Which of the following is a reason why planning meals in advance can help reduce stress related to eating habits?

• A. It guarantees that all meals will be low in calories.
• B. It eliminates the need to ever cook or prepare food.
• C. It prevents all emotional eating regardless of circumstances.
• D. It helps control portion sizes and promotes healthier food choices.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the relationship between meal planning and stress reduction by considering how planning influences eating habits.
2. Recognize that planning meals in advance allows individuals to decide on portion sizes ahead of time, which helps avoid overeating and promotes balanced nutrition.
3. Acknowledge that meal planning encourages healthier food choices because it involves selecting nutritious ingredients rather than making impulsive decisions based on convenience or cravings.
4. Note that while meal planning can support better control over eating habits, it does not guarantee low calories in every meal, nor does it eliminate the need to cook or prevent all emotional eating.
5. Conclude that the key reason meal planning reduces stress related to eating is its role in helping control portion sizes and promoting healthier food choices, leading to a more structured and mindful approach to eating.