a good store of dried ingredients; rice, pasta, herbs and spices. Tinned food such as mackerel, beans and pulses are a super way to create a delicious, nutritious quick meal. Keep a stock of frozen fruits, vegetables, meat and fish as a back up.

Choose your produce carefully, fresh, healthy and if possible, source locally.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are endless possibilities when it comes to healthy meal planning. Try new recipes and find healthy dishes that you enjoy.

Go on, plan, be creative and give it a go….

The information contained in this blog is not intended to treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a health practitioner. Please consult a qualified health practitioner if you have a pre-existing health condition or are currently taking prescribed medication. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet.