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7 Minutes Read

The Importance Of Meal Planning: 3 Reasons To Meal Plan Weekly

Why is meal planning important? The exact benefits of meal planning are a little different for everyone, but I find most reasons fit into three main categories. Here’s my take on The Importance of Meal Planning: Three Reasons to Meal Plan Weekly!

What is meal planning?

Meal planning is the simple act of planning and writing down any of your meals for the week (or month!) ahead of time.

Plan for yourself or plan for your family. Plan to eat wholesome meals, and plan a night out or two. Plan every snack and meal, or simply plan your lunches so you don’t spend money on restaurant food during the week.

Meal planning is as flexible or as rigid as you want it to be!

It doesn’t really matter what you plan, as long as you thought about it! The goal is not to start from zero for every single meal.

There are a lot of reasons why I think meal planning and meal prepping rock, but I think they all fit into three main categories: saving time, saving money, and having more control over your food choices.

The Importance of Meal Planning: 3 Reasons to Meal Plan

1. Save Time

This reason is the most appealing to me. I love saving time! Some people need to save more time than others. Everyone is different, and everyone’s needs are different.

When you start meal planning, try to identify one meal where you really need a time-saver, and then plan your meals with that in mind.

Save yourself time on those busiest days by having meals already prepared, or by planning super simple quick meals you know the whole family loves.

BONUS: You can easily make sure you already have all the ingredients ahead of time!.

A Way To Start

Pick your busy days, and plan on those meals being the most simple, or prepared ahead of time to help you later. Here are some examples:

Breakfast: I’m not a morning person, at all. Breakfast used to always be the first thing to go if I woke up late or just took too long getting ready. So I learned that I needed to prep a breakfast ahead of time that was as simple as popping it in the microwave or toaster oven.

Lunch: My lunch break always seemed to last a lot longer if I didn’t have to run out and get some food during the first      half. Weird, huh? Lunch prep is best prep if you work outside the home!

Dinner: If you planned ahead, you already know what’s for dinner, and you probably already have the ingredients for it. I’m on a mission to turn the classic “what’s for dinner?” question into “how can we prep for dinner?” and “will there be leftovers?”

A lot of Meal Plan recipes are focused on make-ahead food and prep that can be done ahead to save time later. That’s because if you meal plan, you can always meal prep, which can save you even more time!

Here are some other ways meal planning can save you time:

Reduce grocery store trips. If your weekly menu is planned ahead of time, you can do your best to buy everything for the week in one trip (unless you somehow still forget things like me).

Reduces wandering at the grocery store. I’m a wanderer. Even now when I have a list, sometimes I just want to search for sales or find yummy new items. But too much of that wastes time.

Know what foods can be prepared ahead of time. You know the menu, so you know what needs to be prepped. For example, we put diced onion in almost everything. So instead of dicing a little bit for every other meal, we dice the whole thing at one time. You might not think about it, but that saves the time of washing and drying your knife and cutting board for the next 3 or 4 times you need diced onion. And, if I have time now, I’ll dice the other veggies for later too. Tiny little time savers added up can really make a difference!

Planned leftovers. What can I say? I love leftovers. I’ll stop trying to make “planned-overs” happen if you guys just admit leftovers save time. This one is pretty obvious to me!

2. Save money

When you plan and cook your own meals, you are most likely saving money on each of those meals, compared to purchasing the same type of meal in a restaurant.

I haven’t scientifically tested that theory, but I’m going to go ahead and make that bold assumption based on my years of eating experience (both cooking my own food and eating out).

Tess Rose Lampert at Cheapism.com does a bit of research in her article Is Cooking at Home Really Cheaper Than Eating Out? She compares prices on a classic chicken dinner with veggies and determined that cooking the classic dinner at home could cost up to 60% less than eating it at a restaurant. At a restaurant food cost is priced to also cover all restaurant labor and building and management costs so naturally it will be more expensive.

Lastly, planning your meals can help reduce food waste, which can save you money on your grocery bill in the long run. While it might be impossible to go 100% waste free, some simple planning techniques can help dramatically reduce your food waste.

