3 Simple Ways To Find New Meal Planning Recipes

We all know the meal planning recipe struggle: you want to cook something delicious and nutritious, but finding the right recipes can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, it doesn’t have to be that complicated and that’s what we’re talking about today on Episode 81 of Be Your Best Self Health Chats.

Define Your Healthy

The first step in your quest for the perfect meal planning recipes is to define what “healthy” means to you and your family. Healthy isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. What works for my family, like gluten-free options, might not apply to yours. So, before you embark on your recipe journey, understand your unique dietary needs and preferences. This will help you searching for recipes and knowing where to modify them.

Meal Planning Recipes Tip 1: Dust Off Those Cookbooks

Remember those dusty old cookbooks that have been sitting on your kitchen shelf for years? It’s time to give them some love. Start flipping through those pages and looking for recipes that pique your interest. Even if a recipe doesn’t align perfectly with your dietary requirements, there’s usually room for modification. For example, swapping ground beef for lean turkey or vice versa.

Meal Planning Recipes Tip 2: Recipe Card Exchange

In our digital age, handwritten recipe cards have become a rarity. But there’s something magical about the old-school charm of sharing recipes on physical cards. There is something about copying recipes onto note cards and adding them to an old cherished recipe box. You can initiate a recipe card exchange with friends, too, just like the good old days. It’s a fun way to discover new dishes and reconnect with the tradition of sharing recipe secrets.

Don’t underestimate the culinary treasures hidden in the kitchens of your friends and family. Reach out and asking friends or family for their current favorite recipes. People are often more willing to share than you might think. Sharing recipes is a great way to bond and expand your recipe collection.

Meal Planning Recipes Tip 3: Embrace the Digital World

Of course, we can’t ignore the vast digital universe when it comes to meal planning recipes. Google and Pinterest are gold mines of inspiration, offering an incredible variety of recipes at your fingertips. However, don’t just look at the recipes; read the comments. You might find valuable tips and modifications from others who have tried and tested the recipes.

Don’t Forget: Define Your Healthy, Then Research

My ultimate piece of advice goes back to take a step back and define what “healthy” means to you before diving into the recipe search.  Healthy eating is a personal journey, and it’s essential to align your recipes with your health goals. Once you have your definition, start your research. Experiment with new recipes, make modifications as needed, and remember that it’s okay if a dish doesn’t turn out perfectly. It’s all part of the adventure.

Our meal planning template will help you break down healthy, figure out the recipes you like from your research and plan your week out.

Don’t forget, do not to get overwhelmed by the idea of finding the perfect recipe. Healthy eating is a fluid concept that varies from person to person. The key is to take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments along the way. So, get ready to embark on your meal planning recipe journey armed with these fabulous tips. Bon appétit!