It might sound like a lot of work, but there’s no denying how game changing it is to meal prep. It’s not only time saving but it also keeps you on the healthy eating track during the week. Today, I’m sharing some easy meal prep ideas that are great for beginners or busy people or anyone interested in reducing the amount of time you’re spending on your meals and dinners. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Is Meal Prep? And Why Should You Try It?
Meal prep is about how you plan and prepare your own meals before. You don’t have to cook every night, you do most of the work beforehand. That’s bulk cooking, portioning your meals and keeping them in the fridge or freezer for later.
The benefits? Not having to deal with your busy schedule: you’ll save time, lessen the tension and always have a wholesome food at hand. Also, you’re less likely to order fast food!
Quick Benefits of Meal Prep:
- Be saved from the time of the week already.
- Helps you eat healthier.
- Cuts down on takeout hence saving money.
- Less food waste.
Beginner Easy Meal Prep Ideas
If you’re just getting started with meal prep, here are some simple ideas to try:
- Mason Jar Salads:
Layer salads are perfect to keep in mason jars and stay fresh. So, put on dressing at the bottom, and then fill some hearty veggies — cucumbers and carrots, for example — in the middle, and top it with leafy greens. Put it away when you’re ready to eat, just shake it up! - Sheet Pan Dinners:
One easy way to meal prep is to roast everything on one sheet pan. You can put a whole chicken, a whole basket of vegetables, or a whole half baked potato in there at the same time. Take a day to divide everything into meal containers and you’re in the clear for the whole week. - Overnight Oats:
Prepping breakfast? Attempt overnight oats! To blend up jugs, put oats, drain, and your extra topping(s) such as nuts, berries, etc. Include it to a cooler overnight, and there’s breakfast holding up for you in the morning. - Pre-Cooked Grains:
Make a huge group of grains: quinoa, rice, farro. The can be utilized as bowls or side dishes for the week. They store well and too combine well with fair almost anything.
Meal Prep Tips To Save Time, Keep You Organized
It doesn’t have to be this overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you stay organized:
- Pick a Meal Prep Day:
Pick one day of the week to do your meal prep. Most people can prepare for the week ahead on Sundays and that goes great. You’ll spend a few hours cooking, portioning and storing your meals. - Start Simple:
When you’re starting out, don’t try to meal prep every single meal .Do one or two meals at a time—say, lunch, dinner—starting there. - Use the Right Containers:
It is really important to have the right containers! Get a couple good quality glass or BPA free plastic here .Make certain they are airtight and stackable so you fridge stays neat. Check out this guide to the best meal prep containers to make sure you’re fully equipped. - Label Everything:
Just labelling your meals with the day and contents can save you from wondering ‘What’s in this container? And it’ll also remind you to eat your food before it goes bad.
Healthy Meal Prep Recipes You Will Love
Here are a few healthy meal prep recipes that are easy to whip up and store well:
- Brown Rice, Veggie Stir Fry:
One of the things I like about stir frys is that you can just throw in whatever veg you have. Make a big batch and a good friend, to pair with brown rice. If you have time, freeze it for quick lunches. - Sweet Potato and Baked Chicken:
Bake with season chicken breasts and cubed the sweet potato. Hearty and good for dinners or as post work out meals, they’re both. - Greek Quinoa Salad:
For a refreshing salad mix quinoa with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Let sit, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice and serve. This salad is also good to keep in fridge for days.
Your Guide on How to Store and Reheat Your Meal Prep
When you’re done cooking all your meals, you need to find a solution for keeping them. Here are a few storage tips:
- Use Air-Tight Containers:
This helps keep air out of your food which keeps it fresher for longer. Glass containers with locking lids are best but BPA free plastic works too. - Cool Food Before Storing:
Before you put it in the fridge or freezer make sure it cools down first. This is fine if you put the hot food in right away because it will us chances are it is going to accidentally raise the temperature inside your fridge faster than other foods contain because old food spoil faster. - Freeze for Long-Term Storage:
It doesn’t matter if you’ve made a large batch of something like soup or chili, and then froze half of it for later. All you have to do is make sure there is a little room at the top of the container, because food does expand when frozen. - Reheating Tips:
When reheating food, make sure it is piping hot, to kill any bacteria. Microwave 2-3 minutes, or reheat in the stove. If you are reheating frozen meals, they will be best reheated after they have thawed in the fridge.
A Better Way to Wrap Up the Week: Meal Prep for a Healthier, Simpler Week
Meal prep doesn’t have to be complicated. It takes just a little time each week to spend in the kitchen, save you hours by eating healthier and avoiding those last minute takeout. Using these easy meal prep ideas, you’ll start mastering the art of prepping delicious meals for the week.
So, are you ready to it a try?
