Something I hear often from people concerning eating clean is not having time for it. It’s no secret it does take time to prepare real food…shocker! I’m often reminded of a quote I’ve heard over and over in life by Booker T. Washington, “Nothing ever comes to one, that is worth having, except as a result of hard work.” Now this might seem harsh considering we’re just talking about meal planning and eating clean, but the reality is you only get one body. How you manage it determines your future. It isn’t going to be buying the newest frozen chemical, or driving through the nearest fast food joint. No, it’s going to take a little time, a little elbow grease and some planning. But once you start putting this practice of organizing your weeks into motion, it becomes routine and easy.
Once I had my sweet baby girl, planning and organizing my weeks definitely went to the next level. Before I had her I would always plan, but I had a little more time…and can I say energy?! All you mama’s out there know what I’m talking about! Now it’s not only a good idea to plan my meals, but essential if I want my family and I to eat clean. So here’s a little window into how I plan for my weeks…
First things First-
Every Saturday I meal plan. What does this mean? Well, I sit down and decide what I’m going to make for the week. I cover all the meals, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks. Once I decide what I’m going to make for each meal, I then figure out what I already have on hand and what I need. I make a list on my phone or a piece of paper and list the different stores I need to get what ingredient at. I usually can get most of my grocery shopping done at two stores. This step is ESSENTIAL…let me repeat myself, ESSENTIAL! Not only does it save you time not running around at the grocery store with your head cut off but money. You will know exactly what you need instead of guessing.
Sundays are for Shopping & Prepping-
Sunday is the day I take my list I made from Saturday, and hit the store running. After gathering all my goods, I then prep for the week back at home. This looks different each week, depending on what the weekend looked like. But the goal is to try and prep as much as I can. For example, I’ll make our paleo granola for the week, and stick it in the freezer for us to grab. I also put together our breakfast, lunches and dinner as much as I can. This can include everything from chopping up fruits and veggies, to cooking some chicken for a dish I’m making for dinner, to having all my salad ingredients all washed. The motto here is anything to make my life easier during the week! I don’t want to be in the kitchen all week for each meal, and this enables me to not have to be. If anything, dinner each night may take 15-30 minutes to put together but nothing crazy long.
Always have a Back Up Plan-
This may sounds like an obvious, but you would be surprised how many people I hear say they just needed something quick for dinner, and gave in to some junk or fast food chain. The reality is life happens, even if you’ve planned and prepared. Things come up and you need a plan b. I always have things I’ve made in my freezer that I can stick in the toaster oven and heat up quickly. I also look for healthy alternatives I know I can grab at the store. One great healthy alternative is Whole Foods organic rotisserie chicken. Grab some veggies and some greens and you’ve got a quick salad…simple and easy!
No Excuses-
Remember, we all can make an excuse, but let’s not and plan our days! Another quote I stand by…”Failing to plan, is planning to fail.” I firmly believe in this! Don’t let poor planning be an excuse as to why you aren’t eating clean. Start this now and make it a priority to start organizing your week. Your body, and your family’s body will thank you!
What are some ways you plan for the week? I would love to hear your tips and tricks!
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