People in Houston, TX, are learning that eating healthy can be quick, easy, and less expensive than fast food when you learn to meal plan. It helps people stick with healthy eating, and it’s faster than waiting in the drive-through line at the local Burger Quickie. Meal planning is a process. You create menus and a grocery list one day, shop another day, and cook a week’s worth of food on the weekend or your day off work.
Start by planning the meals for the week.
If you start planning on the day grocery stores start sales, you can include the food on sale on your menu and take advantage of the lower prices. You can even search for coupons for the food you’re purchasing and make your meals both healthy and less expensive. Create a menu that uses the food you purchase in several ways. If you bake chicken for one meal, make chicken salad for another, and chicken soup or a Buddha bowl with chicken for another. You’ll have fewer leftovers. Check your cupboards for ingredients you already have before finalizing your shopping list.
Shop at one time.
Find the store that’s close to you and has more of the items you want that are less expensive. Consider variables before shopping. Some stores have a better produce section where the produce seems fresher, has better prices, or has more variety. Remember, you don’t have to use all fresh produce. Frozen produce is fresher because they pick it at peak ripeness and immediately freeze. Don’t forget to eat before you shop. Otherwise, you might find impulse items like cookies, candy, and other snacks in your cart.
You’ll cook all the meals at once.
It may sound overwhelming, but you’ll be amazed at the time you save. You can use the oven to cook several meals at once, put food in the slow cooker, and use all stovetop burners at once. Since you’re using many items in several meals, it cuts the total time you’d otherwise spend cooking a meal each night. You’ll have a week’s worth of healthy meals packaged in the appropriate serving size. All you have to do during the week is heat and serve. It’s faster than fast food. You’ll have fewer leftovers and less waste.
- You can double recipes and create extra meals to freeze for weeks when you don’t want to cook. You’ll have food available if an unexpected guest shows up to dinner.
- If you don’t have the knowledge you need to create healthy meals, we can help. Our nutritional guidance can show you ways to boost nutrition and cut calories.
- If you create meals with in-season fruits and vegetables, it can cut costs even further. Add a meatless day or two and make plant protein the main course. That saves money and adds more fiber to your diet.
- You’ll find your grocery budget going further the more comfortable you get with meal planning. That allows you to splurge on expensive food that otherwise wouldn’t be in your budget.
For more information, contact us today at Rising Fitness Gym