Preparing and cooking meals takes time, plus energy that you may not want to spend all at once. No use in cooking a meal you are too tired to eat. Using the method of pre-prepping before meals may be an enjoyable way of cooking that reduces time and conserves energy at mealtime. Envision yourself entering the kitchen, ready to assemble a meal that has been made ready ahead of time. All you have to do is put it together and heat. Most of the clean-up is done. You are not too tired to enjoy your meal. Being organized in the kitchen and developing a weekly meal plan is a great way to start.
Dinner Meal Prep
Planning your weekly dinner meals ahead will get you organized in the kitchen as well as focus while shopping in the grocery store. Pick a day to decide what you are going to cook for the week. Research meal prep ideas and menus before making a grocery list of the items you will need to purchase and go shopping. Check the instructions for each recipe to see what can be prepared ahead of time. Also, block out some part of the day to do the prep work. Meat and poultry often can be seasoned or marinated ahead of time. Also, check to see if cooking the meat a day or two ahead is allowable. If so, choose a couple of recipes that use the same meat, such as ham or turkey. Often, vegetables can be chopped and stored in the fridge. Store in the amounts called for in the recipe. Another time saver is to create a chopping station near the sink as well as a blending station near electricity.
Eating Healthier
One good way to treat our bodies well is through fresh fruits and vegetables. They supply our bodies with the nutrients we need to thrive as well as delivery of what we need for proper function. Processed foods are a poor substitute for the real thing. Healthy meal prep allows you to plan before you head to the grocery store. Most processed foods tend to be in the middle of the store. Remember, to shop the outer walls of the grocery store when looking to purchase your ingredients. Most fruits and vegetables are easy to prepare and cook even if they don't come with instructions. You can store these and pair with different meats or alternatives likes beans and lentils. Beans and Lentils can be a healthy way to get protein into your diet and a bonus of fiber. Meal prep allows to you to plan new meals and try different ingredients.
Breakfast Meal Prep
Breakfast is the energy kick-start of the day. This meal should not be avoided or rationalized by drinking a cup of coffee and eating a Danish. It can be hard to get started in the morning and cooking may not be at the top of the list; don't give up. Walking into a kitchen prepped and ready to go makes it easy to eat a hot, nutritious breakfast in a matter of minutes. The night before, set up all the tools you will need to cook your breakfast. