Let’s be honest, when you get off work you’re starving … and you probably don’t want to make dinner. It’s much easier to just get some take out, and not even bother attempting to cook. While this may seem like the easy route to take, there’s another easy way that has way more benefits! It is … MEAL PREPPING!
Here are some steps to successfully meal plan!
1. Decide what you want to eat and add the needed items to your grocery list. Some ideas include shepherd’s pie, burrito bowls, fajitas, salads, pasta bowls, and more. Try to include a variety of nutrients from whole grains, protein, fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
2. Pick a day to grocery shop and prepare the meals, this can be on the same day or different days.
3. Choose if you want to store your food in plastic containers, glass containers, resealable bags, or anything else you prefer.
4. Store the meals you made in the fridge or freezer depending on how soon you are going to eat them.
Now that the basics are covered, let’s look at WHY you should be meal prepping!
Save Time
Having meals that are ready to eat when you need them will save you time each day. If you meal prep your dinner, you will be able to spend more time with family, workout, relax, etc.
Portion Control
Meal prepping allows you to put how much food you want in each container. This can help prevent you from overeating and help you reach your health goals.
Save Money
We’ve all heard that making food at home is much cheaper than eating out. If you grocery shop and make your own meals you will save money.
Better Ingredients
Preparing food at home allows you to have full control of what ingredients go into your meals. You can use healthier alternatives, avoid bad preservatives, and adjust your needs to any allergies, intolerances, or preferences.
Temptation Removal
Having healthy food that is ready to eat can help control your desire for unhealthy foods. It can keep you from going to get take out and keep you from making something that isn’t very good for you.
Reduced Stress
Having meals ready to go can help reduce your stress. As you have more time to do what you like to do and save money from not eating out, you will feel more relaxed. If you prepare healthy meals with lots of nutrients it will boost your health and help you to be less stressed.
Meal prepping can truly make a difference in your life. It can help boost several areas of your life including your health, your time, your finances, and your stress.
Start planning ahead today and try out meal prepping!
Sources:
northshore.org/healthy-you/meal-preparation/
oxygenmag.com/nutrition/7-major-benefits-of-meal-prep