Something I hear often from people concerning eating clean is not having time for it. Â It’s no secret it does take time to prepare real food…shocker! Â 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.” Â 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. Â How you manage it determines your future. Â It isn’t going to be buying the newest frozen chemical, or driving through the nearest fast food joint. Â No, it’s going to take a little time, a little elbow grease and some planning. Â 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. Â Before I had her I would always plan, but I had a little more time…and can I say energy?! Â All you mama’s out there know what I’m talking about! Â Now it’s not only a good idea to plan my meals, but essential if I want my family and I to eat clean. Â So here’s a little window into how I plan for my weeks…
First things First-
Every Saturday I meal plan. Â What does this mean? Â Well, I sit down and decide what I’m going to make for the week. Â I cover all the meals, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks. Â 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. Â I make a list on my phone or a piece of paper and list the different stores I need to get what ingredient at. Â I usually can get most of my grocery shopping done at two stores. Â This step is ESSENTIAL…let me repeat myself, ESSENTIAL! Â Not only does it save you time not running around at the grocery store with your head cut off but money. Â 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. Â After gathering all my goods, I then prep for the week back at home. Â This looks different each week, depending on what the weekend looked like. Â But the goal is to try and prep as much as I can. Â For example, I’ll make our paleo granola for the week, and stick it in the freezer for us to grab. Â I also put together our breakfast, lunches and dinner as much as I can. Â 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. Â The motto here is anything to make my life easier during the week! Â I don’t want to be in the kitchen all week for each meal, and this enables me to not have to be. Â 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. Â The reality is life happens, even if you’ve planned and prepared. Â Things come up and you need a plan b. Â I always have things I’ve made in my freezer that I can stick in the toaster oven and heat up quickly. Â I also look for healthy alternatives I know I can grab at the store. Â One great healthy alternative is Whole Foods organic rotisserie chicken. Â 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! Â Another quote I stand by…”Failing to plan, is planning to fail.” Â I firmly believe in this! Â Don’t let poor planning be an excuse as to why you aren’t eating clean. Â Start this now and make it a priority to start organizing your week. Â Your body, and your family’s body will thank you!
What are some ways you plan for the week? Â I would love to hear your tips and tricks!
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