How to Meal Prep your way to Success. It may seem like homework, but there are several benefits to preparing meals for the week:
- Less decision making as to “what you are going to eat today”
- Knowing what is going into your food
- Not being influenced by others to eat not-so nutritious meals
- Saves you money
When I started meal prepping, it took a few tries until I got comfortable with the process, but like anything else that is brand new, give it try, review, and repeat. Some of the ideas I recommend may seem simple, but that’s what I want you to get out of it, simplicity.
1. Buy Containers
You will need something to put your food in for the week so go on Amazon (These look nice!) or any store that sells containers and buy at least 5 or more. Make sure to size-up these containers to ensure your meals fit in them.
2. Start Small
Prepare meals for 2-3 days at a time. If you make too much, the food may seem old or be close to spoiled by the end of the week. Also, making too much food at once may take up too much fridge space.
I would recommend starting with lunch. This meal seems to be the one that is the most difficult to control since it is in the middle of the workday, but if breakfast or dinner is what you are getting ready for, have at it!
3. Research and Buy
Look into what ingredients are required to make your meals, be sure that you purchase enough servings for 5 or more days, then go and buy the food you need.
4. Block Off Time
Choose a day and time that works with your schedule to block off where you can be in your kitchen to prep (for most it will be Friday, Saturday, or Sunday). If you live with roommates, be sure they know in advance that you are using the area for the allotted time so you can have the space to yourself.
5. Meal Prep
Start cooking away! To make the time go by a little quicker, put on a podcast, playlist, audio book, Netflix, or the game to have something in the background.
6. Freeze Extra
I have made the mistake of cooking for the whole week and leaving extra food in the fridge where it goes bad. Don’t do that! Take the extra food and put it in a container in the freezer. You can save it for the week after and will have less food to make.
Conclusion
If you follow these guidelines, it’s a simple way to start your week off right. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect week one. After 1-2 weeks, review how the process went. Was it easy? If not, why? What will make it easier? Then simplify the process.
Meal prep and review for several weeks and I guarantee you will get into a habit of preparing meals that will make your life so much easier!
Wrapping Up
At CLIENTEL3, we have partnered with a local meal prep company that prepares your meals to fit your goals and liking. They deliver meals to CLIENTEL3. All you have to do is pick them up! If you would like more information in regards to their services, email us at [email protected].
We know our clients have busy lives, so we make nutrition and training as easy as possible. Our fitness coaches take the time to assess, educate, and train all members in regard to food and exercise. If you have any questions or would like to be part of our community, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or [email protected].
Have fun and stay strong!