Overcome your Fears of Meal Planning

Meal planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming and difficult. When I changed my diet over 7 years ago I spent a whole week locating healthy recipes, figuring out where I was going to find these “special” food items and how I was going to make them appealing to my family. Sure, it takes time to get accustomed to new habits and routines, but it wasn’t long before I realized how easy preparing healthy, whole foods can be.

I do love to cook and I find it to be very therapeutic after a long day. I realize this isn’t the norm for everyone, but cooking doesn’t have to be a burden. A lot of times I include my family in the preparation of dinner and take the opportunity to teach my children about health and wellness. They love to have a part in the final product. I went from finding extravagant recipes from all of my favorite chefs and bringing a long list to the grocery store to barely planning what we will eat for dinner. It used to take me over an hour to make dinner, but now it only takes me about 30 minutes.

This is how my routine goes…. First, I order a weekly box of organic, local produce to be delivered to my door. I have really enjoyed produce from Full Circle over the past few years. This ensures that I am rotating through my vegetables…diversity is the key. It also encourages me to eat what is in season while supporting the local farmer. Once a month I order grass-fed meat through a company that backs the quality of their ranches and raising of cattle. Butcher Box has been a nice option for my family. The other meats (organic, antibiotic-free chicken and wild fish) and staple items I buy in bulk at the store, since I do have three growing boys to feed. Once my crisper is stocked, my freezer is full of meat and my pantry is full of organic products, I then decide what I am going to make for dinner. There is so much less food waste and instead of counting on produce that has come halfway across the continent to ensure year round access, I have a plate of food for me and my family that is full of flavor and nutrients.

Over time, I have built up my healthy alternative staple items and spices in my cupboard. When one recipe called for a nut flour or coconut milk, I either ordered it or picked it up at the store. I have gotten rid of all the refined foods in my pantry and have slowly replaced them with whole food options. Don’t feel pressure to get rid of everything at once, just replace items one at a time. Before you know it your whole pantry will have a makeover without the pain of waste.

It does take time, but be patient and think simplicity. Whole, local foods can be very flavorful without a lot of work. Less is more. Rotate through foods and try new things to increase your diversity. Be open to trying new flavors and dishes and laugh together when things don’t turn out the way you hoped they would. I always keep a list in my head or on paper of the meals that my family enjoyed and which ones aren’t worth repeating. Good luck…this is going to be fun!!