Do you plan tostart meal preppingand eat better this year?
Planning your meals won’t be easy, but it’s worth the effort.
When done right, it can free up your time and reduce food waste.
Plus, it can take the stress out of healthy eating and bring variety to your diet.
Meal prep can also make it easier to control your portions and cut out empty calories.
Think about how many times you reached for cookies or pretzels just because you had no other option.
“Many people like to pack all their breakfasts for busy mornings or lunches to eat at the office.
The best part is, you’re able to make your own rules.
“There is no one-size-fits-all approach or a ‘right’ way to meal prep,” notes Fundaro.
It all comes down to your lifestyle, personal preferences, and health goals.
Here are some tips to help you out.
Another good choice is canned tuna, which can be used in hundreds of recipes.
Likewise, you may purchase canned beans, lentils, mushrooms, and olives.
They’re chock-full of fiber and protein, offering both flavor and nutrition.
As far as planning goes, registered dietitian Paul Salter recommends cooking your meals on Sunday (viaBodybuilding.com).
Think about your favorite foods and then plan your meals around them.
Registered dietician Abby Langer suggests using simple ingredients that can be repurposed throughout the week (viaSelf).
The same goes for your go-to recipes.
Any of these would go well in salads, tacos, vegetable dishes, omelets, and more.
Flavonoids, catechins, lignans, and anthocyanins are just a few examples (perHealthline).
On top of that, almonds and otherplant-based proteinscan make a great snack between meals.
Due to their high fiber content, these snacks keep you full longer and prevent blood sugar spikes.
Dietary fiber also keeps your digestive system running smoothly and facilitates weight loss, explains theMayo Clinic.
Be realistic about your needs
Be realistic about what you eat in a given week.
Do you really need 10 different types of veggies and three types of meat?
Again, meal prep doesn’t have to be complicated.
Stock up on essentials and take it from there.
To keep things simple, opt for multi-purpose foods and then use them in a variety of recipes.
This will allow you to customize your meals and track calories more easily.
Good Housekeepingsuggests prepping your meals for two or three days instead of five.
With this approach, you’ll be better able to determine what you oughta make it work.
Think about food safety, too.
Store them in airtight bags or storage containers to preserve their flavor and prevent microbial growth.
Don’t forget about herbs and spices.
Plus, they are loaded with nutrients that support overall health.
