We have all been in a situation where we feel hungry and end up opting for takeout or fast food instead of preparing a home-cooked meal. However, what if you could always have a meal readily available and never have to rely on drive-thru options again? If your New Year's resolutions include eating healthier, spending less, or losing weight, meal prep could be the solution to all of these goals.
Meal prepping is a game-changer for busy individuals looking to save time, eat healthier, and cut costs. Imagine coming home after a long day and having a delicious, home-cooked meal ready in minutes – that's the magic of meal prep!
By dedicating a few hours on the weekend to planning and preparing meals, you'll free up precious time during the hectic workweek. Not only does this reduce stress, but it also helps you resist the temptation of unhealthy fast food options. Plus, buying ingredients in bulk and cooking larger portions can significantly slash your grocery bills.
Why not give it a try? Your future self will thank you for the extra time, improved health, and savings!
To kickstart your meal prep journey, follow these steps:
To begin, create a list of your preferred dishes and recipes, or ones you would like to try. Don't worry about calorie counts or whether the meals are nutritious at this point, just make a note of your meal ideas.
Narrow your list down and select your meals, then research healthier versions of your chosen recipes. Be sure to take into consideration the cost of ingredients, and which parts of each recipe can be prepared in advance. Be sure to include plans to for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Make a shopping list and gather your ingredients accordingly. A comprehensive grocery list is essential to avoid multiple trips to the store. Consider choosing in-season produce and store-brand items to save money. Stick to your list, but be prepared to make adjustments if certain ingredients are unavailable.
Communicate your meal plan with your household to ensure that necessary ingredients are not consumed before you have a chance to use them. If you plan on prepping meals in advance, label and store everything appropriately for easy access during weeknight meals.
Prep, cook, measure, and package your meals. Consider scheduling consultation with one of your nutrition coaches to advise you on optimal calories and macronutrients. We are available to assist you in creating a personalized plan that caters to your specific dietary requirements and aids you in staying on course towards attaining your health objectives.
Stay committed to your meal plan and try it out for at least 30 days to make it a regular habit.
If the idea of planning and cooking all of your own meals is daunting, consider our meal prep services at LunaFit Fresh!