5 SIGNS YOU'RE IN A MEAL PLANNING RUT

Hi friends!

How have you been doing lately?  I know that fall is a favorite time of year for many folks, but it's also a season when there's a lot of change happening... change in the weather... change in daylight... even change in tastebuds.  But don't let this change set you back when it comes to your meal plans. 

You know how passionate we are about meal planning here at The Meal Planning Method.  We believe that meal plans aren't only intentions for what your going to eat day to day, but also an essential strategy that helps you find more time and freedom to do the things you really love in life.  (I know it sounds kinda crazy, but just wait until you experience our Method firsthand!) 

So how do you know when it's time to revamp, renew and refocus?  If you're saying or experiencing any of these things below, you're definitely in a meal planning rut!  

#1: You're eating out more. 

Whether you're picking up grub curbside or getting the good stuff delivered straight to your door, you're stove stop is starting to collect a bit of dust.  It's just been so long since you prepared something!  #MealPlanningRut

---

#2: You go grocery shopping,
​but still don't have anything to eat. 

OK, I'll admit it.  I am most guilty of this one from time to time.  I'll stock up on essentials and snacks, but totally miss the mark on what I'm actually eating for the week.  Somewhere along the way, I skipped some essential meal planning steps and now I'm constantly playing catch up :/ 

---

#3: You open the fridge door and ask
​"What do I eat?" 

When you reach this point, it's highly likely that whatever is in your fridge has past the point of safe consumption. *shudder* With meal planning, the guess work is already done for you so moments like this are few & far between. 

---

#4: The amount of food you've been wasting
​is embarrassing. 

Let's be honest... zero food waste is nearly impossible unless we fully embrace a minimalist lifestyle.  No matter, food waste is a serious issue in our country.  (Be sure to watch "Just Eat It" for some startling statistics!)  So if you've been throwing away lots of the goods you purchase at the grocery lately, ask yourself the real reason why. 

---

#5: You're over it. 

We get it, life happens.  And sometimes you just don't wanna adult today (or this week, or this month).  But if you're sighing out in exhaust and proclaiming, "I'm over it!" you're in some kind of meal planning rut! 

---

So are you in a meal planning rut right now?  It's ok if you are.  There's hope!  Tell us your most frustrating food problems with meal planning in the comments below! 

lindsey