Successful meal planning

Eating healthy can be challenging, especially with endless food choices and a busy lifestyle. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics makes life easier with tips on how to navigate the grocery store and plan nutritious meals for you and your family.

The Academy provides three steps for successful meal planning:

Make a Menu

Plan meals in a way that fits your preferences and lifestyle. It could mean planning meals for the week or month, preparing meals ahead of time, or choosing a day to prepare meals that can be stored in the freezer. You may want to consider any special nutrition needs for yourself or your family. Look through cookbooks, check with your family about their schedules and meal preferences, and know the ingredients you already have on hand.

Stock Your Pantry & Freezer

For your pantry, stock up on the basics from the five food groups: vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy products, protein foods, and grains. Also stock up on condiments, oil and vinegar, stock (chicken & beef), herbs and spices, flax and other seeds. Stock the same five food groups in your freezer. Put dates on packages and use the oldest ones first.

Keep a Running Grocery List

As you use grocery items, write them down on a list or use a grocery app. Some apps even include information on where to get the best deals on food prices. Others allow you to sort your list into categories for ease of shopping. Also, think about how often you can and want to shop. Check to see what you already have at home to reduce food waste.