How to meal plan and meal prep for the week ahead

By cuitandokter On Sep 17, 2022

Meal planning and meal prepping are two essential skills that can save you both time and money while ensuring that you eat healthy and delicious meals throughout the week. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, these simple tips and tricks can help you get started with meal planning and meal prepping.

Meal planning involves deciding what meals you’ll eat during the week and making a shopping list to buy all the necessary ingredients. On the other hand, meal prepping involves preparing some or all of those meals ahead of time, so you can easily grab them on busy weekdays and avoid the temptation to order unhealthy fast food.

With a little bit of time and effort, you can turn meal planning and meal prepping into a fun and rewarding activity that can benefit both your health and your wallet.

Ready, Set, Plan: A Beginner’s Guide to Meal Planning

Meal planning can seem intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. However, these simple steps can help you get started:

Choose your meals: Look for healthy and tasty recipes that you’d like to eat during the week. You can browse cookbooks, food blogs, or even Pinterest for inspiration. Make sure to choose recipes that fit your dietary preferences and lifestyle.
Make a list: Once you’ve chosen your meals, make a shopping list of all the ingredients you’ll need. Check your pantry and fridge to see what you already have and what you need to buy. Make sure to buy extra ingredients for snacks and breakfasts.
Shop smart: Go grocery shopping with your list and stick to it. Avoid impulse buying and stick to healthy food choices. Shopping in bulk for pantry staples and frozen vegetables can also save you money in the long run.
Cook in batches: To save time and energy, cook some of your meals in batches. For example, you can make a big pot of soup or chili that can last for several meals. Portion out the food into individual containers and store them in the fridge or freezer.
Stay flexible: Don’t be too rigid with your meal plan. If something unexpected comes up, like a dinner invitation or a busy workday, be flexible and adjust your plan accordingly.

By following these simple steps, you can create a meal plan that works for you and your lifestyle.

Prep Like a Pro: Tips and Tricks for Meal Prepping

Meal prepping can also be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to cooking in batches. However, these tips and tricks can help you become a meal prepping pro:

Invest in containers: Good quality containers are essential for meal prepping. Look for containers that are microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, and leak-proof. Glass containers are a great option, as they are durable and easy to clean.
Prep the basics: Start by prepping the basics, like cooked grains, roasted vegetables, and boiled eggs. These ingredients can be used in a variety of meals and can save you time during the week.
Choose recipes wisely: When choosing recipes for meal prepping, look for recipes that are easy to scale and reheat well. Casseroles, stews, and soups are great options. Avoid recipes that require too much last-minute prep or that don’t reheat well.
Label and date: Once you’ve prepped your meals, be sure to label and date them. This will help you keep track of what’s in your fridge and freezer and ensure that you eat them before they go bad.
Mix and match: Don’t be afraid to mix and match your prepped ingredients to create new meals. For example, you can mix cooked quinoa with roasted vegetables and a protein source to create a healthy and filling bowl.

By following these simple tips and tricks, you can become a meal prepping pro and save yourself time and money while eating healthy and delicious meals.

Meal planning and meal prepping may seem like a lot of work, but they can actually make your life easier and healthier. By investing a little bit of time and effort into these skills, you can save yourself time and money while ensuring that you eat nutritious and tasty meals throughout the week. So, what are you waiting for? Start meal planning and meal prepping today!