Welcome to the world of meal planning! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to the world of meal planning, there are common obstacles and challenges that everyone faces. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common obstacles people face when trying to meal plan and how to overcome them.

1. I don’t know where to start 🤔

Starting with meal planning can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it. The key to getting started is to take it one step at a time. Begin by setting your meal planning goals. Determine how many meals you want to plan for each week and what type of meals you want to prepare. Once you have your goals in mind, start brainstorming recipes you’d like to make.

A woman holding a pen and a notebook, planning her meals for the week

2. I don’t have enough time ⏰

Finding time to meal plan can be challenging, but it’s important to make it a priority. To get started, set aside a specific time each week to plan your meals. It could be Sunday mornings or Monday evenings. The key is to find a time that works for you and stick to it. Another time-saving tip is to prep ingredients in advance. Brown rice, roasted vegetables, and grilled chicken can all be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer.

A man writing his grocery list, with ingredients and recipes listed on sticky notes around him

3. I get bored with the same meals 🙄

Eating the same meals week after week can get boring quickly. To keep things interesting, try adding new recipes to your meal planning rotation. Look for inspiration on food blogs, recipe books, and social media channels. Another idea is to challenge yourself to try a new ingredient or cooking technique each week.

A woman holding a plate of colorful meal preps, with different meals and ingredients on each plate

4. I don’t know how to plan for leftovers 🍲

Planning for leftovers can be tricky, but it’s a great way to reduce food waste and save time in the kitchen. When planning your meals, think about which recipes make great leftovers. Soups, stews, and casseroles are excellent options. Plan to make a larger batch of these recipes so you can enjoy them for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

A picture of a refrigerator filled with Tupperware containers filled with different leftovers

5. I don’t like to cook 🍽️

If you’re not someone who enjoys cooking, meal planning can seem like a daunting task. The key is to find quick and easy recipes that you enjoy. Look for options that require minimal prep work and cook time, like slow cooker meals or one-pan dinners. Another option is to consider meal delivery or meal kit services that provide pre-planned meals and ingredients.

A man holding a pre-made meal kit, with ingredients and recipe instructions laid out on a table

Meal planning can be a challenge, but with a little bit of effort and creativity, it’s a task that can be conquered. Take the time to set your goals, find inspiration, and plan ahead. Before you know it, meal planning will become a seamless part of your weekly routine.

A person holding a grocery bag filled with fresh produce, with recipes and a meal planner also pictured