Meal Prep Without losing your Mind

How to Meal Prep Without Losing your Mind

7 Simple Steps

1. Always Plan ahead

• Know what you are going to prepare for the week before going to the store. I try to have an idea of what I am going to cook one week prior. So, for instance while I am prepping this week’s meals I am already thinking about what I can make next week. I may not decide on everything at that very moment but, I have a pretty good idea on what I will make. When you know for sure what you plan to prepare write it down so you won’t forget.

 

2. Make a list

• Before heading to the store make a list. Be sure to know exactly what you are going to cook. Write down a list of all the ingredients you will need. While at the store try and stick to your list. Also make sure to list any snack items you may need. Before heading to the checkout rundown your list and ensure you picked up everything.

 

3. Keep It simple

• The worst thing you can do when trying to prep is to make an extravagant lavished 5 star restaurant meal. Firstly, a meal like that will have you in the kitchen for hours. Secondly, the meals may not be as tasty the next day. Remember you are prepping your meals for the near future, and not for the here and now. Make sure to use simple ingredients and foods that will last in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Also, pre-cut your fruits and veggies. I use my food processor to chop my peppers and onions with sometimes. Then I place them in a container or freeze them until I am ready to use them

 

4. Go for what you know

• Don’t try and make a recipe with multiple different ingredients. Try and prepare meals you are good at. Put a few seasonings on your chicken and simply bake it. You don’t have to pan sear your chicken and add rosemary and freshly chopped garlic. If you want to do that, and you are comfortable with it go for it. If you are just starting your meal prep journey take it slow. Go for what you know. Don’t cause yourself to become overwhelmed.

5. Pick a good day

• Find a day in your schedule that allows you enough time to prep your meals. It’s never good to have a time restraint on your prep time. You may set a goal for yourself to complete your prep in one hour. However, if you cannot complete it in that duration there should be nothing stopping you from continuing. Also make sure you aren’t prepping your meals too far in advance. My rule of thumb is all my meals must be consumed within seven days from the day they were cooked. So, prepping two weeks in advance just isn’t a good idea. You don’t want your food to spoil. I prep my meals every Sunday afternoon. My last meal is normally consumed on Friday Afternoon.

 

6. It’s better to over prepare than under prepare.

• Make sure to always purchase and prepare enough food for your entire week. If you have a five day work week make sure to have enough for for five days. If you only have enough food to prep for four days you run into a chance of “cheating” on your fifth day. Or you will be scurrying around the kitchen trying to find something to throw together for that additional meal. If you over prep that is fine. You can use the additional ingredients for your dinner or for a weekend meal.

7. Have Fun!

• Meal prep should be fun. It should be exhilarating! I look forward to prepping my meals on Sunday! I can’t wait to see how my meals are going to turn out. I find excitement in shopping for my ingredients and putting them altogether! I find meal prep to be somewhat of an art. I enjoy growing and challenging myself to try new foods each week.

 

 

But remember start slow!!