Yourstrulyme

How would you feel if you walked into the kitchen and all you had to do was — assemble, cook, and eat? No overthinking, no last-minute scrambling. Just food, ready to happen. That’s what meal planning has done for me.

I’ve been cooking regularly for about a year now, and in that time, I’ve figured out a few things about how I work in the kitchen. Some parts of cooking bring me joy, while others feel overwhelming. One question that often drains me is: What do I cook today?

I used to spend way too much time thinking about it—asking people at home, checking what’s in the fridge, and trying to come up with something that balances both availability and appetite. Sometimes, I’d just settle for something convenient. But that often led to meals that were neither satisfying nor resourceful. Eventually, I realized this approach wasn’t sustainable.

That’s when I tried weekly meal planning. And honestly, once the plan’s in place, the rest feels way easier.

Here are a few ways meal planning has helped me:

Saves Time

This one’s huge. Earlier, I’d waste so much time just trying to decide what to cook. It felt like a never-ending loop — balancing what I wanted to eat, what was available, and how much energy I had left. Now, I don’t have to think much. I just follow the plan. It’s quicker, less stressful, and gives me time to do other things I enjoy.

Less Wastage

Planning meals means I know exactly what groceries I need. That translates to quicker store visits and fewer impulse buys. It also means I’m not left with forgotten ingredients wilting in the fridge. Week after week, this has helped cut down on food waste and made me more mindful of how I use what I buy and save more.

More Efficient

Planning also means I can prep a little ahead. I don’t go full-on meal prep mode, but I might chop veggies, boil dal, or make a sauce the night before. I’ve realized I don’t enjoy prepping for an entire week — it feels too rigid. But planning for a day or two works well. It gives me enough structure but still leaves space to switch things up if I feel like it.

These three are the main reasons I stick with meal planning. It makes cooking easier and lets me stay flexible. I don’t feel boxed in, but I also don’t waste time every day figuring out what to make.

I’ve made a simple little template where I note down ideas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. That’s all. Nothing fancy, but it works.

I’ve finally found a way to keep cooking a little more fun, a little more healthy, and a lot less stressful. If you’ve tried something similar, or want to give it a shot, I’d love to hear how it goes for you!