Meal planning refers to the process of organizing and preparing a schedule for meals, typically for an entire week or month. It involves deciding on what types of food to prepare, determining portion sizes, and selecting recipes that meet specific dietary needs or preferences. The goal is to ensure that healthy, balanced meals are prepared and consumed regularly, which can help with weight management, budgeting, and overall well-being. Meal planning also helps reduce food waste by allowing individuals to use up leftovers and make the most of ingredients they already have in their pantry or fridge.