For example, if one of my casseroles requires some baby spinach, I’ll also try to plan lunches or smoothies for the week that also require baby spinach, helping me to use up more of the ingredient I purchased.

Simply eating leftovers or planning a day to eat leftovers is a good practice to reduce food waste (and therefore save you money!).

3. More control over food

Everyone is different, and everyone’s needs are different. When you plan ahead, you can make smart choices related to your own personal food needs and fitness needs, instead of grabbing something at the last minute.

More insights on how meal planning can give you control over your food:

Eating the right amount for you. Sometimes if you’re feeling      excessively hungry, way too happy to be eating, or just using a different sized spoon, you can get totally varying/random portion sizes on the plate. Planning and pre-portioning your food can ensure your hard work makes it to the amount of servings you initially planned for. Plus, it can be really nice to have everything already portioned out for you. Of course      if that’s not your style, try a buffet style meal prep instead!

Staying accountable to past you. If you already made the food and pre-portioned it into perfect bowls with future you in mind, you’re really kicking past you in the butt if you don’t eat it. Planning and prepping your meals provides a little more incentive to eat the delicious things you’ve already planned out and cooked. If it’s already made, I’m gonna eat      it!

More control over your choices. If you have certain goals with your eating, it can be a lot easier to incorporate them into your life by planning meals ahead of time. Or, it can be as simple as the fact that already choosing a meal to cook or eat keeps you from ordering food and spending more money. Either way, planning out your choices ahead of time means you are more likely to stick with them when the time comes.

Things To Remember About Meal Planning

Don’t let the term meal plan scare you. You can plan literally anything. You can even plan NOT to cook. What’s important is that you thought about it. You know what you have going on.

Make YOUR meal plan as flexible as you want. It’s for you, and it’s okay if you don’t follow it 100%. I’ve seen a little negativity towards meals plans because sometimes it’s hard to stick to it. That’s okay! Meal plans are meant to be a helpful roadmap, not a strict set of rules that causes anxiety.

If you don’t like eating the same thing every day, planning is even more important for you in order to save time, money, and make healthy choices. You can cook a large batch of chicken or other meat and eat it in various ways throughout      the week.

The perfect meal plan for you is in your head – you just need some resources. The whole point is to not start from zero every night.

Now that you know the importance of meal planning, are you looking to get started with meal prep?

How To Get Started

If you have absolutely no idea where to begin, here’s what I suggest.

1. Pick out one meal of the week that you struggle with. Maybe you want to save time or money by planning ahead and cooking this meal at home.

2. Plan what you’re going to have for that one meal of the day for the next 3 days in a row. If you need a place to start, look in your pantry so you can use some ingredients you already have on hand.

3. Write down your planned meals on a notepad, in a calendar, in an app, or print out one of my meal planner templates and put it up on the fridge.

4. Review all planned recipes and make a grocery list. When you go shopping, do your best to stick to the list. This is one way meal planning helps you save money!

5. Follow through by actually cooking the meals you’ve planned. You don’t always have to do exactly what you planned out for yourself, but try it for at least 3 days. Use up your ingredients by making delicious home cooked meals.

Call me with any questions:

