Episode 180: Meal Planning with a Purpose: A Flexible Approach to Nutrition

podcast

Mar 14

Episode 180: Meal Planning with a Purpose: A Flexible Approach to Nutrition

Meal planning often gets a bad reputation for being too structured, but it can be a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving nutrition. At the same time, intuitive eating encourages listening to your body’s cues instead of following strict food rules. In this episode of Real World Nutrition, Shelley explores the pros and cons of both meal planning and intuitive eating, how they can work together, and why flexibility is the key to sustainable nutrition.

Some people thrive with a structured meal plan, while others find it restrictive. On the other hand, intuitive eating helps build trust with your body but may feel overwhelming without some structure. The best approach? A balance that allows for planning with flexibility—choosing meals that nourish while still honoring hunger, cravings, and real-life needs.

If you’ve struggled with rigid dieting or chaotic eating patterns, this episode will help you find a middle ground that supports your health and lifestyle.

🎧 Listen now.

Past episodes of the Real World Nutrition Podcast on Meal Planning:

Episode 97: Top Excuses for Not Eating Well

Episode 98 Meal Planning vs. Meal Prepping: Which is Better?

Episode 99: The Art of Efficient Grocery Shopping

Episode 100: Ten Hidden Benefits of Meal Planning

10 Principles of Intuitive Eating

Schedule a free 30-minute introductory call today to learn how I can help you reach your health and wellness goals.

Enroll in the Mini Course: 6 Tips for the Busy Person to Have Sustainable Energy: All-Day Energy Through Food AND Companion Workbook

Learn more about the Real World Nutrition Membership and get your name on the waitlist for the first notification when it opens.

Schedule a free-30 minute introductory call today to learn how I can help you reach your health and wellness goals.

Subscribe to get new episodes each week automatically.

Join the Real World Nutrition Facebook Group

Form for Show Ideas.

Social Links and More

Real World NutritionReal World Nutrition PodcastNutrition PodcastMeal PlanningIntuitive EatingBalanced NutritionFlexible EatingHealthy EatingMindful Eating

Shelley Rael, MS RDN

Shelley A. Rael, MS RDN, is a dedicated Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based in New Mexico, USA. As the owner of Real World Nutrition, her private practice, she's passionate about guiding individuals toward eating and living healthier in the real world. Beyond one-on-one consultations, Shelley is a multifaceted professional. She's a podcaster, author, speaker, and consultant known for her commitment to dispelling nutrition myths and providing evidence-based information. Her mission is to empower people to achieve improved health, wellness, and energy without resorting to restrictive diets or misinformation.

https://www.shelleyrael.com/