What is your Game Plan for a Healthier YOU!
You wouldn’t go on a trip without a map, so why would you commit to a healthier lifestyle without a plan?
Just like you might make up a shopping list before heading to the grocery store, you should also map out the path to your goal.
It’s just not feasible to go about an overhaul of your life without a game plan. What are you going to eat?
Which exercise program will you follow? Will you be giving up in search of a healthier you?
There are so many things to consider before beginning your journey.
HEATHY BENEIFITS FOR MEAL PLANNING
Eating Healthy
When you’re hungry and your blood sugar drops, you’re more inclined to eat whatever you can get the fastest. This is why some of us settle for the closest fast-food joint with unhealthy options. Meal planning eliminates this issue when you have a balanced meal at your fingertips, filled with nutrient-dense food prepped and ready to go!
Many times, unhealthy foods are chosen because of convenience. If we can take the time out to plan meals, write a grocery list, and have fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans available, they will become convenient and eaten more often.
Save Time
Being hungry and realizing you have nothing planned is undoubtedly stressful. Instead of standing in front of your fridge or pantry deciding what to whip up, you can have your healthy meal ready in minutes. This also saves you the hassle of cleaning up after cooking.
Save Money
Everyone can agree that saving money is something we all try to do, and meal planning is a great way to help. While you skip out on spending money at restaurants, meal planning also involves buying items in bulk, which can be a huge money saver. Sticking to what’s on the list also avoids impulse buys at the grocery store.
WAYS TO MAP OUT YOUR SUCCESS
Establish A Daily Schedule:
Write down a schedule for each day of the week and incorporate the times you’ll be exercising, meal prepping, and so forth.
Do your best to stick to that schedule. Say goodbye to unproductive days!
Exercise Goals:
If your goal is to run a marathon, then you need to first know how far you can currently run, and then work your way up in increments to reach your ultimate goal.
Push yourself a little bit more each week until you have reached and sustained your goal! Even then, why not start all over with a brand-new goal?
Dietary Needs:
Never leave what you’re going to eat up to chance. Plan your meals out ahead of time, for the entire week if possible.
When you’ve planned it out, you won’t fall victim to fast food, takeout, or other quick temptations. And don’t forget to incorporate healthy snacks!
MEAL PREPPING
Make-ahead meals:
Full meals cooked in advance which can be refrigerated and reheated at mealtimes. This is particularly handy for dinnertime meals.
Batch cooking:
Making large batches of a specific recipe, then splitting it into individual portions to be frozen and eaten over the next few months. These make for popular warm lunch or dinner options.
Individually portioned meals:
Preparing fresh meals and portioning them into individual grab-and-go portions to be refrigerated and eaten over the next few days. This is particularly handy for quick lunches.
Ready-to-cook ingredients:
Prepping the ingredients required for specific meals ahead of time as a way to cut down on cooking time in the kitchen.