Meal Prepping Tips for a Balanced and Nutritious Diet

Meal prepping can go a long way in helping you eat a balanced and nutritious diet. Whether you are a busy professional or a health-focused individual, taking a little time to prepare your meals can save you time and money in the long run. In this article, I will share some meal prepping tips and ideas that I find effective.

Make a Plan

The first step in meal prepping is to make a plan. Write down what meals you want to have during the week and what ingredients you will need. This will help you avoid last-minute runs to the grocery store, which can lead to less healthy choices. Plan your meals with a variety of nutrients in mind to ensure you are getting a balanced diet.

Stick to Your Grocery List

Once you have a plan, create a grocery list and stick to it. This will help you avoid impulse buys and ensure you have all the necessary ingredients for your meals. Stick to buying foods on sale and use those items first to reduce waste. This also allows you to save money and make your meals more cost-effective.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT SHAKEOLEGY

For a quick and nutritious breakfast or snack, consider adding Shakeology to your meal prep routine. It's a convenient and flavorful way to boost your nutrient intake, especially if you are short on time in the mornings.

Keep Snacks Simple

Keep your snacks simple and nutritious. Prepare snacks that can be easily grabbed and eaten on the go, such as apples, carrot sticks with hummus, or homemade granola bars. These snacks will keep you energized throughout the day and prevent you from reaching for unhealthy options.

Cook Foods All At Once

Cooking a variety of ingredients in bulk can save you time and reduce kitchen cleanup. For example, cook a large batch of chicken and freeze portions of it to use in various meals throughout the week. Similarly, cook a large quantity of vegetables and freeze them for later use. This approach allows you to save both time and money.

Preserving Ingredients for Long-Term Usage

Meat: Chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be grilled, boiled, or baked and then frozen. This versatile meat can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to soups and casseroles. Grilled or boiled chicken can be easily shaken or fried to add a golden brown color and texture, making it a perfect addition to any meal. It can also be used as a base for stir-fries or added to soups and casseroles.

Vegetables: Contrary to what you may have read online, most vegetables can be frozen for up to six months without losing their nutrients. Simply wash, dry, and freeze the vegetables. Some vegetables like carrots, scallions, peppers, bok choy, and Asian spinach can be frozen raw without pre-prepping. Onions and beans are great, just clean and chop or leave whole and freeze.

Creating Freezer-friendly Meals

To create freezer-friendly meals, I like to put together meal-sized portions in freezer bags. This saves time and reduces clutter in the fridge. For stir-fries, gather all the veggies and meat together in one bag, and use a pan or wok to cook them. The broth from chicken can be saved and frozen for future use, and you can add the frozen broth to the pot once it's thawed and heated. The same goes for other dishes like soups, casseroles, and pot pies. Homemade versions will always be better than store-bought ones.

Extra Food Storage

When appropriate, I often make extra pasta or dough and freeze it. If you’re going to dirty the mixer, might as well make it worth your time and use the flour you got on sale at Aldi. Mix flour, corn flour, oil, eggs, and baking powder (optional) to make dough. Roll it into ropes or slices, chop it into bite-sized pieces or roll it out with a pin and slice. Lay them flat on a pizza pan or similar let them freeze then dump into a freezer bag. When needed, grab a bag or handful and go. The same goes for dough for dumplings, bread, or biscuits. Mix the portion, freeze on a pan, then bag.

Conclusion

Meal prepping is a great way to ensure that you are eating a balanced and nutritious diet. By planning your meals, sticking to your grocery list, considering Shakeology, and making simple, freezer-friendly snacks, you can simplify your meal prep routine and save both time and money. Start incorporating these tips into your routine and enjoy the benefits of a healthier, more organized lifestyle.