Whether you're trying to lose weight or just eat more healthily, changing your food habits can feel overwhelming. Take some of the stress out of your new eating regimen by planning a month's worth of meals at a time. Once you've got your monthly menu up on the refrigerator, a busy day or hectic week won't be able to derail you nearly as easily. Fortunately, you don't need to be a gourmet chef to plan to eat healthy meals.
Step 1
Use an oversize calendar page for the month or print a customized sheet for the next 30 days. Quickly jot down any upcoming events that may affect your eating habits, such as dinner parties, out-of-town guests, or particularly busy days.
Step 2
Look through your recipes and begin matching them to specific days, making sure to pick easy meals for the days you'll be most pressed for time. A simple way to get started is to make a meal plan for the first two weeks and then repeat that plan in the second half of the month.
Step 3
Group together meals that use similar ingredients to minimize your time in the kitchen. For example, if you make a pot of beans on Monday, Tuesday's meal could be tacos, Wednesday's meal could be rice and beans, and Thursday's meal could be veggie chili. Also consider doubling some recipes you make in the beginning of the month and freezing part of it for an easy meal later on -- when your discipline to stay with your plan may be flagging.
Step 4
Make a list of the ingredients you will need to prepare each week's meals, checking your own pantry to avoid overbuying. These are your shopping lists for the month.
Step 5
Post your meal plan prominently in your kitchen so that it can't get lost. Take your shopping list with you to the grocery store and follow it carefully. Buy prewashed and cut veggies when possible for added time-savings.
Step 6
Make the meal that your plan calls for each day. If you have chosen simple meals and grouped them according to common ingredients, preparing and eating healthy meals will be a snap.
Tips and Warnings
- Cook several meals on the weekend to cut down on your kitchen time during the week. Chop fresh veggies and store them in the refrigerator for easy, healthy snacking. If you have good results with your month of healthy meals, repeat the same menu plan the following month.
Things You'll Need
- Pen
- Paper
- Oversize calendar page
- Assortment of healthy recipes
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