Hello Y’all! I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. It’s been a minute since my last post, and it’s been very busy but also very good. It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christm ahem…Fall and I’ve officially switched out my Summer garb for Fall. One of the things I love to do each year is go through the house and gather all the items I have but don’t use – and I know deep down that I may never ever use – and donate them to the community thrift store to help families in need especially at this time of the year. It’s awesome because I not only get to declutter, but I narrow my chances of ever becoming a hoarder in the future. It’s a win- win for both parties!…atleast I think so.

Anyways, as the year begins to wind down and the festivities kick in especially with parties, dinners, sweet treats and tons of sugar, I feel like the only way to balance it out can be achieved by planning my meals so that I’m nourished and not starving myself; but also controlling my portions so when I’m out and about, I can enjoy myself without feeling any guilt.

When it comes with meal prepping, you first of all have to have a goal and know how you’re going to execute it. You have to prepare for shopping for foods YOU like to eat but are also healthy for you. Please don’t just follow all those YouTube videos prepping foods off someone else’s menu. This is one of the reasons why meal plans very often fail within the first few weeks.

A Few Things To Consider When Meal Planning

Pick a day to go shopping for ‘small’ food storage containers, cooking utensils, groceries and condiments. Block out a time for meal prepping.

Only make meals for a couple of days at a time. I usually prep for a five-day work week or four days; and I give myself a cheat day – this is when I get tired of eating my own food and just want to switch it up.

Create some variety. Having overnight oats with berries or an oatmeal muffin or a slice of banana bread,….there shouldn’t be too many options so you’re not wasting food. Choose recipes that are super easy to make, easy to portion out and store in the fridge for a few days.

Make it a balanced diet. If you’re having a lot of carbs, starches or heavy recipes, portion control is important. You can balance that out with steamed veggies, lean protein or a green smoothie. There are a plethora of food options that make quick meals, are great, and gluten free. Some of my favorites include Cauliflower Rice, Millet, Quinoa, Bell peppers, Chicken, Eggs, Oats etc.

Limit eating between meals because if you meal plan, and snack throughout the day and constantly eat out…it pretty much defeats the purpose.

Benefits!!

By eating nutritious and homemade food, you cut back on unhealthy sugars, additives, calories and cravings. Weight loss. You save money – you get more bang for your buck. Above all, your body will thank you for it.

Folks, the holidays are here, and most diets go out the window before it even begins. One way of not losing all the progress you’ve made is to find some balance where you can enjoy it all without the guilt. Until I come your way again, I hope you enjoy the weather, attempt to meal plan and see how it goes. Be safe and have a fun month!

Periwinkle Starr