Weekly Meal Planning

If there is one thing I've learned in the past few months, it's that a failure to plan is a plan to fail. If I did not take most of my Sunday every week (often to the chagrin of my family) to meal plan, grocery shop & prep, we would be eating a combination of Trader Joes frozen meals, take-out & eat-in restaurant meals all week. I know, because I've done it. Besides gaining weight, I simply did not feel well eating that way. Without going into detail about the nutritional challenges, feelings & results of eating that way (more on that later), I'll simply say that Emeals.com has helped me eat healthfully & prepare more whole foods for my family. 

Here's a snapshot from a recent week:

Every week I receive 7 meals via email (and via an iPhone app). I usually choose 3-5 meals depending on our schedule for the week, family preferences, etc...

Sunday after a Flywheel class & picking up kiddo from his morning activity, I head out for groceries. I then make breakfast for the week (12 baked egg muffins, recipe to come). Then I chop veggies & prep fruit for the week's breakfasts, lunches & snacks, as well as prepping a few things for Sunday & Monday night dinners. Then I make Sunday dinner. Then I make my Monday lunch. Then I pass out! Oh no, can't do that, I still have to study for Monday's nutrition test!!

Life gets busy. When I wait until the last minute I take shortcuts. Setting myself up for success on Sunday is the best I can do.  

Do you use meal planning services or do you have other planning tips or tricks? How has planning helped you reach your goals? Or could more/better planning help you reach you goals?