Meal prep is a time consuming task that can feel overwhelming at first glance. Between shopping, cooking, and cleaning up afterward. In a short time meal prepping for the week may look like it takes up a minimum of 3 to 4 hours of your weekend but in the long term, it saves time and money while also assisting you in sticking to your clean eating plan.
There are countless meal prep tips out there that can help you, but it’s important to remember that meal prepping can’t solve everything. Here are some meal prep rules to live by that work!
1. When it comes to meal prepping, the first and most important rule is to plan ahead. Sit down and take some time to think about what you’ll want to eat for the week, and make a grocery list accordingly.
2. Variety is the spice of life, so don’t be afraid to mix things up by creating new meal prep recipes for everyday that you know will work for your dietary needs. Try not to be too restrictive with your meal planning – allow for some flexibility, especially if you know you’ll be having a busy week.
3. Cook in bulk whenever possible – it’s not only more efficient, but it also helps to reduce the likelihood of food waste. Make sure to include plenty of healthy protein and fiber-rich vegetables in your meal prep recipes.
4. Any successful meal plan necessitates good organization., whether you’re cooking for one or preparing meals for the whole week. Make sure you have all of the ingredients and tools you need before getting started and designate a specific area in your kitchen for meal prep to avoid any unwanted messes.
5. Invest in some good quality meal prep containers like glass instead of plastic – this will make storing and transporting your meals much easier.
6. When it comes to portion sizes, aim to stick to around 400-500 calories per meal and Weigh everything out, and put it in meal prep containers.
7. Avoid packing high-sugar or high-fat foods in your meal prep containers – these are best saved for special occasions. If you have a sweet tooth, try adding a small amount of natural sweeteners to your recipes like honey or maple syrup. Just be careful not to overdo it!
8. If you’re short on time, try quick and easy recipes like hard boiled eggs, roasted vegetables, or whole grain quinoa bowls.
9. Try to avoid pre-chopping vegetables at home – this can save a tremendous amount of time and energy. Instead, pick up some prepared vegetables from the supermarket to use in your recipes. Get creative with your meal prep recipes – there are endless possibilities!
10. Always label your meal prep containers with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of your food.
11. If you’re meal prepping for weight loss, limit carb-heavy foods like bread, rice, and pasta – these should be reserved for special occasions.
12. Don’t be afraid to try new foods and recipes – that’s how you’ll discover new favorites! Just remember to include a variety of vegetables and lean proteins.
13. Make a list of your favorite healthy meal prep recipes and keep them on hand for easy reference. Don’t forget to add a side of healthy fats to every meal, like avocado or a dollop of hummus.
14. If you don’t have any time to cook before you prep your meals, try making a large batch of something over the weekend and freeze the leftovers in meal prep containers.
15. If you do meal prep on the weekends, make sure to shop for fresh ingredients mid-week! This way they’ll last longer, and you won’t be wasting money by letting them spoil at the end of the week.
16. Keep it healthy with lots of veggies and lean proteins if you’re looking to build muscle.
17. If you’re meal prepping for the week, try to avoid eating out or ordering in – this can quickly offset all of your hard work.
18. Get your family and friends involved in the meal prep process – it can be a fun way to spend time together and cook up some healthy recipes.
19. Avoid snacking on unhealthy foods – if you get the munchies, reach for a piece of fruit or some raw veggies instead.
20. Last but not least, remember to have fun with your meal prep! Experiment with new recipes and enjoy the process of cooking healthy foods.
As you can see, there are plenty of meal prep tips and rules to live by in order to make the process easier and more successful. By following these simple guidelines, you’ll soon find that meal prepping is a breeze and you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
Be patient and give yourself time to get used to meal prepping. It may take a little while to perfect your routine, but it’s worth it in the end!
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