Meal planning is tough. We scour Pinterest for inspiration and we end up just feeling bad about ourselves that our fridge doesn’t look that organized. Let me tell you a little secret. In all my years as a Nutritionist, I have had very few clients prep like that. When they did, they would take a photo and show me how proud they were of their efforts. But the thing is, that happened maybe a handful of times.

Meal planning is not always what it looks like on social media. We need to be proud of the small steps. If that small step is washing, cutting, and storing celery in a clear container so we remember we did, then great. Pat yourself on the back. If the thought of washing, cutting, or storing celery gives you anxiety, then just buy it pre-cut and call it a day.

Maybe you buy half pre-cut and half not. Lessen the load and pressure of trying to do it all. As a mom, I rarely purchase, prep, and store all in the same day. When I have a few extra minutes, I’ll tackle some of it. I do however have a method to help me not waste food.

Know your inventory. Know what you have in the fridge/freezer. You may find it helpful to use clear containers and jars. Try your hardest to keep things visible.
Buy in batches. I have a poorly designed refrigerator. It came with the house and it works, so until it breaks, I have to deal with it. I don’t have a lot of room so I have to buy in batches. This means I will need to make a midweek trip to the supermarket. This sounds tedious, and I am lucky to work in close proximity to the store, but let me be very clear. I treat this trip like an episode of Supermarket Sweep #nineties. I have a list and I am in and out. I have no time for wandering, no time for small talk, just get me in and out and on my way. This lessens the burden of my beginning of the week shopping trip. As a nutritionist, I’m always researching new recipes so if inspiration hits, I’ll make that meal mid-week.
Keep it simple. Late nights this week, or maybe you’re shuttling tiny humans all over the state after work each day. If you followed step #1, you know that you have a plethora of frozen veggies and maybe a rotisserie chicken in our future. It doesn’t have to be gourmet eating, but try your darndest to get a protein and vegetable in your mouth.
Enlist help. If you live alone, too bad, it’s all on you. But if you have roommates, a spouse, or older children, get them involved. Everyone has to nourish their bodies with food, so why is the responsibility falling on you? Delegate people!

Prioritize nourishment. Instagram, Facebook, and Netflix are great, don’t get me wrong. But when I hear people say “I just don’t have the time”, I bet you could shave off some time devoted to a screen and get in the kitchen! Chopping can be very cathartic. And if not, throw on some music or a podcast to help pass the time. We are all tired, but again, we have to do it.