Tired of overeating? Stop diet struggles with this nutrition hack.

Meal planning nutrition hack healthy eating balanced diet stress-free choice

When it comes to diet advice, it’s easy to think the best hack is to eat more or less of “xyz”. While yes, it’s true, changing what you eat will impact your health… this isn’t the secret.

Obama once revealed that he wore the same grey and blue suits daily. It wasn’t about style. It was about reducing decision fatigue. The fewer decisions he made, the more brain power he preserved for the important stuff. The same goes for you and food.

Life is packed with decisions, and come mealtimes, your brain is too tired to figure out what to eat. That’s normal. But the result? You end up ordering takeout or grabbing a quick (and often less nutritious) snack. 

Borrowing a page from Obama, instead of relying on willpower in the moment, meal plan. This is the best hack. Meal planning reduces decision fatigue and leaves you feeling empowered and confident with your food choices.

So, if you often find yourself standing in front of the fridge overwhelmed with what to eat (with or without a random slice of cheese in hand), here are three simple steps to get started with meal planning.

1. Start Small

If meal planning sounds like a lot of work, don’t worry, you don’t need to go all in at once. Focus on planning just one meal or snack for the week, or start with two or three days at a time. This way, you’re easing into the habit without feeling overwhelmed. And remember, it isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress.

2. Make a Grocery List

While planning, write out a grocery list at the same time. This ensures you will have all the ingredients you need. Having a list helps avoid impulse buys and stick to your plan, rather than feeling frustrated and defeated when you don’t have the food you planned for ready to eat at home.

3. Use What You Have

Before planning, check your fridge and pantry to see what’s already there. You might be surprised how much you can whip up with what you already have. Plus, it helps prevent food waste and saves money. Two wins!

By taking just ten minutes to plan your meals, you’ll feel more confident, less lost, about your food choices. No more staring into the pantry and fridge feeling stuck or rushing to grab the quickest thing. You’ll have meals ready to go, cutting out stress and decision fatigue.

Want More PersonaliSed Support?

Meal planning can be a game-changer, but if you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to start, our team is here to help. We specialise in empowering you with practical tools and strategies, tailored to your unique needs. Ready to transform your relationship with food? Book an appointment today.

 

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The Mediterranean Diet: Beginner's guide to eating more Mediterranean
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THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET EBOOK: BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO EATING MORE MEDITERRANEAN

Your one-stop guide to eating more Mediterranean. This ebook will leave you confident in taking the principles of the Med Diet and whisking, stirring, simmering them into meals that truly taste delicious.

Over 20 Dietitian-curated drool-worthy recipes, covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, dressings and snacks. Plus, a practical snack product guide with everyday eating tips and a weekly challenge list to tick off.

Like a cookbook but with a twist. Because each recipe, tip and suggestion is Dietitian-approved and tested.

 

HUNGRY FOR MORE? CHECK OUT OUR LIBRARY OF ARTICLES AND RECIPES WRITTEN BY OUR DIETITIANS:

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Michelle Theodosinutrition, dietitians, dieting, meal plan, meal planning