The Importance of Meal Planning and Preparation
The importance of meal planning and preparation cannot be under-estimated. Knowing what to eat, how much to eat, when to eat and then preparing your meals are probably the most important aspects of any weight-loss program.
People who get the best results from their weight-loss efforts are those who take the time to carefully plan the meals that they will have each day and then create the habit of consistent meal preparation, usually at the same time each day. Most people who do this will also make extra food when they're preparing their dinner in the evening and put the extra food in containers for their lunch and/ or other meals for the following day.
Here are the advantages of meal planning and preparation
Availability and saves time
Having your meals on hand during the day means you don't have to go out and get your meals. This saves you time and also means you won't have to skip meals if you get busy during the day. It also means you will be eating healthy foods that support your weight-loss endeavours because sometimes suitable food isn't always available if you eat out regularly.
Controlled food/ ingredients
By creating the habits of meal planning and preparation you are able to control the foods and ingredients in all of your meals. This is something that is virtually impossible to do when you eat out on a regular basis. Of course, if you eat at a restaurant you can ask to have your meals prepared a certain way but it may be difficult.
Controlled portions
Correct meal planning and preparation means that you're able to control the portion size of your meals, which is essential if you're serious about losing weight and getting in great shape.
Regular meal times
Having your meals at the same time each day creates a positive habit and ensures you provide good nutrition to your body on a regular basis. By doing so, you prevent your body from going into a catabolic state, which may result in a loss of lean body tissue (including muscle) and a depression of your metabolic rate.
Guarantees results
Since nutrition is one of the most important aspects of a weight-loss program, meal planning and preparation guarantees you get great results! That is of course assuming that you following the correct nutritional principles.
Maintains results
Not only does it mean that you are guaranteed of achieving results but by maintain the habits of meal planning and preparation you will be able to maintain those results as well.
Improves your understanding about nutrition
By consistently planning and preparing your meals your will gain a good knowledge about nutrition and healthy eating that you will have for the rest of your life. This of course will ensure that you're able to optimise your body's functioning, minimise your risk of getting a range of diseases, will be able to maintain high levels of energy, and will generally be able to improve your quality of life!
Saves you money
Another major advantage of planning and preparing your meals is the fact that you will be able to save quite a lot of money. It is not uncommon for people to save around $1,000 a year by simply changing from buying the meals regularly to preparing their meals themselves.
Overall, if you're serious about losing weight and keeping it off long-term, then investing time in meal preparation and planning is definitely something you must be willing to do. In fact, I refer to it as the 'fat loss secret'! It really is the one thing many people overlook the importance of when they're on their weight-loss journey.
If you would like to discover all the nutritional principles you need to apply when planning and preparing your meals, get a copy of my e-book, Look Good, Feel Great!
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