Why I Stopped Planning My Meals and What I Do Instead

For years, I meticulously planned my meals each week, jotting down a detailed list of recipes and ingredients. I felt organised, in control, and smugly prepared for whatever culinary challenges lay ahead. However, I quickly realised that this rigidity often led to stress rather than joy. I would find myself frustrated if I didn’t stick to the plan or if I suddenly craved something completely different.

One evening, after a long day at work, I stood in the kitchen, staring mournfully at my schedule. The idea of cooking a meal I had meticulously planned didn’t sound appealing at all. Instead, I decided to embrace spontaneity. I began to rely on a well-stocked pantry and fresh produce, allowing my meals to evolve based on what I felt like eating at that very moment.

Now, I keep a small selection of staple ingredients handy. Each day, I peruse what I have and allow my cravings to guide my cooking. This shift has transformed my relationship with food. I now savour the creativity of cooking and relish the satisfaction of crafting a meal on a whim. Each dish is an adventure, and rather than a chore, my time in the kitchen has become a source of joy.