How to Meal Prep – A Guide for Beginners

What is meal prepping?

Meal prepping – preparing, cooking, and portioning out meals for later use.  Below, we explore the most important aspects of meal prepping and break down the process into a few steps.

 

What are the benefits of meal prepping?

Meal prepping is great for busy people or those looking to achieve their fitness goals. It allows for having pre-prepared meals on hand. Now, you’ll be less likely to order takeout to fall victim to your cravings, especially when you’re busy, overwhelmed or exhausted!  

Meal prepping can help you stay on track with your health goals. You have control over exactly what goes into the meals so you can select ingredients and control portion sizes in a way that helps you reach your fitness goals. 

If the health benefits haven’t convinced you, meal prepping also saves you time and money. Sometimes it can be challenging to eat healthy on a budget but by buying in bulk and meal prepping allows you to make more everlasting meals and freeze any ingredients you don’t use right away. You’ll notice you’re spending less time in the kitchen overall.

 

Ways to Meal Prep

The meal prep method you choose will work best for you depending on your goals and daily/weekly routine.  Below we’ve outlined 4 options that can help you.

  • Individually portioned meals – Think grab-n-go!  Cooking fresh meals and portioning them into individual containers to be refrigerated and eaten over the next few days.  A great option to take to work with you.
  • Batch cooking – Dust off your Crockpot!  It involves preparing recipes in advance for the week, or even the month, in one go.  Better yet,  there’s no need to eat the same thing all week – you can freeze in portions and enjoy them later.  A great option for warm lunch or dinner options.  
  • Make-ahead meals – Perfect for dinner!  Full meals cooked in advance which can be refrigerated and reheated at mealtimes. 
  • Prepped Ingredients – Significantly reduce your time in the kitchen!  Cut down on your cooking time by preparing the ingredients needed ahead of time.  

Different meal prepping methods can be mixed and matched based on your own lifestyle and schedule.  Start by choosing the method that appeals most to you and then experiment from there to figure out what works best for you!