312-623-6828

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07.30.2025

The Power of Glutamine: A Friendly Guide to Gut, Immune & Muscle Health

When it comes to nutrition and supplements, some nutrients get all the spotlight—like collagen, turmeric, or magnesium. But behind the scenes, there’s a quiet hero doing a lot of the heavy lifting: glutamine.This amino acid might not be flashy, but it’s absolutely essential when your body is under stress—whether from illness, injury, intense exercise, or even poor gut health. In this blog, we’ll explore how glutamine works in the body, the science behind its benefits, and how to use it in real life to support your gut, immune system, and muscles.🔬 What Exactly Is Glutamine?Think of glutamine as a building block of protein. It’s one of 20 amino acids that help your body make the proteins it needs for everything from repairing muscles to keeping your immune system strong.Most of the time, your body can make enough glutamine on its own. But when you’re sick, recovering from surgery, training hard, or dealing with chronic stress, your body might not keep up with demand. That’s when supplementation can really help.There are two types of glutamine:L-glutamine – This is the form your body uses and the one you’ll find in supplements.D-glutamine – This exists in nature but isn’t useful for human health.🌿 What Does Glutamine Actually Do for Us?1. It Heals and Protects Your GutYour digestive tract is lined with millions of cells that are constantly regenerating. These cells rely on glutamine as their main source of energy. Without it, they can’t repair themselves properly, and that’s when issues like leaky gut, bloating, and inflammation show up.In simple terms? Glutamine helps your gut lining stay strong and intact, so toxins, bacteria, and undigested food don’t "leak" into your bloodstream.📚 Research-backed: A study published in Nutrients (2020) showed that glutamine supplementation helped people with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis reduce gut inflammation and improve the intestinal barrier (Nutrients. 2020;12(3):719).Another review found that glutamine helped protect the gut in people undergoing chemotherapy—treatment that often damages the digestive tract (Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2017 Jul;20(4):369–374).2. It Powers Up Your Immune SystemYour immune cells—like white blood cells—use glutamine as fuel. When you're sick or stressed, they need more of it to keep working properly.Glutamine also helps your body make glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that fights off harmful free radicals and supports detoxification.📚 Research-backed: A clinical trial in Clinical Nutrition (2013) showed that critically ill patients given glutamine had stronger immune responses and fewer infections (Clin Nutr. 2013;32(1):124-130).And a fascinating study from 1996 found that marathon runners who took glutamine had fewer colds and infections after their races than those who didn’t supplement (Eur J Appl Physiol. 1996;73(5):488–90).3. It Speeds Up Muscle Recovery and Reduces SorenessIf you’ve ever felt wrecked after a tough workout, glutamine might help you bounce back faster.When you work out hard, especially during weight training or long cardio sessions, your glutamine levels drop. This can increase muscle soreness and slow down recovery. Supplementing with glutamine helps:Reduce muscle breakdownReplenish energy stores (called glycogen)Boost recovery so you can train again sooner📚 Research-backed: A 2004 study found that athletes who took glutamine recovered strength faster after intense workouts (J Strength Cond Res. 2004;18(4):785-91).Another study in Nutrition (2015) showed that glutamine helped improve exercise performance and reduced fatigue in weightlifters (Nutrition. 2015 Mar;31(3):344-9).🎯 How to Use Glutamine for Real-Life Goals✅ For Gut RepairIf you’re dealing with digestive issues—like bloating, IBS, food sensitivities, or recovering from antibiotics—glutamine can help heal and seal your gut lining.Dose: 5 to 10 grams (1–2 teaspoons) twice dailyBest Time: On an empty stomach—morning and before bedHow to Take It: Mix powder into water or warm bone brothBonus: Combine with gut-soothing herbs like slippery elm or DGL licorice for extra healing✅ For Immune SupportGlutamine is helpful during cold and flu season, or anytime your body is fighting off illness.Dose: 5 grams once or twice a day during illness or high stressBest Time: With mealsPair With: Vitamin C, NAC (an amino acid), and selenium to support glutathione production✅ For Muscle Recovery & PerformanceAthletes and fitness lovers can benefit from glutamine to recover faster and stay strong during training.Dose: 5–10 grams post-workout or before bedHow to Take It: Add to your protein shake or smoothieBonus Stack: Works great with magnesium, creatine, and collagen peptides🥦 Natural Food Sources of GlutamineWhile supplements give you a higher dose, you can also find glutamine in whole foods:Grass-fed beef and chickenWild-caught fishEggsSpinach and cabbageLentils and beansBone broth (a top gut healer!)⚠️ A Few PrecautionsMost people tolerate glutamine very well, but here’s when you should check with a doctor first:Cancer patients: Some cancers can use glutamine for fuel—talk to your oncologist first.Liver or kidney disease: Your doctor may need to monitor usage.Pregnancy or breastfeeding: There’s limited research, so check with your provider.🧠 Bottom LineGlutamine might not be trendy, but it’s incredibly powerful.It fuels your gut lining, strengthens your immune system, and helps your muscles recover—especially when life throws your body into stress mode. If you’re struggling with digestive issues, low immunity, or post-workout fatigue, glutamine could be the missing link.With strong research backing and decades of safe clinical use, this amino acid deserves a place in your health and healing toolbox.

