Healthy Eating Tips for Shopping - Writing a weekly menu plan
Preparation is key to your success! As the old saying goes ‘Fail to prepare – prepare to fail!’
Julia Wolmen, an experienced registered public health nutritionist says, "by making some simple changes to the way you shop you can help guarantee that you keep on track. You’ll also find writing a list will save you time after awhile as you start getting a good idea of what you would like to eat each week".
"Of course, on occasions, best laid plans can go amiss: a snap decision to go out or an unexpected late night at work – so make sure you have something to cover you for those times, like a healthy range ready meal -which is also ideal for those nights when you just want to flop in front of the telly."
Basics
- Writing a weekly meal plan can help you put an end to wasting money on unnecessary items
- Planning your weekly menu in advance will take away the need to make decisions about what to eat at the end of the day when you’re more likely to be tired and vulnerable to making poor choices
- Planning your meals in advance can ensure you’re eating the right balance of foods from each of the major food groups
- Planning your menu in advance also allows you to include a variety of foods that you may not consider when shopping on impulse
Tips and Tricks
- Try to incorporate lots of different coloured fruit and vegetables in your eating plan to ensure that you are getting a good variety of nutrients
- Make sure that you include a variety of at least five fruit and vegetables each day in your eating plan
- Use seasonal fresh produce – not only will it be cheaper but it will taste better too
- Make sure that you have all the ingredients for any recipes that you plan to cook
- In your menu plan allow for three meals per day and two healthy snacks
- Keep in mind any social activities booked where you may be eating out or having people round for dinner
- Try at least one new recipe each week including trying other cuisines
- If you don’t like vegetables as a side dish, use them in recipes such as casseroles, soups or sauces
- Opt for the wholegrain or wholemeal choices where possible e.g. choose brown rice or wholemeal/granary bread
- Remember to include a variety of lean meats, chicken, fish and beans/pulses and Quorn, soya mince, tofu if you’re vegetarian
- Think about who you’ll be cooking for that week
Julia adds, "include some canned items in your weekly menu e.g. fish in brine/spring water, healthy range soups, vegetables in case getting hold of fresh produce is not possible one week."
We all like to be healthy and to be sure that we're doing the best we can for ourselves, and our families, health.
Join GetFit Nutrition and start leading a healthy life today. No joining fee and we're confident that you’ll find healthy ways to lose weight when you join, but for peace of mind, we'll refund your money within 7 days if for any reason you don't! Click here to join today...