One of the most important steps in creating a calm weekly meal routine is planning ahead. A little preparation can save a lot of stress during the week and help you make healthier choices when life gets busy.

I began incorporating more plant forward meals into my everyday routine as a way to create balance. I wasn't focused on being perfect. I simply wanted to eat more foods that made me feel energized, nourished, and connected to a healthier way of living.

One of the easiest ways to make plant-forward eating feel sustainable is to keep a few reliable staples in your kitchen. When your pantry is stocked with simple ingredients, healthy meals come together much faster, and you’re less likely to feel like eating well requires a complicated recipe or a special grocery trip.

Starting seeds indoors is one of the most exciting parts of gardening. There's something special about watching tiny seeds develop into healthy plants that will eventually produce food, flowers, or herbs. However, successful seed starting begins long before you place a seed in the soil.

A little preparation can save you time, money, and frustration later in the growing season. Before you start your first seed tray, here are five important things to consider.