Why YOU Might HATE MEAL PLANNING (And How to MAKE IT WORK for You)

Let’s face it—meal planning is one of those things that sounds amazing in theory but can feel like a chore in practice. If you’ve ever tried to get into the habit of planning your meals ahead of time and found yourself dreading it, you’re not alone. So many of us want to be organized, save time, and eat healthier, but something about meal planning just doesn’t click.

If you’ve ever wondered why meal planning isn’t working for you, here’s a list of common reasons why you might hate it (and trust me, I’ve been there too!).

1. It Feels Too Restrictive

One of the top reasons my audience tells me they hate meal planning is that it feels like they’re stuck in a rigid schedule. Planning out a full week of meals leaves little room for flexibility. Maybe you planned jollof rice for Wednesday, but by the time Wednesday rolls around, you’re craving eba and ogbono soup. Now what? You feel guilty for straying from the plan, and suddenly meal planning feels more like a burden than a blessing.

Let’s be real—nobody wants to feel boxed in by a plan, especially when it comes to food. We eat based on mood, cravings, and energy levels, and sometimes a rigid meal plan just doesn’t match up.

2. You Don’t Have Time

If you’re balancing work, kids, household duties, and maybe even trying to squeeze in some self-care (hello, busy mom life!), sitting down to create a meal plan can feel like another item on an already too-full to-do list. It’s time-consuming to figure out what you’ll be eating for the next seven days, not to mention the grocery list, shopping, and prep work.

Between chasing after the kids, running errands, and managing everything else, where’s the time to plan? For many of my readers, meal planning just seems unrealistic when life is already so chaotic.

3. It’s Boring

Let’s be honest—meal planning isn’t exactly the most exciting activity. It’s not like picking out new shoes or planning a vacation. Sitting down with a calendar, trying to figure out what your family will eat all week? It can feel like an uninspired task, especially when you’re staring at the same recipes over and over again.

For some, the routine of it all can make cooking feel like more of a task and less of a creative outlet. And let’s not even talk about trying to come up with new ideas every week! It’s no wonder people get meal-planning burnout.

4. It Can Be Overwhelming

If you’re not used to planning your meals in advance, the whole concept can be overwhelming. You might wonder:

How do I know what I’ll be in the mood for next Friday?
How do I plan meals for picky eaters in my family?
How do I come up with new ideas every week?

All of this can make the process feel complicated and stressful. Instead of helping you feel more organized, meal planning can make you feel like you have too much to think about—especially when you're already balancing a million other things.

5. Shopping Feels Like a Hassle

For a meal plan to work, you have to make sure you’ve got everything you need. This means compiling a long shopping list and making sure every ingredient is accounted for. Then there’s the actual shopping: navigating busy markets, finding the right ingredients, and making sure you’re staying within your budget. Sometimes, just thinking about it is enough to make you want to throw the meal plan out the window and call for takeout!

6. Your Schedule is Unpredictable

Meal planning works great when everything is running smoothly. But what about when the unexpected happens? Your boss asks you to stay late, the kids have an impromptu school activity, or you’re just too exhausted to cook. Suddenly, that meal you planned and shopped for is going untouched, and the whole plan feels pointless.

For many of my readers, the unpredictability of life is a huge reason they struggle with meal planning. When life is already so hectic, trying to stick to a meal plan can feel impossible.

7. You Forget to Use the Ingredients You Bought

One of the biggest frustrations with meal planning is buying all the ingredients for the week and then forgetting to use them! That pack of chicken you meant to cook on Tuesday? It’s still in the fridge on Saturday. Those fresh veggies? Spoiled before you even got to them. Meal planning can feel like a waste when the ingredients don’t get used on time, leading to more food waste and frustration.

8. It Doesn’t Account for Cravings

Sometimes, you just don’t want what you planned. You might have written down fish stew for dinner, but when the time comes, you’re really craving a plate of pepper soup. Meal planning doesn’t always accommodate those spontaneous cravings, and you’re left feeling like you’ve lost the freedom to eat what you want, when you want.

How to Make Meal Planning Work for You

If you’re nodding along to any of these reasons, it’s no wonder meal planning isn’t working for you. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to throw out the idea of meal planning entirely. There are ways to make it easier, more flexible, and less of a hassle.

Start Small: You don’t have to plan every single meal. Start by planning just a few dinners for the week, leaving room for spontaneity.
Be Flexible: It’s okay to swap meals around or adjust the plan based on your cravings or schedule. Think of the plan as a guideline, not a rule.
Batch Cook: Make a few big meals that can be used in different ways throughout the week. This gives you variety without having to plan every detail.
Use Theme Nights: Try “Rice Wednesdays” or “Soup Sundays” to simplify decision-making. This takes the pressure off coming up with something new every day.
Get the Family Involved: Let the kids pick a meal or two, or ask everyone for input. It makes the process feel less like a solo task.

Still Not Convinced? Try the Nigerian Meal Planner

If you’ve been struggling with meal planning and want a solution tailored for Nigerian families, my Nigerian Meal Planner is exactly what you need! It’s packed with flexible, easy-to-make recipes, and tips for organizing your meals without the stress.

Ready to take control of your meals without the headache? Download the Nigerian Meal Planner now and make meal planning a whole lot easier!