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Why Meal Plans Don’t Work for Weight Loss

4:18 pm by Seeking Joyful Simplicity Leave a Comment

Why Meal Plans Don’t Work for Weight Loss
I love ready-made meal plans. Something about having an entire week’s worth of meals on paper, with recipes and a clear plan all laid out appeals to the super organized planner in me. Not having to guess or make decisions about what and when to eat feels supportive.

But.
But, if we expect a ready-made meal plan to be the answer to all our problems, we usually end up disappointed.

Why would a dietitian say meal plans don’t work?

Because I have seen and heard it time and time again.
“I just want to know what to eat and I don’t want to have to think about it – just tell me what to eat!”

I have found ready-made meal plans rarely work, and when they do, it’s only for a very short time. I know this is true for myself, and for the women I work with.

Here’s why:

They’re prescriptive. Which means that no matter how enthusiastic you are, a meal plan can be tough to follow. What about when life happens? You have to work late. You get sick. There’s a celebration, special occasion, or holiday. You’re traveling or away from home. Or you’re just not in the mood for whatever’s on the menu.

Even if you follow the plan perfectly, most likely you are going to get thrown off at some point. Usually what happens is you feel guilty and get caught in the “all-or-nothing” mindset. So you start eating garbage with thoughts like, “Well, I blew it, so I might as well just eat whatever. I’ll get back to my meal plan tomorrow (on Monday, next week…)”.

It’s not a healthy attitude to have toward nutrition or your health, and sets us up for a nasty cycle of on again and off again dieting.

Don’t get me wrong, ready-made meal plans can offer a new perspective, fresh ideas, and inspiration for trying new ways to eat better. And I often share meal plans.

But they are for a specific purpose and meant to be used on a temporary basis. So if you are looking for a permanent solution to your challenges, a ready-made meal plan isn’t the answer.

Just keep things in perspective.
Are you trying to lose weight following a meal plan? They rarely work long-term and you find yourself in the “all-or-nothing” mindset. So you start eating garbage with thoughts like, “Well, I blew it, so I might as well just eat whatever. I’ll get back to my meal plan tomorrow, or Monday, or next week.” Instead of following a meal plan, try this instead....

Focus on Small Changes in Your Diet

If you want to make long-term improvements in your eating, your health, and your weight, the best approach (and the one that works!) is to think about what you are already eating, and how you can make it a little bit better.

This means experimenting and adjusting. This takes away the all-or-nothing, success or failure trap we too often fall into when it comes to our eating.

Making small changes and improvements to what you already normally eat and enjoy, one small step at a time.

Think about a spectrum of food quality rather than “bad” or “good” foods.

Let’s make it a game!

My challenge for you –
How can you play “make this meal just a little bit better” in every situation?

In which situations is that easier or harder?

When your choices are limited (for instance, when you’re traveling, or eating at a special event/occasion), how can you shoot for “a little bit better” while still being realistic, and without trying to be “perfect”?

Let us know in the comments!

~ Michelle

At Seeking Joyful Simplicity, I focus on simple, sustainable changes that can add up to big results. Would you like to schedule a free Goal Mapping Session? Use this THIS LINK to schedule your call today. 

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Hello and welcome! Seeking Joyful Simplicity is about creating space in your life for the things that matter most - abundant health, joy, and contentment. With a holistic approach focused on self-reflection, simple foods, and herbal support, I offer a practical approach to living with purpose and vibrant health. Want to learn more? Start here…

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Disclaimer and Disclosure

The information provided here is not intended to replace professional medical advice and care. It is simply my perspective for you to consider as you make good choices for you and your family’s health. The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and maintaining health. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care. The information provided has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not meant to diagnose any disease, nor is it intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Seek the support and care of a physician and/or complementary care practitioner you trust, and above all, listen to and trust in yourself. Be well!

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