Why Meal Prep?
Meal prep is simply the act of preparing some or all of your meals ahead of time. It’s like having those convenient boxed meals, but much healthier and cheaper! Healthy meal prep will not only save you time, it will also help to curb hunger, make you less susceptible to unhealthy foods, and save you money in the process. The best part is that it’s easier than you think!
Choosing the Right Recipes
When choosing meal prep recipes, our focus should be on whole, nutrient-dense foods. That usually means plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, lean proteins, and complex carbs. Thinking about these categories when making your meal plan will ensure you’re getting a balanced diet.
Easy and Quick Meal Prep Ideas
Here are some quick and easy meal prep ideas that won’t have you spending hours in the kitchen.
- Grilled vegetables and chicken: Simple and satisfying, this is a go-to meal prep recipe that can be made in bulk to last you all week.
- Quinoa salad: Mix cooked quinoa with a variety of colorful vegetables and a simple dressing. Pack with some protein like grilled tofu or salmon, and you’re good to go.
- Homemade granola: Prep a batch for a quick and nourishing breakfast. Mix with yogurt and fresh fruits.
Meal Prepping for Healthy Snacks
Don’t forget to meal prep your snacks too! Having healthy snacks prepared ahead of time can prevent that afternoon slump or keep you from the vending machine. Here are some ideas:
- Nut butter with celery sticks
- Boiled eggs
- Portion-controlled bags of nuts
These meal prep recipes and ideas are just the beginning. Once you start, you’ll see how helpful it can be in saving time and keeping you on track for healthy eating. Happy prepping!
