It’s September, back to routine, making lunches and….meal planning! September always feels like a fresh start for me. As the days get shorter, temperatures begin to cool and kids go back to school – September can be a time to reset and get back to good eating habits. However, with the demands of making lunches, driving to after-school sports and activities, and busier work schedules, sometimes eating healthy can take a back burner to our busy schedules. This is where meal planning can help! It has made a huge difference for me in making the household run smoother and making sure we are eating healthy. Here are some tips to incorporate meal planning into your life:
- Plan some time each week to do your meal planning. I plan and grocery shop once a week; usually on a Saturday or Sunday
- Look at the week ahead and figure out what days you will have time to cook and which days you will be pressed for time and plan accordingly.
- Make a list of family favourite meals. Get the family involved and get their input so that meals and snacks can include items everyone likes.
- Double or triple recipes so that you will have leftovers for lunches, another dinner, or to freeze for hectic weeknights when you don’t have time to cook.
- Spend some time preparing healthy snacks so you can grab and go. If you have healthy snacks available you will choose healthy snacks. If you have unhealthy, processed snacks you will choose those!
- Plan a break or night off from cooking. Pull out a meal from previous batch cooking or order some healthy take-out, put up your feet and relax!
At first, meal planning can be a bit more work, but if you get into the habit it can become part of your lifestyle. The reward is a healthier, happier family! 😊 If you would like more tips on meal planning, or if you would like to have some meal plans made up for you I’m here to help! In health and wellness, Tamara
