Definition
Meal planning involves strategically planning out your meals and snacks for a set period of time, usually a week, to control nutrition and streamline grocery shopping.
Explanation
- Meal plans create balanced nourishing meals that meet your preferences and goals. Planning ahead saves time and money.
- Decide on a calorie target and macronutrient breakdown, then populate meals and snacks to hit those averages.
- Meal prepping components like batch cooking proteins, grains and veggies makes assembling meals simple.
- Daily flexibility can be built into plans. But try to follow the structured meal plan at least 80-90% of the time, adjusting if needed.
Examples
- 7 days of breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks planned out
- Prepping a bulk batch of chicken breast for easy macros tracking
Related Terms
- Macro tracking, meal prepping, batch cooking, nutrition goals
Common Questions
- Aren’t meal plans too restrictive? They provide structure but can be adjusted as needed for flexibility.
- How do I start meal planning? Calculate your caloric/macro needs, inventory staple foods, brainstorm meals and grocery shop.
Do Not Confuse With
- Intermittent fasting – Eating pattern involving periods without food. Can integrate with planning.
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