January 2021 Meal Planning Help
So 2020 probably didn’t turn out like many of us planned, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make a fresh start in 2021. Between quarantine cravings for all the comfort foods, lack of grocery availability and let’s admit it – lack of motivation, perhaps we didn’t always choose the best foods for us in 2020. But 2021 is a fresh start, like every new year has always been. It’s a chance for you to set new goals, tweak old ones and make progress in your health. If you’re at all concerned about Covid, then building up a strong and healthy body and immune system is more important than ever. Sometimes it can be difficult to find the real truth in the news, but from what I’ve gleaned from medical experts I trust, is that the people who are suffering most from Covid (and dying) are those with other underlying health conditions, mostly chronic conditions like diabetes. So much of our health condition is really in our hands – and on our plates. We’re in control.
Below you will find some printable forms that will help with meal planning, which is without a doubt, the foundation of any healthy eating plan. I’ve broken it down into steps – brainstorming, meal planning, and grocery shopping.
Brainstorming – What do you like to eat? Is there a new recipe you’d like to try? What are your family’s favorite foods or flavors? What are you in the mood for? Is there a special occasion on the horizon that requires a special meal? Just jot down ideas. In the early days of quarantine when food was somewhat limited in the stores, I wrote down what I had on hand (ground beef, chicken, canned tuna, frozen broccoli, etc.) so that I could then formulate meals based on what was available. That’s a good use of the brainstorming sheets too. The “Recipes to Try” sheet is also a brainstorming page. Maybe you read cooking magazines – this is a way to help you keep track of the recipes that caught your eye. The bottom of the page is a great spot to scribble down a recipe as you watch your favorite cooking shows.
Meal Planning – Write down what you plan to cook/eat for each meal for every day of the week. It’s ok to write, “eat out.” Or if you fast most the day like I do, write down, “water/tea/coffee.” Just write it down. Post it in the kitchen or wherever you work most of the day so you know the plan. If you have a plan, you’re more likely to stick to your goals.
Grocery list – I think this is pretty self-explanatory. When I meal plan, I have my list right beside me so I can write down what I need to pick up in order to carry out my meal plan.
If you need additional help, I’m here! Meal planning is one of my favorite things. Maybe that’s because I’m a planner at heart. Maybe it’s because every member of my family asks me what’s for dinner at least three times a day. Maybe it’s because I really prioritize what I put in my body because I do not want to be sick. Maybe it’s all of those and more. If you don’t currently have a strong desire to meal plan, maybe start with figuring out why it would be important for you to make this a new habit for 2021.
