Preparing and portioning out your meals ahead of time is an effective way to stay on track to achieving your fitness goals, while also saving time and money. Though the benefits of meal prepping are obvious, scrolling through curated photos of influencer’s glass containers of color-coordinated prepped meals can make the whole idea seem overwhelming. Well, we’re here to tell you just how attainable and efficient a good Sunday meal prep session can be! Follow these simplified tips and be amazed at how easy it is to stick to a healthy eating plan during the week.
Use Foods you Love to Eat
There’s no point in spending the time and energy if you aren’t going to eat and enjoy your prepared meals! Before you grocery shop, consider vegetables, fruits, and proteins that taste good then make a list. It’s also fun to get inspired by the not-so-healthy meals you like to indulge in and recreating them with healthier ingredients. Substitute pasta for veggie noodles, use leaner meat or plant-based protein and sweeten dishes with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave. Get creative!
Utilize the Freezer
Do most of the work on a day you don’t have much going on, throw it in a ziplock bag, and lock in the freshness by putting meals in the freezer. The night before you plan on eating your prepped frozen meal, remove it from the freezer and put it in the fridge to thaw for 24 hours. Before you know it, you have a healthy meal ready to be heated and enjoyed. Try freezing a hearty soup packed with herbs, beans, and vegetables, or a stirfry dish loaded with chicken, greens, and spices. Click HERE for some delicious Whole 30 friendly meals that can be easily made ahead of time and frozen.
Use the Mix and Match Method
Never get bored eating prepped meals again! Try making a few batches of nutrient-dense foods like quinoa, ground turkey, and roasted veggies at the beginning of the week to keep on hand. This will allow you to combine your prepped ingredients throughout the week, depending on what sounds good. Assemble your ingredients into a quinoa bowl, throw your roasted veggies in an omelet or pita with a scoop of hummus, or put together a salad or lettuce wrap with your ground turkey. Another hot tip is having some clean sauces, spices, and salad dressings on hand to dress up any dish!
Try a Sheet Pan Meal
There are so many easy recipes that can be cooked using only one pan! Yes, you can prepare your healthy starch, lean protein, and nutrient-dense veggies quickly and efficiently, while being left with minimal cleanup. We suggest seasoning half the pan differently than the other for a little variety! Click HERE for some insanely easy and healthy sheet pan meals.
Make it Self-Care
Preparing healthy foods for the week doesn’t need to be mundane or boring. Throw on some comfy pants, light a candle, turn on your favorite playlist, and start chopping! Go into it with a positive attitude and make the process enjoyable.