Organisation: food plan easier with these 5 tips.

When I moved back in August I was in possibly the biggest rut I’ve been in in my life. On the surface it looked like my work life was fast paced and exciting but behind the scenes I was wiped out with a complete lack of energy. I was going through the motions, staying in every night and not in the slightest bit motivated to commit to the pillars that usually keep my mood, brain and energy level: exercise, good eating and feeling on top of finances. Deliveroo nights were becoming all more regular and sometime in 2020 when I gave up the booze I developed a terrible sugar habit.

The guilt was too much - every week I would swear this would be the week I would sort it out yet I’d still be frittering away money here and there on unplanned meals, creating more waste than I was comfortable with and not feeling good about my food choices.

But here I am starting a new year and feeling really good about where my food habits are going. I’m not going to pretend to be perfect but the improvement on the first half of last year is notable. So with the way things are going I thought it might be helpful for me to share the easy to introduce habits that are helping me no end to make healthier food choices, generating less waste and saving money.

1. Join a veg box scheme

This without a doubt has been the game changer for me. I joined Riverford when I got back from my work trip to the US in November and I love planning my meals around it. Riverford send great recipe cards with the seasonal veg so you always have ideas for what’s in the box. My box comes on a Tuesday and as I unpack it I make a note of what I have and then find inspiration by searching for each vegetable or salad item. You can either look up in the index of your favourite recipe books or use the ingredient search feature on BBC Good Food. Go here for £15 off when you join Riverford.

2. Make a batch bircher muesli

A bircher muesli that is ready for you in the fridge to grab on a busy morning is a sure fire way to make sure you get your day started well and means you won’t be reaching for the toast every morning. Simply mix up oats with yoghurt, milk or water and some grated fruit. I like pears in mine along with sultanas, pecans, chia seeds and mixed seeds. It will keep for at least 3-4 days in an airtight pot and topping with nut butter and some cacao nibs will give you a power breakfast.

3. Make an alternative grain bread for the week

I’m not saying gluten free is the best option for everyone but by opting for an alternative bread you may be choosing a finished loaf that is kinder to your energy levels. Try a quinoa and chia bread (Madeleine Shaw’s A Year of Beautiful Eating) or Anna Jones Rye and honey loaf (A Modern Way to Cook) - you may find other loaf ideas on recipe apps (Deliciously Ella, Food Doctor etc) or online with some research.

4. Whip up a jar of salad dressing

Salad is not just a summer staple! But I know that if I’m not instantly inspired what to do with salad it sits getting soggy in the fridge. I’ve found making a jar of simple dressing means I can toss through a salad in seconds meaning I have an instant side for quiches, pies, jacket spuds.. etc. You can alternate each week - this week I chucked some olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, a dash of vinegar, 1/2 tsp of mustard in a jar with a lid and fine grated a clove of garlic in before putting on the lid and shaking up. It’s meant I’ve had a nice dressed salad to top hummus on toast or to chuck in a wrap with some feta.

5. Batch cook some grains

I learned this while working with a chef on one of the food apps. Cooking up a batch of a grain such as quinoa or buckwheat means that there is always something on hand to bumph up a meal. Add it to salad, stick in a. wrap, use as a base for curries - the options are endless. Cooked quinoa and buckwheat will keep fine in an airtight container in the fridge for around 5 days, pearl barley will keep for around 3 days. It’s really important you don’t use rice for this though as it won’t keep.

Do you have any food planning tips? Let us know in the comments below!