The Basics of Healthy Meal Planning

It is a fact that when you eat healthy, you stay healthy. The task of meal planning can betedious for you need to plan healthy meals while staying within your budget. However, planning daily meals, listing grocery purchases, and making preparations ahead of time will save you money, energy and time.

Due to lack of preparation, you might find yourself driving to a fast food shop and ordering food that is bad for your health as well as your wallet. If you are new to meal planning, you can still learn to create a wholesome menu by following these tips.

Tip # 1 – List down all the healthy meals you have to plan for the week. Inspect what you have available in your fridge and pantry to save on your grocery budget.

Tip # 2 – Prepare your next menu from the ingredients you have on hand. If you have some bell peppers, fajitas could be part of your next meal.

Tip #3 – You do not need to serve different dishes for a month. Cycling your menu every two weeks or even more could work depending on what’s best for you.

Tip # 4 – Make your meals interesting by having a daily theme. For example, your Monday menu will involve Mexican dishes that use fresh vegetables, lean protein, and fiber-rich beans like roasted chicken with soft tacos.

Tip # 5 – Once you have an idea of your menu, make a grocery list of the food you need.

Do not deviate from your plan as you might do it more often and lose track. To make your meal prep easier, prepare those dishes that can be prepared ahead.. Be sure to eat the right kind of food: dark green or orange veggies, fruits, whole grains, lower fat-milk or soy beverages, fish, lean meat, and meat alternatives such as beans, lentils and tofu.

In no time, you will have mastered meal planning and enjoying the benefits of good health and yummy homemade food, aside from sticking to your budget.

Photo Credit: Pink Sherbet Photography on flickr