14 Common Misconceptions About Meal Planning

Meal planning often gets a bad reputation. Fortunately, that’s mostly due to misinformation, and we can help you fix that. If you’re thinking about trying meal planning, don’t let these misconceptions stop you. There are many ways to meal plan that are easy and convenient. Just find a method that works for you and stick with it. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy it.

Here are 14 misconceptions and myths About Meal Planning that you need to forget for good:

• Meal planning is complicated and time-consuming. While meal planning can take some time upfront, it can save you time in the long run by preventing you from deciding what to cook every night. There are also many meal-planning resources available that can make the process easier.
• You have to follow your meal plan perfectly. It’s okay to deviate from your meal plan from time to time. If you’re not feeling well or have a last-minute meeting, don’t feel guilty about ordering takeout or eating out. Just try to get back on track as soon as possible.
• Meal planning is expensive. Meal planning can actually save you money by helping you avoid impulse purchases at the grocery store. When you meal plan, you’re more likely to buy only the ingredients you need, which can help you save money in the long run.
• You have to be a gourmet chef to meal plan. Meal planning doesn’t have to be complicated. There are many simple and easy recipes that you can make at home. You can also find meal-planning resources that include recipes perfect for beginners.
• Meal planning is for people who are on a diet. Meal planning can be helpful for people who are trying to lose weight or eat healthier, but it’s not just for those people. Meal planning can benefit anyone who wants to save time and money and eat healthier.
• You have to cook every night. Meal planning doesn’t mean that you have to cook every night. You can plan for leftovers, frozen meals, or takeout on some nights.
• You have to make a new meal plan every week. You can reuse meal plans from previous weeks or create a master meal plan that you can customize each week.

• You have to stick to your meal plan rigidly. It’s okay to change your meal plan if you don’t like a recipe or have a plan change. Just be sure to make sure you have something to eat.
• You have to meal plan for everyone in your household. If you live with other people, you can get them involved in meal planning. This can help everyone feel more invested in the meals being made.
• You have to meal plan for the entire week. You can meal plan for a few days or even just one day at a time. How much time you want to spend on meal planning is up to you.
• You have to use a fancy meal-planning app. Many meal-planning apps are available, but you don’t need to use one if you don’t want to. You can meal plan on paper, in a notebook, or even in a spreadsheet.
• You have to be perfect at meal planning. No one is perfect at meal planning. There will be times when you forget to plan a meal or when you don’t have time to cook. Just don’t let that discourage you. Just pick yourself up and start again the next day.
• Meal planning is not for you. Meal planning might not be for everyone, but it’s worth giving it a try. There are many benefits to meal planning, and you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
• You can’t meal plan if you don’t have much time. Even if you have a busy schedule, you can still meal plan. There are many quick and easy meal-planning strategies that you can use.

Planning meals for an entire week for yourself or your family can be easy if you have the right tools.

Here are a few options that may help:

• A meal planner is a great option to help you stay organized. We created a simple meal planner you can use to help you get started. Under the days of the week, write down the meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. On the right, add the adding/ingredients to your shopping list. Download your guide below!

• Leftovers are a great option, as mentioned before. For example, meatloaf is one of those recipes that you can create several meals. You can serve it with rice, salad, pasta, and even make a sandwich the next day.
• Make use of PBA Free bowls and Ziploc bags. They help with meal organization and are perfect space savers.
• A weekly meal planner that includes a shopping list is a great option. Don’t forget to download your free planner below.

Meal planning can be a great way to save time and money and eat healthier. If you’re unsure where to start, many resources are available to help you get started. Just remember that there is no one right way to meal plan. Find a method that works for you and stick with it.

Go to our Recipes Index for meal ideas.

Here’s the meal planner from our sister’s site caribbeangreenliving.com. Click here to download.

Weekly Meal Plan

Originally published on December 26, 2019. Updated and added additional content.