Finally, I'm revealing THE secret that helped me improve my diet... No, I'm not talking about a new miracle product, but rather a strategy that will require minimal effort: meal planning !
Do you ever jump at the sight of your grocery bill? Throw away food because you didn't have time to cook it? Have cereal for dinner or order in because you've had a busy day and aren't sure what to eat?
Well, a few years ago, I recognized myself in all these statements! I told myself that planning took too much time, that it was too complicated... Today, I can't imagine going to the grocery store without my little list. I do it sometimes, but I feel like I'm going around in circles in the aisles and then around in my kitchen the following week.
So here is my 5-point strategy for effective planning:
1. Take inventory of the fridge and cupboards
Memory is a forgetful faculty, and let's just say I tend to forget what I still have in industrial quantities, or conversely, what I've just finished. By doing a quick review of the contents of my fridge and cupboards, I avoid buying twice as much... or three times as much! #truestory
2. Look at the flyers
I always base my menu on specials. Since fruits and vegetables take up the largest portion of my budget, they primarily guide my menu development.
3. Create a menu for the week
Using whatever food is left in the fridge and interesting specials, I plan the recipes I'll make during the week. I have my classics, of course, but I also like to try a few new things. Whether you prefer books, magazines, or Pinterest boards, take this little moment to relax and let your creativity flow! When determining the sequence, also consider the shelf life of food !
4. Complete the list
I then review the chosen recipes and add the missing items to my list. As much as possible, I try to write it based on where the items are located in the grocery store. That's where our meal planner comes in! It's super handy. Not only does it allow you to write down your meals for the week, but there's also a detachable grocery list that you can take with you when you go shopping. How handy is that?
5. Get ahead
As soon as I get back from the grocery store, I cut up some fruits and vegetables, cook some quinoa, a batch of muffins, in short, I get a head start for the week!
Since using this strategy, I've improved my diet tremendously, but I've also significantly reduced my food waste caused by "Ewww, I forgot I had that!"
