What is the meaning of meal planning?

Meal planning can be defined as taking the time to plan nutritious meals and snacks for a specified time period. Once a meal plan is drawn up, corresponding ingredients can be purchased for the specified meals on the plan.

The Mayo Clinic states that meal planning can help someone lose weight and stick to a healthier diet. A meal plan can be made for a week or it can be made for several weeks at a time. Meal planning decreases the chances of a person eating unhealthy items because it's more convenient. It's a good way to save money because planning ensures all the ingredients that have been bought will be used, minimizing the amount of food that goes to waste.