this is how I stay consistent with my meal plan

you know when you’re writing your meal plan or you’re trying to follow some kind of diet- you always seem to be way more ambitious when you’re making it then when it’s actually time to follow it. Trust me, I used to be the prime example of this, I used to write these crazy “ clean” meal plans and then go to the grocery store, get all of the ingredients for this strict meal plan and then when it was time for the meal plan, I would realize it was not sustainable nor fulfilling and I would end up saying ‘screw it’ by Wednesday. Then go get the things that I was really wanting the entire week.

This ends up being more expensive, more wasteful, and frustrating than just eating normally in the first place.So, over the years I have accumulated some tips and tricks to following a meal plan, and I am going to share it with all of you. Nowadays,I rarely stray from my meal plan because I love everything about it. I am so proud of my habits, but don’t get me wrong, it took a lot of trial and error to get to this point. I had to learn that life happens.

Sometimes there are special occasions or different circumstances that are going to happen and that’s okay, it’s about balance. Which means that on your regular routine days, you focus on building good habits and creating a meal plan that you can sustain.

We don’t gatekeep here, so let me tell you some of my best tips and tricks for staying on track. 

1. Write & Plan

On the day before I do our weekly groceries I sit down. It takes 20 minutes. Yes. I seriously do sit down. I actually do this. You’re gonna need to do this too. I hate to break it to you, but I take the time to write out what I’m gonna have for dinner every day for the week. I plan out one fun dinner, maybe that’s going out or something spontaneous, and the rest of the dinners are planned.

I pick two potential breakfasts and I make sure to make one of the breakfasts something that could last into the following week (i.e. ingredients for oatmeal). I meal prep the food for lunch, and since I have time available to make dinner (and enjoy cooking in the evening), I just make sure I have all the required ingredients at home.

2. Prepare to succeed

I prep the boring and long things that I’m not gonna want to do when I’m tired. So if I plan to have a loaded sweet potato, I will pre-roast all of the sweet potatoes. If I’m going to make something with rice, I make my rice in advance or I (don’t hate me) buy Uncle Ben’s rice, which I can just heat up. Now you’re supposed to heat it up in the microwave, I prefer to just put it in the pan and cook it with the veggies you whatever works

3. Try new recipes

I pick one new recipe to try every week. The structure goes 4x my tried and true recipes (the ones I know I’m going to like) and then 1x new exciting recipe to make for dinner. I do this because when you’re tired, you just want your comfort meals. Also, we tend to be a bit more ambitious than we really are on the day of making something new. So, I just aim for one, and it works for me. 

4. Dessert & sweet treats

I have a sweet treat every night. Yes I do, because life is too short to not have a sweet treat and I know myself. I need a reward at the end of every day so I plan in advance what that’s going to be and I make sure I have all the ingredients to make it. I have a really good snickers dates recipe, you should check that out. They’re divine, let me tell you.

5. Practice makes perfect

You have to keep trying and keep being consistent. Push yourself. The first week is not going to be fun. It’s going to seem like it’s more work, but with time you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. It is so much cheaper to eat this way and can be so much better for you. You can make sure you’re eating a well balanced diet. 

When you make your first plan maybe take some notes to see how you were feeling -  are you full? Were are you satisfied? If not, note iit for the next time so you know how to make adjustments. You will start to notice little things about you and your body. For example, I’ve learned for myself that I need to have a dessert, so plan for a dessert. I need to have two different options for breakfast. I don't like feeling restricted at breakfast time (I don't know why), so I give myself options.

6. Embrace the meal prep

Don’t be afraid to say no, it’s okay. You’re allowed to say,I have food at home. Be that person that person is super cool and that person that has goals. If people are going out to the movies and they want to get food and take it into the theatre, bring your meal prep! why not? movie theatre food is so expensive and I am sure your homemade cooking is far better tasting. 

As always, I wish you the best of luck. I’m here, I’m rooting for you. If you’re looking for some kind of inspiration I have so many recipes on my Instagram, and I also have a 14 day meal plan with a recipe guide full of delicious easy, simple recipes that you were going to crave. Throughout the 14 days there are three main meals and snacks and of course some little sweet treats. 

Check out the 14-day Feel Good Approach meal plan here.