Busting Your Meal Plan Myths!

I know, I know. When you hear the words “meal plan” your mind probably jumps straight to thinking of a rigid plan that doesn’t allow for you to eat out or enjoy your favorite foods anymore. 

Well, that’s not what this meal plan is.

When I set out to create the Meal Plan Membership over 5 years ago, my goal was to create a meal plan that provided inspiration, excitement for mealtime, and gave you back time to do other things you love! Since then, I’ve heard dozens of myths surrounding meal plans and reasons why you might not think they’re for you.

Here are the biggest myths I hear when it comes to following a meal plan:

• Following a meal plan means I’ll be eating chicken, broccoli and rice for every meal
• Meal plans are too boring and repetitive
• Following a meal plan means no more eating out or enjoying your favorite foods
• Meal plans are only good for people who want to lose weight

What meal planning *actually* is!

Five years and hundreds of members later, I think it’s safe to say my Meal Plan Membership busts all of those myths. Here’s what it actually means to meal plan:

1. Meal planning is setting your future self up for success!

On those nights you come home from work and you stare into the fridge hoping for a meal idea to come to you are over because you’ve already chosen your meals ahead of time and grocery shopped so you have everything on hand. When you’re up early getting the kids off to school you won’t have to swing through the drive-thru on the way to work because you already packed your prepped breakfast. One study refers to meal prepping as “a powerful medical intervention”.

2. Meal planning is reducing food waste!

Having your shopping list made before hitting the aisles at the grocery store is good for your wallet, and for the environment. Fun fact: If you google “how to save money on groceries” the tip list always include shopping with a grocery list. It’s so effective!

Have you ever braved the grocery store without a list, only to buy a bunch of ingredients that you never use and end up going bad? The EPA estimates that 40-50% of all food waste in America comes from our homes. That means American households are disposing of 26.5 million tons of food every single year.

3. Meal planning increases variety in your diet!

Ask my meal plan members! I am always on a personal mission to incorporate fresh, seasonal foods in my weekly meal plans. You might remember when I made it my mission last fall to find a way to use eggplant that I actually enjoyed. The result? An amazing eggplant lasagna that is well loved in our community.

In addition to seasonal produce, I’m a huge fan of cooking with fresh herbs. It’s an easy way to level up the flavor and micronutrients in any dish! You won’t find plain chicken breast on any of my menus. A French study from 2017 associated meal planning with food variety, among other things.

4. Meal planning takes the pressure off and gives you back your time!

Just a little prep goes a long way. Some weeks I just go grocery shopping and others I prep an entire meal and snacks ahead of time. It just depends on the week. I love how flexible it can be! Time is our most valuable resource, and delegating your meal plan creates brain space and gives you time back to spend with your friends, family and loved ones.

And if you don’t believe me, check out what some of our Meal Plan Membership community members have to say: