3 Simple Steps to Start Meal Prepping
There is no one perfect way to prep your food for the week… any prep you get done ahead of time will be helpful.
Meal prepping is a tool that can improve nutrition habits and lead to less headache in the kitchen during a busy week. There is no one perfect way to prep your food for the week, and if it sounds like a daunting task, keep in mind any prep you get done ahead of time will be helpful. Whether it is chopping fruit and veggies for snacks, cooking your proteins, or boxing individual meals for the week, any form of prep can set you up for a successful week!
Here are 3 simple steps to get started with meal prepping!
First things first: think about the week ahead. Look at your family schedule, upcoming events and work commitments to assess what you need to plan around. Create a spreadsheet for each day of the week that allows you to write notes regarding the schedule for each day and the meals you plan to have. First, determine the amount of meals that need to be made and how much time you have available on any given day to prepare food. Then, select your recipes and consider doubling or tripling the ingredients to allow for leftovers.
Make a list and grab your ingredients: All meal prep and cooking starts with a stocked fridge and pantry. Keep a permanent list of the staple ingredients you buy on a weekly basis and add additional items each week based on the recipes you plan to prepare. Going into the store with a plan, and list, helps reduce impulse purchases and keeps you on track with your nutrition goals.
Budget time: Just like you planned your meals for the week, make sure you block off time to do some of your food preparation. A plan is great, but the follow through is even more important. Remember, any time you can give to prepping is helpful. If you only have 30 minutes one day to prep produce and 30 minutes another day to prep protein, that will still help your weekly run smoother.
If you can execute these three easy steps, you are well on your way to becoming a certified meal prepper. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind to maximize your prepping:
Ask for help: Kiddos can wash produce, tear lettuce for salads, and set out containers for prepped food. Use your older kiddos to help with simple chopping and cooking grains.
Prepare foods that can be used in several meals and snacks. For instance, quinoa can be used to top a salad, as a side dish or as an oatmeal alternative at breakfast.
Plan for back ups. In the event you aren’t able to prepare your meals or something goes wrong, have back-ups on hand. Deli meat, tuna packets, frozen convenience meals, frozen veggies and low sodium canned soups are great items to grab when plans change.