So you want to transform meal prep into a fun and enjoyable activity? How about we make it easy(ier) and call it fun?
True, meal prep is an excellent way to save time, money, and stay on track with a healthy eating plan. But it’s no secret it can sometimes feel like you’d rather be having a few teeth extracted instead. Let’s face it though, those of us “busy bee’s” out there HAVE to meal prep to keep it 80% healthy, it’s not really an option. That being said, I’m not going to glamorize it for you, we just need to get it done, right?
Here are some tips to help keep your sanity while saving money, time and keeping you eating healthy.
- Write out a rough plan of what you want to eat- You don’t necessarily need to follow specific recipes, but make sure you get the foods you like to eat (you can always mix and match). Remember:
- Whole veggies
- Lean protein
- Fresh or frozen fruits
- Whole grains (barley, bulgur, farro, millet, quinoa, wild rice, brown rice, red rice, buckwheat, amaranth…)
- Wraps
- Be consistent– Set a date and time (or several shorter periods throughout the week) set an alarm and just do it. Don’t think about too much or you can easily talk yourself right out of it. REMEMBER: This will save your so much time during the busyness of the week.
- Call for backup– i.e friends or family, or better yet, get your kids involved. Put their video game making meal-prep skills to work. Play commander and assign tasks:) Not only will this make the process more enjoyable (for you at least), but it also provides an opportunity to “bond” and spend quality time with the ones you work so hard to feed regularly..
- Put together a playlist of tunes that make you want to move slightly not so much that you chop off your fingers though. Personally I like a good podcast or audiobook, it really helps the time fly.
- Invest in practical kitchen tools (I can’t stress this enough,) this can make meal-prep more efficient. Consider getting a spiralizer to make vegetable noodles, a mandoline slicer for perfectly uniform slices, a blender for smoothies/sauces and a food processor for so many other things. I also suggest a crockpot, instapot, rice maker, and squeeze bottles for dressings and sauces, lots of Tupperware too…whatever will make your life easier.
- Make one new recipe a week to keep things exciting. Something you really look forward to eating, think of it as a reward for all your hard work.
Here’s the truth…
I love nothing more than when my clients discover new flavors, textures and combinations when playing around with recipes. But not everything amazing comes on a silver platter (pun intended)- Somethings are just worth the time and energy and, this is one of them.
Meal prep doesn’t have to be the dullest and most tedious task, I’m sure I can come up with a few others after applying these fun tips…right? But seriously, embrace the chaos, experiment and try make it a positive experience for all.
If you need some extra guidance, I am always happy to help. Let’s set up a free chat!
