When you're trying to meet a deadline at work, it's easy to let meal times slip by. But if this starts becoming a habit, it can quickly turn into an unhealthy one. Not only will your performance suffer, but you could end up putting your health at risk. So next time you're feeling skipping lunch in favor of working longer hours, remember that it's important to take care of yourself too!
Meal prepping for the week ahead may seem daunting, but with a few tips and tricks, you'll be getting all the nutrients you need in no time!
Meal prepping may seem like a daunting task, but it is actually very rewarding. Not only will you have your meals decided and ready ahead of time, but you can also save money and eat healthier.
Prepping your meals will save you from having to spend time every day deciding what to cook and actually cooking the meal.
If you don't have any, get as many glass and airtight containers as possible. This way, you won't need to fill up a new container every day. 7 or 8 should work just fine. You can also use equal-sized meals if that's easier for you. If you lack fridge space or simply don't want your counters cluttered, grab one large container and section it off for each day of the week..
Cookware such as baking dishes, saucepans, or a crockpot and pressure cooker are paramount for preparing your meals. Having a set of meat thermometers and measuring cups on hand is always helpful, especially when you're following someone else's recipes.
Take it slow at first. Look for a dish you can easily cook in bulk, like rice. Once you get the hang of it, meal prep will seem like a breeze!
You may think that cooking enough food to last an entire week is too time-consuming and exhausting. But when you're running late for work and don't have to scramble around your kitchen looking for something edible, all your struggles will disappear!
Start small when meal prepping for the first time. Two to three days is plenty. With this method, you can cook two different meals for some variety and have fresher food if your stomach isn't used to the idea of eating a week-old meal yet.
A common error people commit when meal prepping for the week is not investigating properly and consequentially having rotten food. Not only will this squander your time and energy, but also render your efforts moot.
Salads do not last long during the week; they can become quite soggy, which is unappetizing to say the least. However, if you still want a salad as part of your meal prep Then make sure your greens are bone-dry and wait to add dressing until you're ready to consume it - otherwise the greens will wilt faster than anticipated.
If you want to prepare a meal ahead of time to eat during the week, focus on using non-perishable or semi-perishable foods. This will prevent you from feeling nauseous after eating food that's been sitting out for awhile.
Monotony and overeating are two reasons why many people dread meal prep. But once you learn how to do it right, it can make your life a whole lot easier!
