Is your schedule busier than usual with your kids going back to school? Are you struggling to prepare healthy meals because it feels like there’s not enough time in the day? Meal planning can help! Meal planning can help you from struggling to figure out what to cook every night along with helping you save money. You’ll also be more likely to eat out less and improve the health of both you and your family.
How to Choose your Recipes1
The most important aspect of meal planning is picking the recipes and getting everything prepped. Before you get started, be sure to consider:
- Your Schedule: Are you planning for lunch or dinner? If dinner, how many nights will you want to make at home? You’ll need to know a general idea of how many meals you’ll want to prepare.
- Cooking Recipes You Know: You’re much more likely to cook and eat recipes you’re familiar with. Start with building the habit and then work towards adding a new recipe or two each week.
- Pick Recipes Based on Common Ingredients: Avoid wasted food and save money by reducing the number of ingredients you’ll need for your meals.
Get your Portions Right2
Creating healthy meals starts at the plate. That’s why the food pyramid has been replaced with a plate. As you see, half of your plate should be fruits and vegetables, preferably nonstarchy vegetables. Good choices include spinach, carrots, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, cucumbers, beets and peppers. Grains fill another section. Choose brown rice, whole-wheat pasta or whole-wheat tortillas. Protein completes the plate. Healthy options include chicken or turkey without the skin, fish and other seafood, beans, soy, and lean cuts of beef and pork. Round out your meal with an 8-ounce glass of fat-free milk.
Questions?
Call the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742
Sources:
