Meal prepping is a popular concept these days, and for good reason. If you lead a busy lifestyle, meal prepping can be a huge time saver. It allows you to have healthy meals without having to cook them every day. Meal prepping can also help you save money by avoiding last-minute takeout or expensive prepared foods. Plus, it’s just satisfying to know that you have your meals all figured out for the week! Here’s a few helpful tips to get you started…
What is meal prepping?
Are you stuck in a seemingly endless cycle of food-related decisions? Are you constantly put on the spot each morning to decide what/where to eat for lunch or dinner? While it may seem like your meal choices are being predetermined by fate, you can take back ownership and break the cycle with meal prepping! Meal prepping is the act of planning and preparing meals ahead of time giving you control over both your nutrition and budgeting.
Meal prepping is becoming increasingly popular as a way to save time and money while eating healthily. It’s rather simple: you choose meals or snacks to prepare in advance, with ingredients cooked and ready when you are. You might want to prep a week’s worth of healthy lunches or make all your snack options for the day ready-to-go in individual containers. There are so many benefits that come with meal prepping, such as being able to avoid poor food choices while eating out due to lack of preparation; having healthy meals available even when there isn’t time to cook from scratch; saving money by buying in bulk; and providing more control over what types of food you’re consuming on a daily basis.
With some clever planning and suitable meal prepping techniques, eating well becomes much easier. You won’t regret freeing up both mental energy and precious time in your day. You’ll be saying goodbye to stressful daily meal decisions and hello to relaxed evenings spent enjoying your perfectly planned out bites.
How to get started with meal prepping?
Meal prepping isn’t just for people who live and breathe fitness; anyone can do it! If you want to get started with meal prepping, the number one tip is to start simple. Gather together basic items like sturdy baggies, airtight containers, and of course a few basic ingredients, and the right attitude. The best part about meal prepping is that there are no complicated recipes or cooking techniques required. To get started, stock up on ingredients like frozen proteins, beans, and fresh produce. Stick to meals such as salads or pasta dishes that are easy to assemble ahead of time and don’t need much work.
Another great way to begin is by taking a list of your favourite ingredients for the week and creating what we call “meal kit” recipes – those containing ingredients that only require assembly rather than cooking. By having the right tools and ingredients on hand, you can build a routine into your schedule quickly and easily. Once you get the hang of it, you may find yourself prepping all your meals in advance. This way all you’ll need to do is open the fridge, heat up what you want, and enjoy delicious (and healthy) meals all week long! Plus, with meal prepping your grocery bill will be lower, so it really pays off in the end!
Cooking Easy Recipes
Luckily, prepping meals doesn’t have to mean hours of effort. There are plenty of delicious recipes that can easily be prepared ahead of time with minimal effort. Here are some ideas so you don’t have to spend too much time in the kitchen:
Vegetarian stir-fry
A simple vegetarian stir-fry is great for meal prep – just wash and chop your favourite vegetables, season with garlic and ginger, throw in some soy sauce, oil, and sesame seeds, then add the brown rice, quinoa, or noodles to round out the dish and you’re good to go!
Vegetables
Baked potato wedges or roasted vegetables make an equally tasty side dish – just parboil the potatoes until they’re nearly cooked through, then toss them in oil and your favourite herbs before baking in the oven. you can also cook a large batch of roasted vegetables in advance (like zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms) that can be added to salads or other meals.
Proteins
For a protein-rich meal prep option, try making baked chicken breasts which are easy to assemble ahead of time with seasoning like onion powder and dried oregano. You can also try salmon, turkey, or beef.
Salads
And of course we can’t forget the salad! Pre-chopped vegetables are the key to tossing together a delicious salad in no time. Try adding fresh spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers and carrots for added crunch. Top it off with grilled chicken or some boiled eggs for added protein.
Snacks
Finally, don’t forget about snacks! Pre-portioned snacks like trail mix and protein bars are great for on-the-go! nuts and fruits are also good options, or you can make your own energy balls using oatmeal, nut butter, and other ingredients.
Now that you know the basics of meal prepping, it’s time to get creative! Experiment with different ingredients and recipes until you find your favourite combos. Meal prepping is not only an efficient way to eat healthy but also a great way to save money and time in the long run!
How to stay motivated?
Meal prepping can be a great way to make sure you’re getting healthy meals throughout the week. However, it can be difficult to stay motivated due to limited time and potentially daunting label-checking and ingredient-chopping that stands in the way of your meal goals.
There are many ways you can stay motivated when it comes to meal prepping, though. One method is to come up with creative recipes using whatever ingredients you have in your kitchen, so that cooking doesn’t feel like a chore! Another way is to break down meal prepping into smaller steps such as shopping for groceries one day and cooking them the next. It’s important to find what works best for you when it comes to staying motivated while meal prepping – there are plenty of options! So don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used as medical advice or professional nutrition advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for questions regarding any medical condition or nutrition related topics.
Happy meal prep!