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Glutathione: Why Everyone Is Talking About This Master Antioxidant

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It’s a small molecule composed of three amino acids—glutamine, cysteine, and glycine—and it plays a major role in:Neutralizing free radicals (unstable molecules that damage cells)Supporting detoxification in the liverStrengthening immune responseRepairing DNA and cellular damageRecycling other antioxidants like vitamin C and EIt’s so essential that scientists often call it “the master antioxidant.”🔥 Why Is It Trending Right Now?Glutathione isn’t new—it’s been studied for decades—but it’s having a moment because of its:Use in skin-brightening therapiesRole in longevity and anti-aging researchGrowing popularity in IV therapy clinicsBuzz among functional medicine influencers for “detox” and immune healthCelebrities and wellness gurus are touting glutathione IVs or liposomal glutathione for glowing skin, better energy, and even hangover recovery. But what does the science say?Scientifically Backed Benefits of Glutathione1. Powerful Detox Support (Especially in the Liver)Your liver is your body’s main detox organ, and glutathione is a key player in how it neutralizes and eliminates toxins. It's especially important for breaking down heavy metals, alcohol byproducts, and environmental pollutants.📚 Study Highlight:A 2018 clinical trial published in BMC Gastroenterology showed that glutathione supplementation significantly improved liver enzyme levels in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), suggesting improved liver function (BMC Gastroenterol. 2017;17(1):96).2. Immune System DefenseGlutathione helps regulate inflammation and keeps white blood cells functioning properly. When your immune system is fighting an infection, your glutathione levels can drop—making supplementation helpful during illness or high stress.📚 Study Highlight:According to research in Clinical Immunology, glutathione deficiency impairs immune cell function and contributes to oxidative stress in chronic diseases like HIV (Clin Immunol. 2000;97(2):125-33).3. Anti-Aging and Cellular RepairAging is associated with increased oxidative stress and declining glutathione levels. Boosting glutathione can help reduce DNA damage, support mitochondrial health (your cell’s “energy factory”), and even improve skin clarity.📚 Study Highlight:A study in Dermatology found that oral glutathione supplementation lightened skin tone and improved skin elasticity in women after four weeks, supporting both anti-aging and aesthetic uses (Dermatol Ther. 2017;30(1):e12480).4. Brain & Mood SupportLow glutathione is linked to neurological and cognitive disorders. It plays a role in protecting brain cells from oxidative stress and helps regulate inflammation in the brain.📚 Study Highlight:Research published in Neurotoxicity Research found that boosting glutathione could help protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s (Neurotox Res. 2012 Jan;21(1):43–54).🧘🏽‍♀️ Glutathione in Functional & Integrative MedicineIn integrative and functional medicine, glutathione is considered foundational. Practitioners often test glutathione levels and recommend protocols that support its production naturally or through supplements—especially for clients with:Autoimmune diseaseChronic fatigueHormonal imbalanceMold toxicityLyme diseaseHeavy metal exposureIV therapy, liposomal supplements (liquid form with higher absorption), and precursors like NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) are all used to optimize levels.🥦 How Can You Boost Glutathione Naturally?While your body can make glutathione, you can support it with food, lifestyle, and targeted supplements.Top Ways to Boost Glutathione:Eat sulfur-rich foods: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, garlic, onionsTake NAC or alpha-lipoic acid: proven precursors to glutathioneExercise: Moderate aerobic activity boosts glutathione productionReduce alcohol: Excess alcohol depletes glutathioneGet enough sleep: Sleep is critical for cellular repair and glutathione production⚠️ Should You Supplement with Glutathione?If you have chronic illness, frequent infections, or toxin exposure, supplementation may be worth considering. 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Eating and Living to Protect the Brain: Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and the Power of SHIELD

