Meal Planning
Definition
Meal planning is the process of preparing and organizing meals ahead of time to ensure nutritious, balanced eating while saving time and money.
Scientific / Technical Definition
Meal planning involves strategically selecting meals and ingredients in advance with considerations for nutritional content, caloric intake, and dietary needs. This process often includes preparing a shopping list, budgeting for meals, and preparing ingredients or cooking meals ahead of time.
Benefits
- Saves time during the week
- Helps maintain a balanced diet
- Reduces food waste
- Facilitates budget-friendly eating
- Reduces stress regarding meal decisions
Examples
- Batch cooking meals for the upcoming week
- Creating a weekly meal calendar
- Preparing ingredient lists for planned recipes
Additional Information
- Importance: Meal planning is important for maintaining a nutritious diet within budgetary constraints and can prevent impulsive food choices that are less healthy.
Last updated: 10/19/2024