Meal prep means preparing parts of your meals – or even full meals – ahead of time. You can chop vegetables, cook proteins like chicken or fish, portion out snacks, or even make entire dishes to store in the fridge or freezer. Some people prepare meals for a whole week, while others just get a few days ahead. How much you prep depends on your schedule and goals.
Why Should You Meal Prep?
Meal prepping saves time because you don’t have to cook every night. It also helps you make healthier choices since you decide what goes into your meals ahead of time. It can also save you money in the long run, because you’re less likely to buy expensive takeaways or fast food when you have a meal ready at home. It also helps reduce food waste, because you buy only what you plan to use.
How to Start Meal Prepping
Starting meal prepping doesn’t have to be complicated. Begin by picking a few recipes you like that are easy to make and store well. Think about simple dishes like grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, pasta, rice bowls, or even simple salads. Make a grocery list and shop for only what you need.
Choose one day each week – like Sunday – to do your cooking and portion everything into containers. Start small by prepping just one or two meals ahead at first. As you get used to it, you can prepare more meals at a time.
If you don’t have time to prepare meals but still want to eat healthily, why not try an office lunch catering service such as https://www.crumbsdelivered.co.uk/shop/office-lunch-delivery?
Meal Prep Ideas
- Pasta Salad – Make a cold pasta salad with veggies and protein like chicken or chickpeas that stays fresh for days.
- Energy Snack Boxes – Pack small containers with snacks like nuts, cheese, fruit, and crackers.
- Overnight Oats – Mix oats, milk, and fruit in a jar and leave it overnight.
- Soup or Chilli – Make a big pot of soup or chilli and divide it into containers.
