& What to do instead?
There was a time when deciding ‘what to cook’ was a last-minute decision — and it worked.
Our parents, grandparents and other family elders would look in the kitchen, ask around, or simply walk to the market and whip up a meal. Life allowed for that kind of spontaneity because:
- Markets were closer
- Expectations were simpler
- Commitments were reasonable
- Distractions were fewer
- Time was just more available
Today, that is no longer the case.
We are living faster, juggling more roles, and making hundreds of micro-decisions daily. So when it is time for lunch or dinner, the innocent “kya banayein?” often turns into decision fatigue, stress, and even skipped meals or last-minute ordering in.
Here is what has changed:
- Time is fragmented: Between work, errands, childcare, and traffic, there is rarely a free hour to think, shop, and cook on the fly.
- Expectations are higher: We want healthy, tasty, quick meals — often all at once.
- Distractions are constant: Social media, work emails, and the ‘always on’ culture eats into our planning energy.
So while last-minute meal decisions worked in the past, today’s lifestyle demands a new approach — one that acknowledges your busy calendar and still lets you eat well.
That is where meal planning comes in.
Contrary to popular belief, meal planning is not about being rigid or repetitive. It is not about making your week boring. It is about making it smoother.
Planning your meals in advance means:
- Fewer decisions before meal times
- Better grocery budgeting
- Less wastage and guilt
- More headspace for everything else
Think of it like scheduling your food just as you schedule meetings, workouts, or kids’ activities.
One hour on a weekend = fewer moments of “what now?”
You don’t need a fancy spreadsheet. Start with a handwritten list or an app like AMIYAA. Plan 2–3 meals. Build from there.
In a fast-paced world, planning isn’t overthinking — it is self-preservation.
So the next time you find yourself stuck at mealtime, remember: the problem is not your cooking skills. It is the lack of a plan.
And the solution is beautifully simple — just plan it once, and eat in peace the rest of the week.
