THE TOP MISTAKES WHEN IT COMES TO MEAL PLANNING

I previously introduced the topic of meal planning and prep, and I was blown away by how many of you reached out wanting more tips and tricks to make life easier! We all have to eat—several times a day, in fact—and with how fast life moves, making that process smoother is something we can all benefit from.

Since I’ve already shared my top tips for successful meal planning, I thought it would be just as helpful to talk about some common mistakes that can actually set you back. Sometimes, even with the best intentions, things can go sideways. So here are some things to watch out for and try to avoid:

1. Overplanning to the max

If you’re mapping out 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners for the week (and spending $500+ on groceries), you’re setting yourself up for overwhelm. Chances are, you’ll run out of time, end up with more leftovers than you expected, and waste both food and money. Simplicity really is key.

2. The “all or nothing” trap

You go all-in during week one, plan every detail, prep like a champ… and then by week two, you’re completely burnt out and give up altogether. Life is unpredictable: there will always be curveballs. Finding a flexible rhythm that works for you long-term is much more sustainable.

3. The Sunday prep marathon

Some people love doing a big prep day on Sundays - and if that’s you, amazing! But for many, spending 6–7 hours in the kitchen during your weekend can quickly become draining. If it starts feeling like a chore, you’re more likely to ditch the routine. Weekends should also be for rest, fun, and family time.

4. Doing it all in one day

Planning meals, shopping for groceries, and prepping everything in one go (especially on a Saturday) sounds productive, but it can leave you feeling totally wiped out. Breaking things up into smaller tasks across a few days makes the process feel way more manageable.

5. Trying five brand-new recipes in one week

If you’re used to making simple staples like shepherd’s pie and spaghetti, switching to five totally new, unfamiliar recipes in one week is going to feel like a mental workout. And if a few of them flop (which happens!), it’s easy to feel discouraged. Start small—add in one or two new meals while keeping your go-to favorites on your menu too.

While meal planning and prep can be total game-changers for reducing stress and staying on track, it’s important to approach them with balance and flexibility. Avoiding these common pitfalls (overplanning, burnout, or trying to do too much at once) can make the process feel less like a chore and more like a support system for your daily life.

Start small, keep it simple, and remember: the goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress that fits your rhythm.