How to Meal Prep for a Week of Healthy Eating
They say that failing to plan, is planning to fail.
While that statement seems intense, it is brutally honest. Take meal prep for example. While the idea of meal prep seems unimportant for some, it is actually a very important factor into your overall health and wellbeing. If you don’t plan out your week of meals, you will fail to meet your health and wellness goals, stay within your budget, or even fail to follow a specific meal plan if that is what you’re working towards. Meal prepping is a great way to ensure you have healthy and delicious meals ready to go for the entire week. Not only does it save you time and money, but it also helps you stick to your health goals. Here are some tips on how to meal prep for a week of healthy eating.
Healthy meal prep tips
Choose the Right Containers
A good first step to successful meal prepping is to choose the right containers. Having good containers that you care about and want to fill with delicious and yummy meals will make meal prep much easier to stick with. Invest in a set of high-quality, BPA-free containers that are durable and easy to clean. Glass containers are a great option because they are microwave and dishwasher safe, and they don't stain or retain odors. Mason jars are also a popular choice for salads and other layered dishes.
Plan Your Meals
Before you start prepping, it's important to plan out your meals for the week. Get inspiration from different Instagram accounts and look for recipes that are easy to make. You want to stick to meals that can be stored in the fridge for several days without going bad. Stay away from fresh salads, or anything that’s meant to have a crispy texture. If you’d like to incorporate these kinds of ingredients, keep them aside to prepare or cook on the day you plan to consume the meal. You can also use a meal planning app or service to help you come up with meal ideas and create a grocery list.
Prep Your Ingredients
Once you have your meal plan in place, it's time to start prepping your ingredients. This includes washing and chopping vegetables, cooking grains and proteins, and portioning out snacks. You can also pre-make sauces and dressings to save time during the week. A great alternative is to use a meal prep service that offers these ingredients in bulk! If you know you have a busy week ahead, look for pre-cooked ingredients that you can quickly throw together when you’re tight on time. Check out the different types of protein, carbs and vegetables offered by Nutrimeals! Combine these ingredients in different ways to create fun and tasty meals such as taco bowls, or stir-fries.
Store Your Meals Properly
When it comes to storing your prepped meals, it's important to follow proper food safety guidelines. Store cooked meals in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months. Be sure to label your containers with the date and contents to avoid confusion. If you are cooking meals at home, let the hot food come down to temperature for a few minutes before putting the lid on. If you’re going to do another task, set a timer! Food that sits out for too long can be dangerous to consume.
Use a Meal Prep Service
If you don't have the time or energy to meal prep on your own, consider using a pre-planned meal delivery service. These days there are multiple different meal prep companies in large cities that offer unique meals. Whether you are looking for vegetarian meal prep, gluten free meal prep, or just general healthy meal prep, there is a good chance you can find a meal prep company that fits your needs. Nutrimeals is a great option to use that has healthy meal prep for all types of diets or ingredient restrictions. These services offer healthy, pre-portioned meals that are delivered right to your door. This can be a great option for those who are busy or have trouble sticking to a meal plan.
In conclusion, meal prepping is a great way to ensure you have healthy and delicious meals ready to go for the entire week. By choosing the right containers, planning your meals, prepping your ingredients, storing your meals properly, and using a meal prep service, you can make meal prepping a breeze. So, take the time to meal prep and enjoy the benefits of healthy eating!