People often ask me if I could give someone just one tip to lose weight what would it be?
The first thing you can do to ensure your resolutions are successful is to quit eating out and start cooking at home. Seems easy enough until you actually HAVE to do it. That is why meal prepping is a super hot trend right now that everyone is talking about!
If the idea of Meal Prepping for a week is way beyond what you can handle start small.
Step 1
If you have never planned in advance the idea of meal prepping can be daunting. Start with just writing out your weeks menus and include all meals. Then prepare your shopping list and hit the grocery store. Having a list will help you stay on budget and avoid impulse buys. Now you will have all the ingredients on hand when it is time to eat. This may be ALL you do for the first week or two… and that is o.k.! This is the first step to break the take-out habit by having the food in your house!
or
Try prepping only breakfasts or lunches or even just cutting all the vegetables so that the cooking time for dinner is shortened.
Ready to Go ALL IN?
[If you want to jump right in but don’t know where to start, check out some of my ebooks that provide weekly meal plans, master grocery lists, and corresponding recipes. All the tools you need!”]
For those of you looking to dabble in meal prep, here are some simple steps to get started.
1. Create a meal plan and grocery list.
The first step to successful meal prep is planning what you’re going to eat. This doesn’t have to be a timely task; it can take under an hour to make a schedule of your meals for the week ahead. Break down the day into the meals you are going to create and healthy snacks to munch on. Include whole grains, leafy greens, healthy fats, filling fiber and protein, and plenty of delicious spices.
2. Choose a day dedicated to prepping.
Find a day when you have the time to make food for the week. Block out a few hours to prepare and cook your food for the week ahead – and remember to leave time to clean up.
3. Shop.
Buy all the items on your list. This should include everything you’ll need for the week, from oats to meats to vegetables and everything in between.
4. Prepare.
Now that everything is set, it’s time to get cooking! Create everything you’ve planned for and separate it into satisfying portions.
Extra tip:
Buy quality storage containers.
Purchase storage containers that will last. These containers will be where you keep everything you prepare. You’ll want containers that can hold up in the dishwasher or generally require hassle-free cleanup. You can easily find great storage that includes lids that lock into place to avoid messy commutes.
I love glass storage containers with plastic tops. They last forever but hold up well in the dishwasher and microwave — they cost a little more upfront than plastic but well worth the investment as you won’t have to replace them often. Wide-mouthed mason jars are great also for power salads, soups, dressings, overnight-oats, and many many more uses. They even now have plastic lids!