By Harriet Well qualified Nutritionist (BSc)
Do you often find yourself grabbing fast food on the go or mindlessly snacking on whatever is convenient? We’re surrounded by endless options of what to eat, but without making a plan or consciously thinking about our food choices it is all too easy to fall into unhealthy eating habits. But what if there was a simple solution that not only saves time and money but also promotes mindful eating and empowers you to take control of your food choices?
Well here it is, pre-planning meals and making time for a little prep each week, this is your ticket to healthier eating habits and a more positive relationship with food.
The Basics of Meal Planning and Prep
At its core, meal planning and prep involves taking the time to plan out your meals and snacks ahead of time, and then preparing parts in advance to make your life easier. It’s about more than just practicality – it’s a mindful approach to eating that can have profound effects on your overall well-being.
Let’s Explore Some of the Key Benefits:
Encourages Mindful Eating
By pre-planning and prepping your meals, you’re forced to consider what you’re putting into your body ahead of time. This thoughtful approach encourages mindfulness around eating. You’re more likely to savour each bite, appreciate the flavours and textures of your food, and develop a deeper connection with what you eat. It also means you aren’t left in a starving state with no plan as to what to eat, which will often lead to overeating and eating past fullness.
Reduces Decision Fatigue
In today’s fast-paced world, we’re bombarded with countless decisions every day. Whatto eat doesn’t have to be an everyday one. Pre-planning and meal prep eliminate the need to constantly make food-related decisions, reducing decision fatigue and helping you make healthier choices. It also encourages regular eating which helps to prevent overeating and helps maintain energy and mood throughout the day.
Creates Structure and Routine
Meal prep introduces structure and routine into your eating habits. When you know what you’ll be eating for each meal, it eliminates the guesswork and uncertainty that can lead to impulsive eating. This consistency can be particularly beneficial for those trying to work on their eating habits and prevent binge eating behaviours.
Promotes Balanced Nutrition
One of the key benefits of meal planning and prep is the ability to ensure you’re getting a well-balanced diet. By planning your meals in advance, you have the opportunity to include a variety of nutrient-dense foods, helping you meet your nutritional needs and maintain energy levels throughout the day. You can plan to make sure each meal contains a combination of carbohydrates, fibre, protein and healthy fats which make up a great filling and satisfying meal.
Builds Confidence and Empowerment
Taking control of your food choices through pre-planning and meal prep can be incredibly empowering. As you become more familiar with planning meals, experimenting with new recipes, and navigating the grocery store, you’ll build confidence in your ability to nourish yourself and make informed food choices.
Fosters Creativity and Connection
Meal planning and prep isn’t just about practicality – it’s also an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Experimenting with new recipes, flavours, and ingredients can reignite your passion for cooking and inspire you to explore different culinary traditions. Ensuring eating and cooking are enjoyable and exciting can help you to feel a lot more satisfied from your meals. Plus, involving family members or friends in the meal prep process can strengthen bonds and create opportunities for quality time together.
How to Get Started with Meal Planning and Prep:
That’s where Assortment comes in – a meal planning platform! The Assortment team takes the guesswork out of meal planning by planning your meals and recipes for the week ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned meal prepper or just starting out, Assortment provides personalised meal plans that are flexible and can be tailored to your dietary preferences, nutritional needs, and busy schedule.
With Assortment, you’ll have access to a wide variety of delicious and nutritious recipes, along with detailed shopping lists, step-by-step cooking instructions and prep ideas. Say goodbye to wandering aimlessly through the grocery store aisles and hello to stress-free meal planning and prep!
Click here to start your 7-day free trial!
About Harriet
Hi, I’m Harriet. A qualified Nutritionist (BSc), recipe developer and foodie. I believe in the power of nutrition to make you feel incredible, and the pure joy of eating. I specialise in helping individuals build a healthy and positive relationship with food and their bodies. My number one tip when it comes to your health and nutrition is to focus on addition and what you can to your life and diet rather than what you think you need to or think you “should be” cutting out.
If you would love to connect or learn more about what I do, you can find me on instagram @harriet_well or via my website www.harrietwell.com
