How to Meal Prep Like a Pro
If you're like most people, the thought of meal prepping probably sounds pretty daunting. After all, who has the time to cook multiple meals in advance? And even if you could find the time, wouldn't it get pretty boring eating the same thing day after day?
Never fear! Meal prepping doesn't have to be complicated or boring. In fact, once you get the hang of it, you might just find that it's a total life-saver. Here are a few tips to get you started.
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Pick a Strategy that Works for You
There are all sorts of different ways to meal prep. Maybe you prefer to cook all of your meals for the week on Sunday and then portion them out into individual containers. Or maybe you prefer to cook one big batch of something and then eat it for several days in a row. There's no right or wrong way to do it—just pick a method that works for you and your lifestyle.
If cooking multiple times per week sounds like too much of a time commitment, try batch cooking a few times per month instead. This way, you'll always have some meals in the freezer that you can just reheat when you need them. These make-ahead chicken and veggie burritos are a great option! Just pop them in the oven or microwave and voila—dinner is ready in minutes.
Make Use of Leftovers
If cooking from scratch sounds like even more work than you're willing to put in, don't worry—you can totally meal prep without ever turning on the stove. A lot of people think that meal prepping has to mean cooking all your food from scratch, but that's not necessarily true. If you're short on time (or energy), take advantage of leftovers from previous meals.Remember that big batch of spaghetti sauce you made last week? Freeze it in individual portions and then pull one out whenever you need an easy dinner solution. Boom—meal prep complete!
Get Creative with Your Containers
There are all sorts of different containers that can be used for meal prepping. If you're packing your lunch for work, consider using mason jars or reusable plastic containers with compartments. This way, you can pack your whole meal—entrée, side dish, and even dessert—in one handy container. If you're looking for something a little more compact, try using bento boxes or silicone muffin cups. These are perfect for portioning out snacks like hard-boiled eggs, chopped veggies, and fruit cups.
Conclusion:
With these tips in mind, there's no reason why meal prepping should be anything less than enjoyable! So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start prepping those meals!
