While in school or working (or both!), it’s easy to become busy really quickly. This isn’t always a bad thing, but it can mean that things like cooking can be put on the back burner. A solution to still eating healthy meals while you’re busy is meal prepping. Meal prep has seen a huge surge in popularity, and for good reason. Meal prepping can save you money, time and even calories due to the fact you won’t be going to a fast food restaurant to get a quick snack anymore. Not sure where to start? We can help.
The Process
Successful meal prep begins with planning ahead. Choose a day of the week where you have a few hours to spare; most people choose to prep for the week on Sunday. Plan out how many meals you will be making and prepare a list of ingredients to buy at the store. Once you have everything, set aside a couple of hours on that day you chose and cook a few meals/snacks and store them so they are ready for you to grab later this week.
The Meals
A good mix of ingredients will keep things interesting and keep you satisfied. You should create meals that consist of a combination of proteins, carbs, and healthy fats. One tip is to plan out meals that use the same ingredients so you can save money and split the chicken you bought into three meals instead of buying chicken, steak, and fish. Also, keep your meals simple – the fancier you make it, the worse it will taste later in the week. Don’t forget to invest in an insulated bag or cooler to keep your meals nice and cold while at school or work.
The Benefits
Who wouldn’t want to have all their meals ready for the week ahead? This will leave you with extra time to do schoolwork or other activities. The money you save from not eating out will add up quicker than you think, allowing you to spend it on a vacation or help you save money for the future. Plus, prepping meals can become a fun Sunday activity that you can enjoy with yourself, a friend or your family.
If you feel rushed, especially when it comes to trying to eat or cook for your family while trying to go to school on your own schedule, then meal prepping can be a game changer for you. It is possible to do it all – it just takes a little bit of planning!
