Ever started a meal plan and just couldn’t stick to it for longer than a week? That’s OK, check out these 6 tips below and maybe you can stay on track with your meal plan.
Remember that when you are on a meal plan there is little to no room for flexibility when it comes to what you are eating for the day.
- Set A Goal For Yourself
Plan your meal plans in increments with a goal or reward at the end when you complete it in its entirety. A goal may be treating yourself to a movie, or buying a video game you have always wanted, what ever the reason make it a meaningful goal to keep yourself motivated.
When setting your goals make sure they are not too extravagant. That’s not to say that you can’t have extravagant rewards, but having extravagant rewards will eventually take its toll on you, and your wallet. Keep them small but consistent, and also make sure to follow up on the rewards when you reach your goals.
- Remind Yourself Why You Are Meal Planning
Are you meal planning to save a little bit of money? Stay organized in the kitchen? To save time during a busy time of your life? Control what you are eating to get healthier? No matter the reason just keep reminding yourself why you are meal planning.
- Be Prepared To Deviate
This may sound like a counter intuitive tip but this is very important. If you are excited for a meal at the start of one week, that same meal may sound really repulsive. That is why you want to be prepared for when you need to deviate from the plan. Make sure to have some backup meals all ready to go in the pantry or freezer.
- Mix It Up
Mix your meals up from week to week in order to have that flavor variety that you will need in order to prevent deviation. Try to have at least a two to three week break in between each of your meals.
This is also a wonderful time to try new variations on recipes that you already enjoy to bring in some new bold flavors. Taking a little bit of time and read up on some recipes online to find even more flavors to try.
- Cook Less
Don’t cook every night, take at least one to two days a week where you don’t cook. This will help prevent you from getting burned out and stopping your meal plan. Take some extra time one night and make some meals that can easily be frozen and store them in freezer safe bags or tupperware.
You can also prepare some deviation meals during this time as well if you choose to do so. If you choose to prepare those meal just make sure that they are meals that freeze well and are easy to reheat.
- Feel Free To Cheat (on the meal plan)
Don’t take an all or nothing approach to your meal plan, if you have a couple of unhealthy appetizers at a party then don’t think that your entire meal plan is a bust.
Look beyond that and try to find some healthier foods or snacks for the rest of the party. Try and find some unprocessed foods that have higher protein in them.