GIRONA, Catalonia, Nutrition and food experts say that one of the main barriers to healthy eating is simple: many people do not plan their meals. In Catalonia, that often leads to rushed choices, less balanced menus and more reliance on ultra-processed food.
Improvising at mealtimes is described as a common mistake, because it makes it harder to keep to a balanced diet. When weekly meals are not planned, people are more likely to choose quick options that are not the healthiest.
Cristina García Ferreira, a culinary expert, said many people do not spend enough time thinking about the ingredients they use or the nutrients their meals provide. She said tired people arriving home without a plan often choose the easiest and fastest meal to prepare, even when it is not the best option for their diet.
Planning menus, making shopping lists and keeping basic ingredients at home can help reduce impulsive food decisions. Experts say healthy eating does not need to be complicated or time-consuming, and simple dishes with vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, eggs or fruit can be prepared with little organisation.
They also say that spending a few minutes each week on meal planning can improve diet quality over time. For readers following wider Catalonia news, this is a practical public health habit that can fit into everyday routines.
Food education also matters, experts add. Understanding what people eat and how it affects health can support better choices and may help reduce problems linked to poor nutrition, including overweight, metabolic changes and some diseases associated with dietary habits.
Small changes, such as planning weekly shopping, preparing some meals in advance and keeping fruit and vegetables in regular rotation, can make a difference. The experts' message is that poor eating habits often come from a lack of organisation, not a lack of knowledge.
