Picture the all-too-familiar grocery shopping scenario: you’re exhausted after a long workday, wandering the aisles hungry and stressed. This often leads to impulse purchases of less-than-healthy options, overspending, and a hodgepodge of items that don’t quite make up a week’s worth of meals. Before you know it, you’re back in the store, repeating the cycle. Stressful, right?
Now, imagine a different scene: You enter your kitchen, armed with a clear plan for the week’s meals. Every ingredient you need is already in your pantry, thanks to your well-thought-out shopping trip. This organized approach means less stress, nutritious meals, minimal food waste, and a near-empty fridge by week’s end. Welcome to the magic of meal planning!
Meal planning simplifies life by eliminating those last-minute, stress-induced meal decisions and the temptation of fast-food fixes. It’s about spending less time fretting over dinner and more time enjoying your meals with loved ones.
We’re excited to share our go-to method for meal planning, which we like to call the WEEKLY SHOP and PREP. This involves picking one day a week for planning and another for shopping and prep. Let’s break it down into six easy steps:
Step One: Set Aside Time and Take Inventory
Allocate a specific time each week for meal planning. Whether it’s a Friday evening or Saturday morning, find what works for you. Then, take inventory of what you already have in your kitchen. This step is crucial as it helps you utilize existing resources, saving money before you even step foot in a grocery store.
Step Two: Look Ahead
Check your weekly calendar. How many meals will you need to prepare? For instance, if you’re planning for a family of four, consider all the meals and portions needed, accounting for any days when meals are provided elsewhere.
Step Three: Plan Simply with PVCF
With your inventory and meal count in hand, it’s time to plan. Using our PVCF method (protein, veggie, carb, healthy fat), you can create balanced meals without complicated recipes. For example, combine grass-fed ground beef, organic peppers and onions, sweet potatoes, and avocado for a delicious “Sweet Potato Taco Bowl.”
Step Four: Make Your List
Review your meal plan and list all the necessary ingredients. Remember to include snacks or extras, but stick to your list to avoid overbuying and increasing food waste.
Step Five: Shop and Prep
Armed with your list and reusable shopping bags (let’s be eco-friendly!), head to the store. Once home, organize your groceries and start prepping. A simple tip for produce: soak hardy veggies and fruits in a baking soda and water solution (1 tsp baking soda per 2 cups water) for a cheap and effective wash.
Step Six: Be Flexible
Life can be unpredictable, so it’s okay to shuffle meals around. Flexibility is key to maintaining a stress-free meal planning routine.
Embracing meal planning can revolutionize your eating habits, save time and money, and make mealtime a joyous, stress-free affair.
Looking to personalize your nutrition and focus on wellness this year? We’re here to help you craft a plan that fits your unique dietary needs and lifestyle. Contact us to begin your journey towards a healthier, happier 2024.
Need recipe ideas? Check out our recipes here! And be sure to keep in touch by following us on instagram here! You got this!!
