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These simple and easy meal prep tips and tricks will change the way you cook in the kitchen.
As busy individuals, we often find ourselves struggling to balance our work, personal life, and healthy eating habits.
One way to ensure that we eat wholesome meals every day is by prepping our meals in advance.
Meal prepping is a simple yet effective way to plan our meals, save time, and avoid unhealthy food choices. In this article, we present seven must-know meal prep hacks for those who desire to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
1. Plan and organize
Meal prepping is not just about preparing food; it’s also about planning and organizing. Before you start your meal prep, begin by deciding what meals you want to eat throughout the week, creating a grocery list, and organizing your kitchen. This will minimize your chances of forgetting an item and reduce your stress levels throughout the week.
2. Invest in the right containers
To meal prep successfully, invest in the right containers that are durable, reusable, and can store food in different portions. Containers that are dishwasher safe and microwave-friendly are worth considering, as they can save you time and effort when cleaning and reheating.
3. Cook in batches
When prepping meals, cook in large batches to save time and ensure that you have enough food for the week. This can also help you manage your budget since you can buy ingredients in bulk. You can cook grains such as rice, quinoa, or pasta in large portions and store them in the fridge or freezer for later use.
4. Utilize your freezer
Your freezer can be your best friend when it comes to meal prepping. Freeze meals that you can quickly reheat, such as soups, stews, and casseroles. You can also freeze fruits and vegetables for smoothies and stir-fries.
5. Mix and match ingredients
To prevent meal boredom, mix and match your prepped ingredients differently throughout the week. For example, prepare chicken, sweet potato, and broccoli on Sunday, then use chicken in a salad on Monday, use sweet potato and broccoli as a side for salmon on Tuesday, and so on. This can keep your meals exciting and interesting.
6. Simplify breakfast
Breakfast can be a struggle for many people during the week. A quick and easy way to solve this is by prepping overnight oats or breakfast burritos. Overnight oats require only a few minutes of preparation the night before, and breakfast burritos can be made in large batches and frozen. Simply reheat in the microwave for a quick and filling breakfast.
7. Clean as you go
Cleaning up after meal prepping can be a daunting task, but it can be much simpler if you clean as you go. Wash, chop, and store away ingredients as you progress, and clean dishes and utensils as you finish using them. Cleaning as you go saves time and avoids mess and clutter, which can make meal prep more enjoyable.
In conclusion, meal prepping can be a game-changer for maintaining healthy eating habits while balancing a busy life. These seven meal prep hacks can simplify the process, save you time, and make eating healthy more manageable. Remember to plan and organize, invest in the right containers, cook in batches, utilize your freezer, mix and match ingredients, simplify breakfast, and clean as you go. Happy meal prepping!
