We’re on to Week 15 of 52 Weeks to a Healthier You and we’re going to continue working on our eating habits. Last week, we focused on mindful eating and this week we’re talking about the importance of meal planning!
Meal planning can literally make or break your fitness goals. When I plan meals, I tend to eat more healthfully with smaller portions, which of course leads to weight loss. When I don’t meal plan, well, I end up stopping at Chick-fil-A for breakfast every single morning. Not great.
This week, we’re sharing a few simple meal planning tips for moms! 🙂
Disclaimer: I am not a health or fitness expert. Please consult a medical professional before starting any new health or fitness regimen.
Image: Africa Studio / Dollar Photo Club
Meal Planning Tips for Moms
1. Keep your meals simple.
Okay, so if we’re actually going to plan some meals, they’re supposed to be meals we can prepare in real life. As moms, we’re busy. We’re all busy – homeschoolers, public schoolers, afterschoolers, preschoolers. Each one of us is super duper busy. So, as much as we might like to make dinner that includes handmade gnocchi, it’s probably not going to happen, especially on a weeknight.
MyFitnessPal suggests only planning meals you actually have time to make. For me, that means meals that probably have no more than 10 or 12 ingredients and can be finished in about 30 to 45 minutes. When I’m scanning a recipe and it says “1 hour” or longer, I keep on scrolling.
2. Use weekly meal themes.
Another way to make a meal plan doable is to make a list of go-tos and rotate them regularly. I have about 28 meals that I use over and over again, plus a few others for special occasions. If you’re ready to make up your own list of “go-tos”, TheKitchn recommends working from a master meal theme list.
So you could have “Taco Night” or “Meatless Monday” (which we’ll talk more about later). Once you have your meal themes in place, you can use narrow down healthy recipes that fit each theme.
3. Stick to your healthy shopping list!
Once you have your recipe and your meals planned, it’s time to go grocery shopping! Make your healthy shopping list and then STICK. TO. IT. I’m serious. Don’t buy a single item that is not on your list.
CookingLight stresses the need to stick to your plan and that also means going through with your meals! If your meal plan says “Grilled Chicken with Steamed Vegetables” and you really want some pizza (you know what I’m talking about), don’t order the pizza! Make your healthy meal. You’ll feel so much better!
Sample Meal Plans
If you’d like a sample meal plan to get you started, try these links for some great ideas!
Sample Two Week Menus: Choose My Plate
Free Diet Meal Plans: Eating Well
7 Day Clean Eating Meal Plan: Shape
4 Food Pyramid Meal Plans: WebMD
Do you use a meal plan? Has it helped you eat healthier? Share your meal planning tips for moms in the comments! Don’t forget to join our 52 Weeks to a Healthier You Facebook group for more tips!
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