The Dread That is Meal Planning

By WISe Wellness Guild

Let’s be honest, the words meal planning alone can trigger a deep sigh. Whether you’re cooking just for yourself or for a whole family, the daily question of “Ugh… what’s for dinner tonight?” can feel relentless. I get it—planning meals can feel overwhelming, but flying by the seat of your pants every night doesn’t exactly make life easier either. Somewhere in the middle is the sweet spot.

The team at WISe has a few tips to help when cooking is the last thing on your mind:

1. Create a Loose Weekly Dinner Plan

Notice I said loose. The goal here isn’t perfection—it’s simply giving yourself a little direction. Instead of writing out specific meals for every single night, try using general themes to guide you. This way, you’ll always have a starting point without boxing yourself in.

Here’s a fun naming convention you can steal (and yes, make it your own!):

These themes aren’t rules—they’re guides. They save you from decision fatigue (and the dreaded 5 p.m. panic).

2. Stock Up on Frozen Veggies

Repeat after me: Frozen veggies are not cheating. In fact, did you know they typically have just as much nutritional value as fresh veggies? (Here’s a great article that breaks it down: National Geographic on frozen produce).

We’ve all been there—buying fresh green beans with the best intentions only to toss them in the trash days later. Don’t feel guilty! A bag of frozen broccoli tossed into a skillet can save dinner and your sanity.

3. If Takeout is Part of Your Routine, Own It

Do you normally grab takeout once or twice a week? Don’t beat yourself up over it—plan for it. Build it into your meal plan so it feels intentional, not like a “failure.” Sometimes the smartest meal plan is knowing when not to cook.

Meal planning doesn’t have to be rigid or complicated. Think of it more like giving yourself a map with plenty of wiggle room. A little structure can ease the stress, while flexibility keeps it realistic. And remember—you’re not in this alone. We’re all staring into the fridge some nights thinking, “Can I just eat popcorn for dinner?”

Spoiler: you totally can.