Looking for Easy Wins? Meal Planning can make or break success when it comes to family meals

Throughout my career as a pediatrician I have helped countless families on their transition to a plant based lifestyle.

In my experience, the biggest predictor of success has been creating sustainable and stress-free ways to incorporate healthy habits so that not only is it LESS EFFORT to feed your family high quality foods, but you create a system for better health that sticks.

All too often, we rush home from work with dinner on the horizon, only to open up a (mostly) empty refrigerator. Maybe there are some options you could scrap together for a decent meal.. but maybe not.

When there’s no plan in place, the temptation to revert to old habits can be overwhelming.

Enter: convenience foods, boxed dinners, and processed snacks.

This might be followed by feelings of failure, guilt or even worse… giving up.

This is where the concept of meal planning becomes SUPER important!!!

Crafting a weekly menu not only brings efficiency to your hectic schedule, but it can also introduce a newfound joy to your dinner table, and make shopping and meal prep a breeze as well.

Here are some of the benefits to meal planning: 

1. Efficiency in Chaos:

Having a pre-meditated plan becomes extra important during the chaos of daily routines. By investing a little time upfront to strategize your meals for the week, you reclaim valuable time during hectic weekdays. No more last-minute scrambles or unhealthy takeout options – just efficient, well-thought-out meals that cater to your family's nutritional needs.

2. Health is Wealth:

As a board-certified pediatrician and advocate of plant-based nutrition, I've witnessed the profound impact of intentional meal planning on the health of families. It's not just about filling bellies; it's about nourishing them with the right nutrients. A well-planned menu ensures that your family gets the vitamins and minerals they need for optimal growth and development. 

3. Financial Savvy: 

Let's talk about another type of green – the one in your wallet. Meal planning isn't just about health; it's about sticking to your budget, too. Even better, when you plan out meals your kids will actually eat, you end up wasting less food and keeping more money in your wallet. By crafting a shopping list based on your weekly menu, you avoid impulsive purchases. It's a win-win for your budget and the environment.

4. Variety is Key:

Embrace the opportunity to introduce variety into your family's diet. With meal planning, you can experiment with new recipes, incorporate a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, and expose your kids to a world of flavors. It's a journey of culinary discovery that can transform mealtime into a delightful adventure.

5. Empowerment in Every Bite:

Meal planning empowers you as the family's nutrition gatekeeper. You decide what goes into your meals, ensuring that your family reaps the benefits of wholesome, plant-based nutrition. Take charge of your family's well-being one thoughtfully planned meal at a time.

Conclusion:

Intentional meal planning just might be your secret to mealtime success.   

If you need help getting started, check out my brand new meal planning guide that will help you get organized with a solid weekly plan… in less than 5 minutes flat!

Grab it here!

If you’re serious about starting a plant based diet for your family, you should download my insanely useful Plant Based Starter Kit.

For 1-on-1 help with lifestyle change, click here.