Knowing what I was going to eat all day offered me the accountability I needed. It not only helped me stay on track with the meals I had planned, but it also helped prevent me from reaching for unplanned foods or eating more than I said I would.
I was able to choose the healthy foods I was truly excited about eating, and that helped me feel more freedom and joy, instead of just eating the random leftovers in the fridge just because they were there. Keeping my day more balanced was also a result, because I could see ahead of time if I was getting enough protein or not enough fibre.
I was inspired to measure out my foods for accuracy, which made me realise I was eating way more peanut butter on my apple than I thought I was (all those little extra bites add up!). I felt this comforting sense of control over my cravings and my hunger, and it helped me eat more mindfully. It also made me feel good about treats because they were planned out.