Have you ever stood in front of the refrigerator, overwhelmed and hungry, asking, “what’s for dinner?” You’re not alone. Crafting a dinner that is equally nutritious and delicious can feel daunting – especially when time and energy are in short supply.
But, what if dinner could be easier to prepare and more enjoyable altogether? In this article, we’ll break down exactly how you can plan ahead to enjoy a dinner that is easy to prepare, meets your nutritional needs, and packs a flavor punch.
Why should I plan dinner ahead?
Planning your dinner ahead can support your nutrition, financial, and overall wellness goals – all while saving you time and energy.
Planning dinner promotes healthy eating
Did you start your day with the best intentions to make a healthy dinner, only to stop for fast food at 7:00 pm? While motivation can help you start your health journey, discipline and planning can help you achieve your goals.
By planning dinners in advance, you'll have a clear game plan so you can avoid decision fatigue and achieve your goals one meal at a time.
Planning dinner can help you save money
Eating in a restaurant or getting takeout to your home can be costly. When you dine out, you’re not only paying for the ingredients - but for the time it took to make your meal. By planning dinner ahead of time, you also cut down on this extra cost.
You can also cut down on impulse buys. No more wandering the grocery store lost and confused - you can grab items directly off of your grocery list and prepare a dinner you’re excited to eat.
Download the full guide for free as a pdf here!
How do I use this guide?
This visual guide can help you plan the ultimate dinner by mixing and matching from each category.
Categories include fruits and vegetables, protein, marinades/spices/herbs, fats, and carbohydrates. Aim for a mix in these different categories so you can consume your macronutrients - like protein, fat, and carbohydrate - alongside micronutrients, like vitamins and minerals.
Worried about getting started? We’ve included plenty of sample recipes so you can try one out right away. Customize these later at your speed!
Don’t forget to take a screenshot or print out the Berry Street Ultimate Dinner Guide so you can have it on hand when you start planning your dinner. You can also download the full guide for free as a pdf.
What pantry staples should I have on hand?
Preparing meals at home often requires some extra ingredients and supplies so you can easily make and enjoy your meal.
Supplies to have available include:
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Mixing bowls
Utensils
Baking dishes and sheet pans
Common ingredients to have on hand for dinner meal preparation include:
Oils for baking and cooking
Flavoring from stocks, broths, and sauces
Herbs and spices
Dry goods, like grains, sugar, and beans
Your pantry staples will evolve over time, especially if you find yourself making a certain type of food more often. When using the Ultimate Dinner Guide, keep your pantry staples in mind so you can make meal planning even easier.
Conclusion
Designing a healthy and tasty dinner doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With countless recipes and ingredients, it can feel daunting just getting started.
That’s where the Berry Street Ultimate Dinner Guide comes in. You can quickly and easily mix and match ingredients and flavors to meet both your nutritional goals and taste preferences.
Want to take your meals and nutrition to the next level? Find a Berry Street Registered Dietitian today to get started on customized meal plans and nutrition therapy.
