Be honest…
If you’re planning what you’re going to eat days in advance… do you have a problem?
I found myself asking that recently.
Not in a dramatic way; but in that quiet, self-aware moment where you pause and go, “Wait… is this normal?”
Because I’m the kind of person who will look up restaurants before a trip even starts.
I’ll scroll menus. Save spots. Mentally map out the “must eats.”
And somewhere in the middle of that, a thought crept in:
Am I doing too much?
It’s funny how quickly excitement can turn into self-questioning.
But the more I sat with it, the more I realized; this wasn’t about having a problem.
It was about anticipation.
We all have things we look forward to.
Some people plan their outfits. (my sister is this girl)
Some people plan excursions and experiences.
And some of us?
We plan our meals.
Not because we’re obsessed; but because food is part of how we experience life. It’s part of the memory. The moment. The story we’ll tell later.
The real question isn’t whether planning ahead is “too much.”
It’s how it feels.
Does it feel fun and exciting?
Or does it feel stressful and controlling?
Can you pivot if plans change? (I didn’t used to be the person who can pivot, I used to be such a planner but as I’ve gained life experience this has definitely changed.)
Or does one closed restaurant throw off your entire day?
Are you looking forward to the experience…
or trying to make it perfect? (Is life ever perfect?)
Because that’s where the difference lives.
If it’s joy, anticipation, and something that adds to your experience; there’s nothing wrong with that.
You don’t have a problem.
You just know what you enjoy.
And in a world where so many people are rushing through life without really savoring it… there’s something kind of beautiful about slowing down enough to look forward to the little things.
Even if that “little thing” happens to be a really good meal.
So no; I don’t think planning your meals ahead of time means something is wrong with you.
I think it means you’re paying attention to what makes an experience meaningful.
And honestly?
There are worse things to be than someone who gets excited about good food.
