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\nDo you dread the inevitable \u201cwhat\u2019s for dinner?\u201d question that comes every day around 5 o\u2019clock? I used to! That\u2019s why I started meal planning. Now, when I\u2019m asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s for dinner?\u201d I have an answer, plus all the ingredients needed to make a healthy and delicious meal. Meal planning is beneficial for everyone, not just busy working moms and\/or dads. It helps you get organized for the week and prepares you with meals. <\/p>\n
If you are able to resist fast food take-out, you still might find yourself resorting to quick, processed, prepackaged foods in a pinch. By having the ingredients you need for a healthy meal on hand, it is much easier to resist these foods. Plus, when you meal plan, these foods aren\u2019t included, so you won\u2019t even be tempted by them!<\/span><\/p>\n
Enough said. Anything that can make your life easier and less stressful is worth doing!<\/span><\/p>\n
Even if you love to grocery shop, if you aren\u2019t prepared for your meals throughout the week, you might find yourself helplessly wandering the store aisles throughout the week. Planning allows you to go to the store only once per week!<\/span><\/p>\n
Now that you know the benefits\u2026 here are some Eat Smart. Be Well.<\/em><\/strong> tips to get you started with your meal planning:<\/p>\n Once a week, look through cookbooks, blogs and websites or break out old recipe favorites that you want to make for the week. It is best to plan for five days worth of meals. This allows for a little wiggle room if you decide to go out to eat or have leftovers.<\/span><\/p>\n Make a list of all the ingredients you need from the store. Be sure to also add on any other essentials like breakfast, lunch or snack items you usually keep on hand.<\/span><\/p>\n Easy enough, right? Your only task, besides getting what\u2019s on the list, is avoiding the impulse buys! The one exception would be if there is a sale on items you regularly use such as meat, detergent, or any other food items you regularly keep in the house.<\/span><\/p>\n Keep the meal plan in sight so you know what to plan for each day. The night before or the morning of, be sure to put any proteins or frozen items in the fridge so it\u2019s thawed by the time you get home.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Meal planning 101 Do you dread the inevitable \u201cwhat\u2019s for dinner?\u201d question that comes every day around 5 o\u2019clock? I used to! That\u2019s why I started meal planning. Now, when I\u2019m asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s for dinner?\u201d I have an answer, plus … Continue reading 1. Take time to gather recipes:<\/strong> <\/span><\/h2>\n
2. Make a shopping list:<\/strong> <\/span><\/h2>\n
3. Go shopping:<\/strong> <\/span><\/h2>\n
4. Keep meal plan visible:<\/strong> <\/span><\/h2>\n