Looking to lose weight and improve your health? One of the best ways to achieve this is through meal planning. Planning your meals at home gives your control over your food choices.
When it comes down to meal planning, there’s a right way to do it. Proper meal planning will help you achieve your goals.
There are beginner meal planning mistakes to avoid. Read on to learn about six beginner meal planning mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Following Someone Else’s Plan
Chances are you have seen those posts on social media talking about meal plans. Yes, getting inspiration from them can be great, but don’t follow them. You can’t expect to achieve your goals if you don’t create your own meal plan.
You have to be realistic when it comes to meal planning. Your plan should account for time, energy, and budget. Don’t take on too much as doing so can set you up for failure.
2. Not Using Your Stash First
There’s one thing you must do before you create your first meal plan. Check your stash to see what you already have. See what’s in your pantry and fridge.
Use what you find to make your dinner meal plan. This is a great way to start your meal planning. You can save money as well as save time on trying to come up with meal plan ideas.
3. Not Using Themes
One of the biggest beginner meal planning mistakes you can make is not using themes. What are themes, you ask? Think Taco Tuesday and Fish Fridays.
Use themes to make your daily meal schedule. It’s important to have variety in your meals. Themes help you to mix up your meals and not make you feel bored by cooking the same things over and over again.
4. Making Too Much Food
One of the top benefits of meal planning is the ability to help you lose weight. You can’t lose fat if you’re eating large portions. Making too much food isn’t a good idea, so stick to being consistent.
Your goal is to focus on cooking healthy foods. Stick with good sources of protein. Add in those fresh fruits and vegetables too.
5. Not Taking an Inventory
Taking an inventory of your meals is the key to meal planning. Record what’s in your food. Label it on the container, so you can grab and go to start your day.
Make note of the use-by date. Do the same with calorie and macro values. This will help you stay safe and reduce food waste.
6. Not Having Backup Meals
Let’s be honest. There’ll be nights that you might be too tired to cook. This is why it’s a good idea to have backup meals.
Have backup meals on hand. They should be easy to make when you’re busy.
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Don’t Make These Beginner Meal Planning Mistakes
If you’re new to meal planning, you must do it right. These are six beginner meal planning mistakes you should avoid. Use this guide to help get the most out of your meal plans.
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