Plan Your Meals, Save Your Sanity

By Donna Stark

I have a few questions for you. Are you eating out more than you would like? Does the thought of creating a meal on the spot get you frazzled? Do you wish you could spend less money and time at the grocery store? If so, what are you doing about it? For me, if I don't meal plan for the week ahead, I find that my stress levels increase and my days become unorganized. I find that I end up spending more money than I wanted to, that my family and I don't eat as healthily as we should, and that I am running to the store at the last minute for that obscure ingredient I thought I had, but didn't. It only takes a small amount of time to plan for the week ahead, and if you're not doing it, you should, because it can definitely be life-changing!

Saving Your Sanity With Meal Planning

Yes, life is busy, life happens, life doesn't stop for a moment ... we all know those "life sayings," but you can make a difference in how your life impacts your days by reducing the amount of craziness in it. The few hours it takes to plan, shop, and prep your meals is almost certain to guarantee an entire week of stress-free (and healthy!) eating. Here are some tips on how to get started.

• Decide what to eat - Well, you have two options here and both can be used to create a well-rounded menu. Adding new recipes with your tried-and-true is a great way to keep your dinners both interesting and comforting. Create your menu with the following in mind: share as many ingredients as possible to eliminate waste, remember that you will have leftovers, and plan to use the most perishable ingredients first.
• Shop wisely - Clip those coupons if you are still a "clipper," and take advantage of your store's promotions or shopping card benefits. Also, purchase only what you will be using that week (unless you are stocking up on sale items or planning on freezing the extra), buy in bulk if possible, and most importantly, don't buy it if it is not on your list!
• Prep for the week - Done shopping? Clear the decks because it's time to prep! This is the moment you can enlist the help of those you love by preparing for your meals as much as possible. Wash, peel, and chop your fruits and vegetables. Shred your chicken and simmer your rice. Pack those school snacks into individual bags. Get ahead of your week by spending a little bit of time now.

Plan Your Meals, Reduce Your Stress

Meal planning is certainly not difficult, but it's also not a walk in the park either. With a clear strategy and lots of practice, it is sure to get easier and easier as the weeks pass. Just give it a shot!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Loganville, Ga.