As a bed and breakfast owner, especially during the busy season, it's not difficult to let your attention to your own health slip, especially when it comes to planning and eating healthy meals.

I lost count of the number of times, I'd head to the fridge at the end of a long day and the only thing to eat was breakfast food! It wasn't uncommon for me to eat breakfast for all 3 meals of the day.

And when you're tired and run off your feet, it's far too easy to fall into the trap of unhealthy eating habits and, as well as eating far too many croissants and leftover sausages, relying on ultra processed food, ready meals and takeaways.

This is where meal planning comes to the rescue.

Meal planning is a proactive approach to managing your meals and can have a profound impact on your overall well-being.

In this blog post, I’ll explore five compelling reasons why incorporating meal planning into your routine can transform your relationship with food and bring numerous benefits to your life.

1. Save Time and Reduce Stress by Meal Planning

One of the main advantages of meal planning is that it saves you time and reduces the stress of "what shall we eat tonight?"

Instead of scrambling to figure out what to cook for each meal, a well-thought-out meal plan allows you to simplify your grocery shopping and preparation process.

By dedicating a little time each week to plan your meals, you get rid of the daily dilemma of "What's for dinner?" which can often result in you serving up spaghetti bolognese again…

If meal planning weekly feels too overwhelming, you could meal plan for 2 or 3 days ahead or even meal planning daily will be a great step in the right direction.

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Keep old meal plans, so that you can reuse them and not have to reinvent the wheel every week - this is great timesaver

2. Health and Nutrition

Meal planning helps you to eat more healthily, whether that is because you want to lose weight, stop overeating or just want to eat a more balanced diet. By selecting nutritious recipes and ingredients - when you’re not hungry - you can ensure your meals are meeting your health goals. With a clear plan in place, you're less likely to resort to last minute takeaways or ultra processed foods.

3. Cost Savings

Meal planning can actually help you to save you money on your shopping bills.

By planning your meals in advance, you can make a comprehensive grocery list and buy only what you need, minimising food waste.

With a well-thought-out plan, you'll also be less tempted by impulse purchases, ultimately helping you save money and stay on budget.

4. Introduce some Variety to your Mealtimes

Meal planning offers a great opportunity to introduce variety to mealtimes new recipes, cuisines, and ingredients. Instead of falling into a routine of eating the same old meals, you can explore a wide range of different meals.

How often have you saved a great looking recipe on Pinterest or Instagram, and never looked at it again?

With Meal Planning you add all of these recipes to your list of recipes and be prompted to try them out.

Create a list of your favourite or "must try" recipes in this Google Sheets Meal Planner >> Weekly Meal Planner for Google Sheets

5. Consistency and Accountability

Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining a healthy eating routine, and meal planning can provide the structure and accountability needed to achieve your goals. By documenting your meals and adhering to a plan, you establish a healthy habit.

Sharing your meal plan with others, such as family members, can provide additional accountability and motivation.

With this Google Sheets Meal Planner it’s easy to share your meal plans with other members of the family or friends >> Weekly Meal Planner for Google Sheets

And finally

Meal planning is a powerful tool that empowers you to take control of your nutrition, save time and money, explore new flavours, and maintain consistency in your eating habits.

By embracing meal planning, you can transform your relationship with food and reap the numerous benefits it offers. Start small by dedicating some time each week to plan your meals, create a shopping list, and savour the joy of preparing and enjoying nutritious, homemade meals. Your body, mind, and wallet will thank you for it. Happy meal planning!

Learn more about how to make meal planning for the week a regular habit in this blog post >> 8 Tips on how to to meal plan for the week