Meal planning and prepping can be game-changers when it comes to staying on track with your diet and saving time during the week. It doesn't have to be a daunting task—in fact, it can be quite simple and effective if you approach it the right way.
Meal planning is all about setting yourself up for success. By taking a little time to look at your week ahead, you can plan meals that fit into your schedule and ensure you're prepared. This doesn’t need to take hours. Just check your calendar to see when you'll be home and how much time you'll have to cook.
Top Tips for Easy Meal Prepping
- Start Small: Begin with simple tasks like packing a sandwich or chopping veggies. Gradually build up your meal prep skills over time.
- Write a Shopping List: Once you've decided on your meals, make a list of what you need. This helps prevent you from forgetting ingredients or buying things you don’t need. And remember—don’t shop on an empty stomach!
- Use Convenient Ingredients: Frozen fruits, vegetables, and herbs can be a lifesaver. They’re quick, easy, and just as nutritious as fresh ones.
- Have Enough Containers: Make sure you have plenty of Tupperware. It’s essential for storing prepped meals. (And yes, it’s normal for those lids to mysteriously disappear!)
- Cook Extra: If you’re already cooking, make a bit more and store it for later. It’s an easy way to prep without extra effort.
Smart Strategies
- Plan for the Unexpected: Keep some backup foods at home—things like frozen meals, eggs, or canned beans and tuna. Life happens, so it’s good to be prepared.
- Enjoy What You Eat: Don’t force yourself to eat foods you don’t like just because they’re "diet-friendly." Choose meals you enjoy so you’ll stick to your plan.
- Balance Your Meals: When prepping, aim to include a portion of fruit or vegetables, a protein source, and a carbohydrate in each meal.
Additional Tips
- Consider Food Prep Services: If you’re short on time or don’t enjoy cooking, meal prep companies like The Key and The Plant Prep can help. Services like Hello Fresh and Simply Cook are also great options.
- Find Recipe Inspiration: Websites like BBC Good Food and Pinch of Nom offer fantastic recipes. Explore cookbooks you already own too.
Lastly, if you find yourself snacking often, or are prone to a snaccident consider making snack boxes. These pre-portioned snacks can help you avoid overeating.
Challenge: Take a moment this week to clean and organize your fridge. A tidy fridge can make meal prep even easier!
With these tips, meal planning and prepping can become a straightforward part of your routine, helping you stay on track with your dietary goals while saving you time and stress.
