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5 Tips for Creating Weekly Healthy Meal Plans

Posted by Sarah Summers on November 5, 2015
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5 Tips for Creating Weekly Healthy Meal Plans | Sarah Summers | Improving Health blog by CareATC, Inc.We all know that eating a healthy diet is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle.

However, with jobs, families, and other responsibilities to handle each week, putting together healthy meals each day can quickly fall to the bottom of the priority list. 

Below, we're sharing five quick tips to help you develop weekly healthy meal plans to ensure that you'll be prepared with delicious, good-for-you meals all week long.

1. Eating healthy doesn't need to be expensive.

A common complaint about healthy meal plans is that the cost of ingredients can quickly add up. However, if you're willing to spend some time on meal planning, healthy eating can be done on any budget.

Start by looking at grocery store ads to find the best deals and items that are on sale for the week. Build your weekly meal plan around those ingredients.

Look for ingredients that can be used in multiple dishes throughout the week. When you discover what your healthy kitchen staples are, try to purchase those items in bulk to save more money.

2. Plan your meals before going shopping. 

Always have a list in your hand when you enter the grocery store. Create healthy meal plans in the morning before spending some time shopping in the afternoon.

Walking into the store with a list of exactly what you need will help to make your shopping trip more efficient, save you money on foods that will end up going to waste, and prevent you from becoming frustrated and picking up unhealthy frozen meals or junk food. 

3. Change it up to avoid getting bored.

Eating the same meals day after day will get boring very quickly. To avoid getting stuck in a rut, add plenty of variety in your healthy meal plans.

Each week, include tried and true dishes, but add in a couple of new recipes as well. Look for recipes with unfamiliar ingredients like a new-to-you seasonal vegetable or a spice you've never tried before.

You may find a new flavor you love or another meal to add to your rotation. 

4. Include quick and simple dinners for weeknights.

After a long day at work, most people don't have the time or energy to spend whipping up a gourmet meal. When creating healthy meal plans at the beginning of the week, be sure to take preparation and cooking time into account.

Look for meals with ingredients that can be prepared ahead of time. For example, you can cook an entire batch of chicken breasts on the weekend and use them in meals throughout the week. Store ingredients together to take any guesswork out of meals on busy nights. 

5. Know that moderation is key – and enjoy a few treats. :)

One reason that many people stray from healthy eating habits is that they feel deprived of their favorite treats. Healthy meal plans should also include the occasional treat.

The key to a healthy lifestyle is understanding moderation. Limit foods that are high in carbs, sugar, or calories by enjoying them less frequently and in small portions. You can still indulge in your favorite foods, but consider them treats to be savored, not to fill your daily meal plan.

Conclusion

Taking the time to create weekly meal plans will not only help you develop a healthier lifestyle, but can also save you time and money throughout the week. Try making your own meal plan this week!

Do you have any other tips on creating weekly meal plans? Let us know in the comments below!

Sarah Summers

About The Author

Sarah Summers

Sarah is a former graphic designer for CareATC. She is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT200). Sarah’s passion is making people feel good in and about their bodies. She loves balance poses and deep stretches.

Post Topics Healthy Lifestyles, Healthy Eating