Recently, I had an enlightening conversation with one of our members about meal planning basics.  Not everyone is familiar with the art of meal prep and its incredible benefits, and it got me thinking about my journey with meal planning, and I realized how transformative it has been for my convenience and overall well-being and wanted to share it with all of you! Previous to working with LSFW, I never prepped my meals. I thought it was complicated, took too long, and I couldn’t do it. Boy, was I wrong. For the last few months, I’ve been religiously practicing meal prep, and the positive impact on my life has been profound. I’ve become the type of person who won’t compromise on health but also values the ease and simplicity of a convenient meal.  Today I want to share some fundamental insights into meal planning for those who might be new to this game or are still contemplating where to start. 

Why Meal Planning Matters: 

Meal Planning is not just a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice that can significantly enhance your physical health, save you time, and even contribute to your financial well-being. As someone who didn’t always prioritize healthy eating, I discovered that a little planning goes a long way! The Basics: 

1. Set Realistic Goals: As always, we want to be realistic about starting a new habit. Start small and gradually build up. Whether you aim to cook twice a week or prepare your lunches for work, setting achievable goals will make the process less overwhelming
2. Create A Weekly Menu: Before you hit the grocery store, plan your meals for the week! Take into account your schedule, ensuring that your meals align with your daily activities. (Check out our recipe book)
3. Batch Cooking: Cook in bulk to save time! Prepare larger portions and store leftovers for later in the week. This not only reduces cooking time but also minimizes food waste.
4. Prep Ingredients: Washing and prepping your fruits and vegetables will make it easier to grab and go, make a salad, or throw things together for a stir fry. We tend to grab things out of convenience when we’re in a hurry – make those healthier options!
5. Invest in quality containers: Having the right storage containers is key to keeping your meals fresh. Invest in a variety of sizes, making it easy to portion and store your meals conveniently.

Now from just following these 5 things, I have experienced many benefits.

• Consistency in healthy eating: Knowing I have nutritious meals readily available eliminates the temptation of reaching for an unhealthy option or order in again. 
• Time-Saving: Preparing meals/ingredients in advance saves me a significant amount of time during the week. It frees up time for other activities and reduces the stress associated with daily cooking. 
• Financial Savings: By planning my meals and buying only the ingredients that I need, I’ve noticed a considerable reduction in my grocery bill. This has been an unexpected but welcome bonus! 

Meal planning has been a game-changer for me, and I hope that these basics inspire you to embark on your own journey – Remember, it’s all about finding a routine that works for you!  Whether you’re a seasoned meal prepper or just starting, the key is to enjoy the process and savor the benefits it brings to your life.  P.S – if you are tired of eating the same things and need some inspiration for your meal planning, check out this “Perfect Meal Cheat sheet” from Precision Nutrition!  P.S.S – if you need more than just a cheat sheet to help with your meal planning, click HERE to book a call to see how our expert coaches can help you build a fitness routine that still leaves room for holiday fun ;).