Meal Prep Like a Boss: Tips and Tricks for Busy (and Hungry) People
As someone who's always on the lookout for new meal prep techniques to add to my routine, I've discovered several that have become my favorites. One of my go-to techniques is batch cooking. I love cooking a large amount of a particular dish, such as chili or stir-fry, and dividing it up into individual portions for the week ahead. This not only saves me time, but it also ensures that I have a variety of healthy meals ready to go throughout the week.
Another technique I use often is Mason jar salads. These are a fun and easy way to prep salads for the week. To make them, I layer my salad ingredients in a mason jar, starting with the dressing at the bottom and layering the sturdier ingredients on top of that. Then, I add the greens and seal the jar. The salads stay fresh for days, and I can easily grab one to take with me to work or school.
Freezing meals is another technique I love using. I like to make big batches of soups, stews, and casseroles and freeze individual portions for later. This way, I always have a healthy meal on hand, even on busy nights.
Sheet pan meals are also a great way to meal prep, especially when I'm short on time. I like to chop up a variety of vegetables and protein sources, like chicken or tofu, and roast them all together on a sheet pan. This is an easy way to get a balanced meal in one dish.
Finally, pre-cutting vegetables has been a game-changer for me. I'll spend an hour or so chopping up a variety of vegetables, like carrots, celery, and peppers, and store them in separate containers. This way, I can easily grab a handful to add to meals throughout the week.
Meal prepping has become an essential part of my weekly routine. It saves me time and money, and it helps me stay on track with my nutrition goals. By trying out different meal prep techniques and finding what works best for you, you too can make the process enjoyable and efficient. Happy prepping!
Donna M., Nutrition counselor / Exercise Physiologist