Is meal planning the secret to better nutrition? Nutritionist shares 6 ways it can help
A nutritionist shares how meal planning can help in eating more balanced meals and cut down on unhealthy snacking.
Meal planning is not just for gym enthusiasts or foodies. In fact, meal planning is a clear winner when it comes to having nutritious meals and being prepared well in advance.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Kalpana Gupta, clinical nutritionist, Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, said, "In an abundance-filled, time-starved life, meal planning is a simple yet powerful habit. Meal planning is a lifesaver for anyone looking to eat, feel and live better."
Here is how meal planning can improve your nutritional intake:
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You eat more balanced meals
When you plan meals, you are bound to end up with the appropriate amount of carbohydrates, protein, fibre, healthy fats and vegetables. Unless planned, we resort to convenience foods that contain no nutrients. A bit of planning in advance enables each plate to be properly balanced and nutritious.
It decreases unhealthy snacking
When there is no meal plan, hunger strikes hard, and that is when biscuits, chips or sweet foods sneak in. Knowing you have a meal or a good snack already prepared reduces impulse eating and makes you more mindful of what you are eating.
You waste less, save more
Planning means you only purchase what you require, so less mouldy vegetables and stale cupboard contents. That is good for your purse and good for the environment, too. Less thrown away, more nutrients.
You get to choose portions and ingredients
Home preparation enables you to control portions, parameters that you cannot control when you are ordering it. This places you in control of your health, particularly when you suffer from metabolic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure or PCOS.
It encourages variety
Meal planning makes you think creatively with ingredients and experiment with new recipes. This means that you are consuming a wider range of nutrients, which ensures everything from gut health to immunity stays in top condition.
It minimises stress at mealtime
No more last-minute rushes or what's for dinner tonight anxiety. When meals are pre-planned, you will not resort to sloppy, unhealthy meals and will get to enjoy your food.
