According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which is created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity within the past few decades. This can increase one's risk for developing diabetes and other health conditions. When you want to lose weight and get in shape (and who doesn't?), using a meal plan to organize and simplify your eating habits can work wonders. By making a weekly meal plan before the week begins, you can give yourself a leg up when it comes to staying in control of your caloric intake. The following reasons reveal why dieters can thrive with a weekly meal plan.

Reason #1: They Allow You to Assemble Just the Right Nutritional Balance

Getting just the right balance of nutrition can be tricky, but meal plans help you meet your nutritional needs.  A balanced diet ensures that you get the right amount of macronutrients each day. Following a meal plan will enable you to easily get the right nutrients without having to carefully count them as you go through each day.

Reason #2: You Can Set Yourself Up for Success

Having a plan that's easy to follow can set you up for short-term success, which can help you take it step-by-step on your path to long-term fitness and weight goals. By having a plan that lets you know exactly what to eat at what time of day, it takes the guesswork out of eating healthily. One of the things that you can do to make it harder to fail on a diet is have a meal plan that's fun but also strict and specific.

Reason #3: Calories Can Quickly Add Up When You Wing It

When you simply try to eat in a healthier way and play it by ear when it comes to your daily food choices, it's easy to eat more calories than you intend to consume. In fact, calories can add up quickly in the form of beverages, condiments, snacks, and sweets. When you don't have a meal plan that identifies that calories of each food and guides you to eating specific things, it's easy to reach for unhealthy fare that can really pack on the pounds in a short amount of time.

Finally, keep in mind that meal plans can work for nearly any diet. They can help you get on the right track and stay there until you have met those goals. A meal plan can work wonders for your willpower and their convenience can make dieting much easier. Ultimately, meal plans are one of the most effective tools for achieving your diet and fitness goals. For more information, contact local professionals like Colorado Nutrition.