When a new year begins, many people set goals to improve their personal lives. You might be setting a resolution to shed some extra pounds or improve your diet. Taking a few steps can improve your chances of success in reaching your goal.
Why Meal Prep?
One of the best ways to clean up your diet is to plan ahead. Use your free time to prep meals for the rest of the week. Easy and healthy meal prepping will benefit your life in various ways.
Improve Chances of Success
Sticking to a budget and a healthy diet is much easier when you plan what you’ll eat. When you wait too long to hit the grocery store, you might not feel motivated to pick up ingredients and cook after a long day at work.
You’ll Save Money
Preparing meals for at least a week at a time saves you money each month. Buying groceries in bulk is less expensive, and you can always freeze the food you don’t use immediately. Meal prepping also saves money because you’re less likely to eat out when you have delicious meals ready to eat at home.
Better Portion Control
When you make food and set it aside for later, you can maintain better control over how much you eat. Restaurants often serve larger-than-average meals that encourage us to overeat. People also tend to eat more when hungry or in a hurry, but pre-portioned meals solve those problems.
Manage Time More Effectively
You’ll save time every day by not having to think about what to cook or eat for lunch and dinner, as well as pick up the ingredients needed for every meal. You’ll spend less time in the kitchen and will have less to clean after every meal. Spend that extra time doing things you enjoy.
Reduces Stress
Cooking and learning more about food can be great tools to help you unwind after a stressful week. You’ll also feel more control over your diet and worry less about unhealthy choices, which can help you achieve your goals.
On busy days, it’s easy to grab takeout to avoid the stress of cooking. But when your meals are prepared and ready to go, you don’t have to worry about overeating or going off plan.
It’s easy to see why meal prepping is so beneficial. Check out these four meal prep ideas to get started.
4 Healthy Recipes to Try
Meal prepping doesn’t have to be an all-day affair; it can be easy! Choose simple recipes, grab the whole foods and fresh ingredients needed, and spend a few hours preparing your meals.
With meals prepped and ready to go, use your to-go containers to portion the food. When headed to work or need a quick dinner, you can grab what you need from the fridge or freezer.
1. Vegetables with Roasted Chicken
All you need to make this tasty and healthy recipe is:
- One pan
- Skin-on chicken legs or boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- A few spices
- Some fresh vegetables
This recipe is easy to prepare and sets you up for a delicious week of hot, clean lunches or dinners.
2. Veggie and Turkey Chili
Veggie and turkey chili is perfect for keeping in the fridge for the upcoming week or the freezer for a few months at a time. Vegetarians can use a crumbled meat substitute instead of turkey. Either way, it’s filled with delicious protein, fiber, and vegetables and can help warm you up on a chilly day.
3. Portobello Fajita Bowl
More vegan or vegetarian goodness packs a flavor punch in this delicious fajita bowl. Feel free to add meat or fish to increase the protein in each serving. Chicken breasts or a lean cut of steak would complement the flavors nicely.
Some vegans prefer avocado over cheese, so adjust based on your preferences. Be sure to spice it up with your choice of chili peppers, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes.
4. Mason Jar Salads
Eating a soggy salad for lunch is never fun, but with the right storage mechanism, you don’t have to worry about that. Create layers of your favorite veggies in a mason jar and place the dressing at the bottom, followed by something that won’t get soggy, like roasted or fresh veggies. When ready to eat, shake one up and enjoy crisp, delicious greens!
We Have You Covered
It might take some time for these meal prep ideas and benefits to win you over. After all, starting a new routine can be challenging.
Remember that a healthier lifestyle takes several small steps. Those small steps add up, and before long, you’ll feel like these new habits are part of your everyday life. Making healthy choices can also help you look and feel better.
You’ve got this! And if you need more inspiration, take a look at our other healthy recipes.
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