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Meal planning is a strong instrument which, if used correctly, will not only help you achieve your nutritional goals but also improve your general health. You can give your body all the health-boosting nutrients it needs to perform at its peak level through the process of meal planning. In a conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr Karuna Chaturvedi, Head – Clinical Nutrition, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida explained six reasons that indicate why meal planning can improve your nutrition.

How Meal Planning Can Enhance Your Nutrition?

1. Ensures Balanced Nutrition

Through meal planning, you can compose balanced meals filled with different types of foods from every food group. The goal here is to cover all the nutrient needs of the human body with protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

2. Promotes Healthy Eating Habits

Meal planning is a very effective tool for developing good eating habits because it encourages the practice of planning and preparing nutritious meals ahead of time. This results in reduced consumption of unhealthy fast food or processed snacks.

3. Saves Time and Money

Meal planning can be your best companion if you want to save time and money, as it helps people to cut down on food waste and avoid last-minute takeout or dining out. Planning allows you to come up with a grocery list, follow it and thus minimise money being spent on goods that you didn't initially plan on buying.

ALSO READ: National Nutrition Week: Feeling Tired All Day? Doctor Shares Smart Eating Habits To Boost Energy Naturally

4. Supports Weight Management

Meal planning is a powerful tool through which you can not only lose weigh but also keep it off for a good amount of time. Limiting the size of each portion and preparing a dish that meet specific dietary needs are two of the most direct ways to stop eating too much in favour of healthy habits.

5. Accommodates Dietary Restrictions and Preferences

As a result of meal planning, it becomes easier for you to handle different dietary needs including cases such as gluten-free and vegetarian diets. Meal planning will not collide with any restrictions you may have with regard to your diet (instead, it can be quite handy for that).

6. Reduces Stress and Increases Confidence

Meal planning will lead to less stress and increased confidence mainly because you will be in charge of your own nutrition. You get empowered because you have the ability to make the right food choices, hence helping yourself and your family.

Tips for Effective Meal Planning

- Set nutritional goals: You need to know exactly what you are after nutritionally and then plan your meals accordingly.

- Plan around whole foods: Just make whole foods the foundation of your meals, no matter if they are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins or healthy fats.

ALSO READ: Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar Recommends Meal Plan With Nourishing Foods For Chaitra Navratri Fast

- Consider your schedule: The meals you choose ought to be convenient and compatible with your daily routine.

- Make a grocery list: If your meals are planned, you can always make sure that you have all the necessary ingredients by simply listing them out in a grocery list.

- Be flexible: Even if your plan is perfect, keep some room for adjustment and don't be too harsh on yourself for occasionally slipping up. You are allowed to be a little unpredictable. Make small changes that suit your current situation.