A Goal Without A Plan Is Merely A Wish - Meal Planning

One of the best ways to ensure success when trying to eat a more healthy, balanced diet is to meal plan. It doesn’t have to take long and it needn’t be tasking or laborious…just take a few moments before you do your weekly big shop to decide what you’d like to make and eat throughout the week and write a shopping list. 

Taking the time to do this will help prevent those occasions when you’re tired, extra hungry or short on time and as a result reach for the phone to grab a cheeky take away or fill up on refined, often high fat and unhealthy snacks! Having that shopping list will keep you on track and prevent you from buying unnecessary items or 'treats' that could send you off course! 

Things to consider:

How much time do you have?

If you know you’re out for a gym class or that your partner has an evening out on the cards then plan something quick and easy – like an omelette or salad – or think about make-ahead meals that can be served up in a hurry. 

How many meals?

Do you need to think about working lunches? Could you cook up a double batch healthy casserole or extra pasta one evening and enjoy the leftovers for lunch over the next couple of days with minimal embellishment?

The weather?!

Sounds odd but many a times I’ve planned to make a light, refreshing salad only to find that come Tuesday the rain is lashing down outside and we want something warm and nourishing. I know here in the UK the weather is never predictable but you can usually hazard a guess and plan accordingly.

How much are you willing to spend?

If you’re counting the pennies for whatever reason then think seasonality. Even the giant supermarkets that stock strawberries all year around will reflect the seasons and adjust their prices for veggies that are in their prime. If you don’t know what’s in season when then check online and plan your meals around those ingredients. Not only will you save money but your food will taste that much better!

Do you have plans to dine out?

If so, and you know you’re going to overeat or be unable to resist the not-so-healthy options, then plan ahead and consider lighter, nutritious meals around the event. That way you can somewhat balance out your energy intake and feel less guilty. We all need to indulge every now and again and there’s no reason you can’t whilst maintaining a healthy diet.

The more you think and plan ahead the easier it becomes. If you're a stickler for routine you may find that you keep returning to particularly successful weekly menus or recipes and that's fine! There are no rules, you can, and should be, flexible - just do whatever works best for you!