The Ultimate Guide: Healthy Meal Prep Like a Pro
There are a lot of reasons why people will choose to meal prep. Meal prepping is a great way to ensure that you are eating healthy meals consistently, especially when you have a busy schedule. By planning your meals in advance, you can save time, money, and avoid unhealthy food choices. If you are new to meal prepping or are looking to improve your current meal prep routine, this ultimate guide will help you meal prep like a pro.
Healthy meal prep like a pro
Plan your meals
Before you start meal prepping, it's important to plan your meals for the week ahead. Take some time to think about what you would like to eat and what meals you can prepare in advance. This will help you create a grocery list and ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients. It’s also a good idea to research about what produce is in season in your area. Prices for in-season produce are usually lower and the quality is usually higher.
Choose healthy ingredients
When it comes to meal prepping, it's important to choose healthy ingredients that will provide you with the nutrients you need. No, putting a slice of pizza in 5 different containers doesn’t count as healthy meal prep. You want to opt for whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. These foods are not only good for your health but will also keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Invest in quality containers
Investing in quality containers is essential for meal prepping. Look for containers that are microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, and have a tight-fitting lid to keep your meals fresh. Having a good quality container will be a motivator to use it more. Perfect example of this is saying you’ll drink more water out of a Stanley tumbler. Glass containers are a great option since they are durable and do not leach chemicals into your food. We use white plastic containers at Nutrimeals because white plastic is easier on the recycling facilities in the province. The containers are also great to reuse for your own meal prep!
Cook in bulk
Instead of cooking 1-2 servings of multiple different dishes, cook in bulk instead! Cooking in bulk is a great way to save time and ensure that you have healthy meals ready to go. You can cook a large batch of your favorite recipes and portion them out into your meal prep containers. This will save you time during the week and prevent you from reaching for unhealthy food choices. You can also cook specific ingredients in bulk and use them to create different dishes throughout the week. Get creative with creating different meals and use tasty sauces to take it to the next level!
Use meal delivery services
Pre-planned meal delivery services are another great option for meal prepping. These services offer healthy and delicious meals that are pre-portioned and ready to eat. This is a convenient option for those who do not have the time or desire to cook their own meals. Nutrimeals is a local Calgary meal prep service that provides delicious and healthy meal prep and delivers across Alberta. With a menu that changes every 2 weeks, you’ll never get tired of eating the same thing over and over again, making sticking to your routine much easier!
Get creative with your meals
A popular misconception about meal prep is that it’s boring and you have to eat the same thing day after day. Healthy meal prepping does not have to be boring! Explore different meal prep dishes online or through friends and get creative with your meals. You can also use different cooking methods, such as grilling or roasting, to add variety to your meals.
Don't forget about snacks
Snacks are an important part of any meal prep routine. Having healthy snacks on hand will prevent you from reaching for unhealthy options when you are hungry. You can prepare snacks in advance and keep them in your fridge or pantry to grab and go at any time. Here is a quick list of easy snacks that will give you a boost of protein and energy!
- Hard boiled eggs seasoned with your favourite low sodium seasoning
- Banana and peanut butter on toast (drizzle with honey is optional but strongly suggested)
- Apples and protein yogurt dip
- Turkey pepperoni and cheese
Stay organized
Staying organized is key to successful meal prepping. Keep your kitchen clean and organized, and make sure that your healthy meal prep containers are labeled and dated. This will prevent you from wasting food and ensure that you are eating fresh meals. However, if you’re not the type of person to stay organized ordering from a meal prep company is going to be very helpful for you! Nutrimeals has a wide range of subscription boxes to choose from so that you can set it and forget it. Meal prep subscriptions are a great way to stay organized, without having to manually make an order each week.
Make it a habit
As always, starting something new can be challenging. Meal prepping can be a lifestyle change, and like any habit, it takes time and consistency to stick. Make meal prepping a habit by setting aside time each week to plan and prepare your meals. If you like to plan things, write out some time in your calendar each week to plan the meals you’re going to make for the week. You can also involve your family or friends to make it a fun and social activity.
With these tools in hand, you’ll be a meal prep pro in no time! Meal prepping is an excellent way to maintain a healthy lifestyle and save time and money. By following these tips and making meal prepping a habit, you can ensure that you are eating healthy and delicious meals every day. Whether you choose to cook in bulk, use pre-planned meal delivery services, or get creative with your meals, meal prepping is a great way to take control of your diet and improve your health.