7 Meal Planning Tips And Advice For Busy Individuals

Meal planning can be stressful, especially if you have a lot on your hands. So, it’s always tempting to resort to fast food, takeout, or processed meal when you're short on time. But tons of articles and news bites have already been made on how these options are less healthy and more expensive in the long run. Fortunately, there’s still hope.

Healthy eating has become a trend in recent years, and many small businesses have responded by offering healthy meal choices to busy individuals and families. Proteinchefs meal delivery in Toronto and many other companies have been leading the way in this initiative.

You, too, can join this trend by putting some time into planning your meals. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Begin With A Grocery List

Before planning your meals, decide on a few key dishes that you can mix and match first. Determine how many meals you want to prepare for a week. From there, you start listing all the ingredients you need to make them. Consider your schedule, dietary preferences, and any leftovers you may have on hand.

That list of ingredients you made doubles as a grocery list. Make sure it includes staples like oils, spices, condiments, and perishable items like produce and dairy products.

To make meal prep easier, consider organizing your groceries by category (e.g., produce, grains, proteins) or by the meal they will be used for. This can help you quickly find what you need whenever it's time to cook. Remember to stay flexible; it's okay if your meal plan doesn't go exactly how you want it. After all, you may need to choose substitutes based on what's available at the store. Or, you may have to adjust your plans due to changes in your schedule. Be willing to adapt while sticking to what works best for you.

2.  Plan Ahead

The key to successful meal planning is to plan ahead. This means thinking about what you'll be eating for the week and making a schedule that works for you. Consider the time you have available for cooking. It helps to choose meals you can prepare in advance, such as casseroles, soups, and stews.

Set aside time each week to plan your meals for the upcoming days. Be realistic in accounting for commitments, such as work, school, and social events. This also means building some flexibility to accommodate last-minute changes. A running list of tasks and errands you need to complete can help. 

By doing all of this, you better manage your time, reduce stress, and avoid feeling rushed or unprepared all the time.

3. Make Use Of Leftovers

When cooking a meal, you may want to make extra to save for later in the week. Always store leftovers in airtight containers to lengthen their shelf life and avoid spoiling.

Why? With leftovers, you can create something superb with a little bit of creativity while saving time and money on prepping. For example, you can turn leftover roast pork or beef into a shepherd's pie. Or roast chicken into a yummy frittata.

If you have too many leftovers to use within a few days, consider freezing them for later. This can be a convenient way to have ready-made meals on hand for busy days. Remember to use them soon, as they will lose quality over time.

4. Use Convenience Items Wisely

While it's always best to cook from scratch, it's okay to use convenience items like pre-cut vegetables or canned beans to save time. Be sure to choose healthy options and watch for added sugars and preservatives.

5. Get Creative

Feel free to mix and match ingredients and try new recipes. Not only will this keep meal planning from getting boring, but it can also help you discover new favorite dishes.

You can do this by mixing different spices for unique blends or textures. These slight touches go a long way in creating satisfying meals. For example, try pairing crunchy vegetables with creamy dips or sauces or adding nuts or seeds for texture.

6. Involve The Whole Family

Involving the whole family in meal planning can be a great way to bond and teach kids about healthy eating habits. Consider assigning each family member a task, such as setting the table or helping to chop vegetables. This has the secondary effect of making meal planning something to keep up in your routines.

7. Use Meal Prep Tools 

Various meal prep tools, such as meal prep containers and slow cookers, can make meal planning more manageable. These make it way easier to manage small tasks as you prep meals, saving you even more time and effort.

Planned Meals Are Always The Best Meals

By making a plan, creating a grocery list, and getting creative with your meals, you can have a wide range of tasty and nutritious meals to choose from whenever you need them. With a bit of smart decision-making and creativity, you can make meal times a stress-free and enjoyable part of your packed routine.