Meal Planning - Andrea Miller MHSc, RD Consulting Dietitian

Assistance with meal planning is one of the most common requests that we get from our clients. We are always pleased to see that our clients recognize the importance of meal planning. Planning meals provides a number of benefits. Whether you are cooking for one, for two or for your entire family, taking the time to plan meals will not only save you time, effort and money but will also improve your eating habits.

Here are a few ways you can benefit from planning meals.

1. You Will Eat Healthier

When you plan meals, you can decrease the frequency of eating out, ordering take-out and eating pre-packaged food. Foods that are prepared at home, from whole ingredients, generally provide more nutrition, than take-out and pre-packed foods.

2. You Shop More Efficiently

When you plan meals, you shop for groceries more efficiently. This is because you shop from a list that includes all of the ingredients you need. This will eliminate those times when you’re in the middle of cooking and you discover that don’t have a necessary ingredient. Meal planning and grocery shopping with a list also decreases food waste- you will actually be cooking and eating the groceries you purchase.

3. You Save Money

Meal planning and eating at home, saves money. When you are eating out less and shopping for groceries more efficiently, you will save money. Meal planning allows you to plan for leftovers which can be used for lunches or another dinner.

4. You Will Enjoy More Food Variety and Become a Better Cook

Meal planning gives you the opportunity to try new foods and new recipes. This can increase food variety and nutrient intake. It can also expand cooking skills.

Andrea Miller MHSc, RD Consulting Dietitians are ambassadors for the CookSmarts meal planning service.

Cook Smarts creates weekly meal plans, cooking guides and infographics , and online cooking lessons, all designed to help you build a strong cooking foundation.

Download a free infographic guide to whole grains , here !

CookSmarts offers a free three month trial program plus 3 free meal plans for as long as you want. You can test out most of the features and preview the archives with meal plans from May, 2013.

If you are interested, you can subscribe to plan that meets your family’s needs. Click here to start meal planning now!

As ambassadors of this program we receive compensation when a meal plan program is purchased through our site. It is our policy to only accept compensation for businesses we believe in and would already recommend.

Disclaimer: The meal plans and recipes provided from this service do not replace any advice or recommendations given to you by your physician or dietitian.

Andrea Miller MHSc, RD Consulting Dietitians are ambassadors for the Meal Garden meal planning service.

Meal Garden uses science + technology to choose your meals and keep you on track.

A marketplace for the support you need, whether you follow a gluten free diet, have diabetes, you are a vegetarian, or you are an athlete- meal garden has a meal plan for you!

With dozens of pre-made meal plans to get you started, Meal Garden can help you build a lasting meal planning routine.

Meal Garden allows you to create your own meal plans, allowing you to plan for leftovers, and build your weekly grocery list.

Disclaimer: The meal plans and recipes provided from this service do not replace any advice or recommendations given to you by your physician or dietitian.