.png)
It's no secret I'm a passionate advocate for meal prep, and let me tell you, it's been a game-changer in keeping my eating habits on point over the years. Investing a bit of extra time at the start of the week pays off tenfold as the week unfolds. It's not just about saving time; it's about eliminating the guesswork and those last-minute decisions from the equation.
I've got something special for you – a link to a comprehensive Meal Prepping 101 guide. Whether you're a newbie to meal prepping or looking to rekindle the habit, this guide is your go-to resource.
"But there are a lot of misconceptions about meal prepping, like that it is only for gym buffs or that you will be eating the same meals for days at a time."
Is Meal Prepping for You?
Yes! Meal prepping is for anyone who wants to save time and energy. I won't pretend like meal prepping is a new or revolutionary idea- we have all been hearing about it for years! But there are a lot of misconceptions about meal prepping, like that it is only for gym buffs or that you will be eating the same meals for days at a time. But if you've already read the Meal Prep 101 Guide, you'll know this isn't true! There are tons of ways to meal prep, but there are three that I think are the most popular.
Personally, I wanted to be able to make healthy, balanced meals that fuel my busy family, without spending too much time in the kitchen. For us, each week is a different tornado of activities, so some weeks' meal prep looks different than others. I may use one method exclusively or a blend of a few.
3 Different Ways to Meal Prep
Often when I suggest to someone that they start meal prepping, their response is that they tried it before and it was too much work, or they wasted too much food, or got sick of eating the same things. All valid excuses- if you're approaching meal prep only one way.
Batch-Cooking: cooking multiple batches of the same recipe and freezing to eat later on. This method is a great fit if you are low on time during the week.
Ready to use basics: Prep whole food ingredients such as protein and rice, so you can easily mix-and-match for quick throw together meals. This is a great option for those of us who don't want to eat the same meal too often. Though this does require planning to have other groceries to mix in, otherwise you will end up eating the same chicken and rice bowl!
Individually Portioned meals: Divy up meals into individual portions so they're grab and go. *This is my most common method*
Each week when I sit down and plan my meals, I consider what my week is going to look like; how many after school activities I will need snacks for, how many nights I will get home late and need a meal that is prepared quickly, anything that alters my normal routine. Then I approach meal prep in a way that makes the most sense for my schedule, some weeks I stick to one method and others I use a blend of all three!
How to Start Meal Prepping
Grab your apron, fire up your griddles and get ready to make your week tastier, healthier and less stressful. The first step is usually the hardest, and if you're intimidated about getting started, you're not alone! When my coaching clients start meal prepping, I share this step-by-step guide to help get the ball rolling!
Have plenty of food containers on hand... you'll need them! Airtight glass storage containers and mason jars work well.
Choose your menu for the week and make a grocery list.
Shop for ingredients.
Schedule your meal prep time. Blocking off between 30 minutes and 2 hours is a good rule of thumb. *I usually do this on a Sunday or Monday.
If you're new to meal prep, keep it simple. Cooking a protein, a gravy and a tray of veggies will save you a ton of time during the week.
Have fun with it! Put on some good tunes or listen to a podcast or audio book while you prep.
Until Next Time,
I'm gearing up to reestablish my routine with meal prepping, focusing on overall nutrition, fitness, and more. The holiday season disrupted my normal schedule, and I'm ready for some consistency. I thrive on having a schedule and planning things out as much as possible. This is where meal prepping has truly been a lifesaver for me. Throughout this month, I plan to share some of the habits that have kept me on track during my wellness journey—things like meal prepping, early mornings, brain dumps, setting boundaries, and more.
For more health and wellness tips, or to ask me any questions you can follow and DM me on Instagram, Facebook, or sign up for my weekly email newsletter!
Comments