As the global population ages, the rate of dementia continues to rise — with Alzheimer’s disease leading the charge as the most common form. But here’s what many don’t realize: while there’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, there is a powerful way to reduce the risk and slow its progression. It starts with understanding what Alzheimer’s is — and taking action through lifestyle, exercise, and diet.What Is Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease?Dementia is a broad term for a decline in cognitive function that interferes with daily life. It includes various types such as:Vascular dementia – caused by impaired blood flow to the brainFrontotemporal dementia – a group of disorders related to abnormal brain structureAlzheimer’s disease – a neurodegenerative disorder and the most prevalent cause of dementiaThe Hallmarks of Alzheimer’sAlzheimer’s is driven by two primary pathologies in the brain:β-amyloid plaque buildupNeurofibrillary tangles of a protein called tauThese changes disrupt communication between neurons and eventually lead to brain cell death. In recent years, researchers have also focused on neuroinflammation — chronic inflammation in the brain — as a contributing factor.Alzheimer’s is diagnosed through a combination of clinical symptoms, cognitive testing, and advanced imaging or biomarker analysis. While treatments exist to manage symptoms, no cure has yet been found.The SHIELD Model: A Lifestyle-Based Prevention StrategyHarvard neurologist Dr. Rudolph Tanzi helped develop the SHIELD model, a science-backed approach to preserving brain health based on epidemiological data. SHIELD isn’t a cure, but it offers real hope for prevention and slowing decline.S – Sleep: Deep, restorative sleep helps the brain detox — literally. During sleep, the brain clears out harmful waste proteins like amyloid. Aim for 7–8 hours nightly or take short restorative naps.H – Handle Stress: Chronic stress is a major brain-aging factor. Activities like meditation, journaling, or engaging in fun, creative tasks help shift the brain from survival mode to thrive mode.I – Interact: Social isolation is a significant risk factor for dementia. Strong social ties and emotional connection are as crucial for your brain as nutrition and exercise.E – Exercise: What’s good for the heart is good for the brain. Exercise increases blood flow, reduces inflammation, supports the growth of new brain cells, and helps regulate insulin — all critical for long-term cognitive health.L – Learn New Things: Mental stimulation builds cognitive reserve — essentially a “savings account” of brain power. The more synapses you create through learning, the better your brain can resist decline.D – Diet: A diet that reduces inflammation, supports the gut microbiome, and stabilizes blood sugar is foundational for brain health.Nutrition: Fuel for a Healthy BrainThe connection between the gut and brain — known as the gut-brain axis — is now undeniable. The vagus nerve, a major communication pathway between the gut and brain, is influenced by gut bacteria. These microbes can modulate memory and mood, making nutrition a key player in cognitive health.What to Avoid1. The Western Diet: High in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats, this diet increases inflammation, disrupts the gut microbiome, and accelerates cognitive decline.2. Refined Sugars: Excess sugar feeds bad gut bacteria, spikes insulin, and promotes brain inflammation.3. Gluten (for sensitive individuals): For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, gluten may worsen brain fog and cognitive decline.What to Eat for a Sharp Mind🍇 Berries: Rich in antioxidants and fiber, berries fight oxidative stress and support gut health.🥬 Leafy Greens: Packed with folate and other essential nutrients, greens like spinach and Swiss chard help protect brain function.🐟 Omega-3s: Found in wild-caught fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, omega-3 fats reduce inflammation and support neuronal health.🫒 Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Promotes autophagy — the brain’s internal cleaning system — and is linked to lower Alzheimer’s rates.🧄 Spices: Turmeric (with black pepper), cinnamon, saffron, and rosemary have potent anti-inflammatory and mood-boosting properties.🥗 The MIND Diet: A fusion of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, the MIND Diet emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods that reduce Alzheimer’s risk and slow cognitive decline.Exercise: Move It to Save ItRegular movement improves mood, memory, and metabolism. Cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and even yoga all improve brain blood flow, decrease inflammation, and support neurogenesis — the creation of new neurons.Aim for:150 minutes of moderate activity weekly2–3 strength sessions/weekDaily movement breaks to counter sedentary behaviorFinal Thoughts: Build a Brain-Healthy LifestyleAlzheimer’s disease is a complex, multifactorial condition — but the way we live can change the story. With sleep, connection, learning, movement, stress management, and a powerful, gut-supportive diet, we can build real resilience in the brain.“The mind is just like a muscle — the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets and the more it can expand.” — Idowu KoyenikanLet’s treat every day as a chance to train our brains, nourish our bodies, and strengthen our futures.

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