This is free preview of a paywalled episode, which is available to our wonderful supporters on Patreon. To listen to the full episode, you can upgrade to paid on Patreon! This episode is an answer to a question submitted on Patreon from Andy, who asked: How can we approach meal planning without falling into old patterns? Every time I start to think about meal planning or meal prep, it triggers me, and reminds me of dieting. But as a parent, I know I’ll go nuts if I don’t have some kind of plan to get dinner ready. I’d love to be able to find the balance between planning meals and maintaining the flexibility I’ve built with food, and continue to work on. I’m so reluctant to slip back into old behaviors and that restrictive mindset, and I guess I’m just looking for insight from you. I’m assuming you’ve had clients navigating this! Thank you so much for everything. Abbie dives into so much in the answer, including: The difference between self-compassionate meal planning and self-controlling Ideas for making mealtime easy, enjoyable, and convenient Stepping into a calm and relaxed approach to meals How to release the diet culture mindset around "meal prep" How to know whether your approach to planning meals is embedded in sneaky food rules What we gain back when we create flexibility Whether structure is possible without falling into restriction   Support the show: Enjoying this podcast? Please support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, community engagement, and access to "Ask Abbie" at Patreon.com/fullplate   Transcripts: If you’re looking for transcripts, you can find those on Abbie's website, www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/podcast    Social media: Find the show on Instagram: @fullplate.podcast Find Abbie on Instagram: @abbieattwoodwellness   Group program: Looking for more support and concrete steps to take to heal your relationship with food and your body? Apply for Abbie's next 10-week group program: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/group-coaching   Group membership: Already been at this anti-diet culture thing for a while, but want community and continued learning? Apply for Abbie's monthly membership: https://www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/circle-monthly-group    Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy Podcast Editing by Brian Walters This podcast is ad-free and support comes from our Patrons on Patreon: Patreon.com/fullplate