Save time, energy and prepare for your healthy week ahead!

Meal prepping has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people are seeking ways to save time, money, and energy when it comes to cooking and eating healthy meals. 

Meal prep involves planning and preparing meals in advance, usually for several days or even a whole week. This process can involve a variety of different techniques and strategies, but the basic idea is to streamline your meal planning and cooking process, so that you can enjoy healthy, homemade meals without the stress and hassle of cooking every day.

One of the main benefits of meal prep is that it can help you save time and energy. When you have meals prepped and ready to go, you don't have to spend as much time in the kitchen each day, which can be especially helpful if you have a busy schedule. This can also help you avoid the temptation to order takeout or eat unhealthy convenience foods, as you'll already have healthy meals ready to go. You will have control over the ingredients and portion sizes.

Another benefit of meal prep is that it can help you save money on groceries. When you plan out your meals in advance, you can buy ingredients in bulk or take advantage of sales and discounts, which can help you stretch your grocery budget further. You can also reduce food waste by only buying what you need, and by using up ingredients before they go bad. 

Here are some tips for successful meal prep:

1. Plan ahead: Before you start meal prepping, take some time to plan out your meals for the week. Decide on what meals you want to make, what ingredients you'll need, and how much you'll need to make to last you for the week.
2. Invest in quality containers: To make meal prep easier, invest in quality food containers. Glass containers are great because they can be heated in the microwave or oven without leaching harmful chemicals into your food.
3. Choose recipes wisely: Choose recipes that are easy to make in large batches and that can be stored easily. Casseroles, soups, and stews are great options because they can be reheated quickly and easily.
4. Shop for ingredients in bulk: To save money, buy ingredients in bulk. You can often find great deals on bulk items at warehouse stores or online.
5. Use a slow cooker or instant pot: Slow cookers and instant pots are great for meal prep because you can cook large batches of food with minimal effort. Simply toss in the ingredients and let the appliance do the work.
6. Don't forget snacks: Meal prep isn't just about main meals. You can also prep snacks like cut-up veggies, fruit, and nuts for healthy snacks throughout the day.
7. Mix things up: To avoid getting bored with your meals, mix things up. Try new recipes or switch up your ingredients. You can also prep different types of meals for different days of the week.

Meal prep can seem daunting at first, but with a little planning and preparation, it can save you time and money, and help you eat healthier. Give it a try and see how it can make your life easier! Make an appointment today and we will help you optimize your HEALTH! Wellessence MD (847) 850-8185

Author

Heidi R. McClain, NP Nurse Practitioner