How to Get Started with Healthy Meal Prep
Let’s be honest, you’re busy, and sometimes putting time into planning and prepping meals can seem like a daunting task. You may not know where to start, which is why I’m here to walk you through a few essential steps and show you that meal prepping can be quick and beneficial for both your health and wallet!
Small Steps Make the Biggest Difference. Don’t pressure yourself to have a week's worth of meals prepped when you’re first starting. If you’ve never prepped healthy meals before, it can seem intimidating. Start small and plan out only a few meals or snacks at a time. Remember to do what feels best for you! This is intended to be a positive step, not a stressful one.
Let the Planning Begin. The next step is to start searching for recipes and planning your meals! Pinterest is a great platform that hosts tons of healthy meal prep ideas, especially with a budget in mind. Keep it simple and consider planning meals that target each food group to ensure you are getting enough protein and nutrients. Before heading to the store, write a grocery list to ensure nothing gets left behind. I also find it beneficial to plan a meal prep day, so I set time aside to prepare my meals for the week.
Time to Get Organized. Organization is essential to the success of meal preparation! A well-organized kitchen, pantry, and refrigerator make meal planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparation a breeze, as you will know exactly what tools and ingredients you have on hand and where they are stored. There is no right or wrong way to organize your prep space. Just make sure it works for you!
You Can Never Have Too Many Containers. One of the most important tools for meal preparation is food storage! Meal preparation may be challenging if you're currently dealing with a pantry full of mismatched containers with missing lids. Make sure you select containers that are safe for freezing, microwaving, or dishwasher cleaning! I recommend glass containers as they are microwave safe and durable.
Grab Your Apron! You have all the tools you need to begin your healthy meal prep. Time to grab your ingredients and get cooking! Bon Appétit!
If you have any questions about getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to help!