The Benefits of Meal Prepping

The Basics

Meal prepping is no longer only for the hardcore weightlifter. Anyone looking to simplify their meal planning and take control of their health can use meal prepping as a way to do just that.

So how do you get started? First, you’ll need to be sure you have enough storage containers for the amount of food you are going to be preparing. It’s also helpful to pick the day(s) you are going to cook ahead of time and set aside the time to do so. One popular option is cooking Sundays and Wednesdays. It’s important to not make more food than you can eat before it spoils, which is why many people choose to cook two days a week.

In order to not overwhelm yourself in the beginning, we recommend keeping it simple and only cooking one recipe at a time. It is also a good idea to make recipes that you already know you love instead of trying something new and feeling stuck with it for a few days.

Once you’ve gotten the hang of the routine, if you are worried about getting bored having the same meal for an entire week you can cook meals and freeze in portion size storage containers to thaw and eat as you would like to give yourself variety throughout the week.

The Benefits

Control what’s in your food – The ability to control exactly what ingredients go into your meals is especially important for those with allergies or sensitivities. Even those that don’t have to worry about ingredients for health reasons are still able to enjoy the peace of mind of knowing exactly what they are eating.

Save time – As a busy mom, who doesn’t need more time? Nights in particular can be a crazy time. When you already have sports practices, homework, and bathtime, not having to cook dinner every night is kind of a lifesaver.

Save money – When your meals are planned ahead for the week you are able to avoid giving in to takeout when you lack motivation to cook (who hasn’t been there?).

Stay on track of health goals – When planning your meals ahead of time, it is easier to include healthy choices and hit all important food groups. This can help you stay on track of your health goals.

Portion control – By prepracking your meals into storage containers ahead of time, you are able to control your portion sizes, which can be a struggle if you are cooking every night.

Remember that meal prep can look different for everyone. That’s what’s so great about it! Individualize it to your likes and needs. If you’d like some guidance with different types of nutritious meals to cook email Angela at info@bee-healthy.net.