Food prepping, also known as meal prepping, has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reasons. Not only does it save time and money, but it can also help individuals achieve their health and fitness goals. In this blog, we’ll discuss the benefits of food prepping, the basics of getting started, and some helpful tips to make the process easier.
What is food prepping?
Food prepping involves preparing and portioning meals in advance, typically for a week’s worth of meals at a time. The meals can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer and reheated when ready to eat. The goal of food prepping is to make healthy eating more convenient and accessible, while also reducing the time and effort required to prepare meals each day.
Benefits of food prepping
· Time-saving: By preparing meals in advance, you can save a significant amount of time throughout the week. Instead of spending 30-60 minutes each day preparing meals, you can spend a few hours on the weekend preparing meals for the entire week.
· Consistency: With food prepping, you can ensure that you’re eating healthy and nutritious meals throughout the week. You won’t have to rely on fast food or processed meals when you’re short of time, and you’ll be less likely to overindulge in unhealthy snacks.
· Cost-effective: Meal prepping can also be a cost-effective way to eat healthy. By buying in bulk and preparing meals in advance, you can save money on groceries and reduce food waste.
· Portion control: Food prepping can help you control your portion sizes, which can be especially helpful if you’re trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
Getting started with food prepping
1. Plan your meals: The first step to food prepping is to plan out your meals for the week. Take some time to consider what you want to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and make a list of the ingredients you’ll need.
2. Shop for groceries: Once you have your meal plan, it’s time to shop for groceries. Buy in bulk, when possible, to save money, and make sure to purchase plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
3. Cook and portion: After you’ve shopped for groceries, it’s time to start cooking. Prepare your meals in advance, portion them out into individual containers, and store them in the refrigerator or freezer.
4. Reheat and enjoy: When it’s time to eat, simply reheat your prepped meals and enjoy. You can also add fresh toppings or condiments to change up the flavor if desired.
Helpful tips for food prepping
· Use quality containers: Invest in high-quality, durable containers that can withstand repeated use and reheating. Glass containers are a great option, as they’re microwave safe and don’t leach harmful chemicals into your food.
· Mix up the flavors: To prevent meal boredom, mix up the flavors by adding different herbs, spices, or sauces to your meals. You can also try different cooking methods, such as grilling or baking, to add variety to your meals.
· Don’t forget snacks: Don’t forget to prep healthy snacks, such as cut-up fruits and vegetables or homemade granola bars, to help you stay satisfied throughout the day.
· Label and date your meals: To ensure that your meals are fresh and safe to eat, label and date each container with the contents and the date it was prepared.
· Freeze extra portions: If you don’t think you’ll be able to eat all of your prepped meals within a week, freeze the extra portions for later. This can be especially helpful for busy weeks when you don’t have time to prep meals.
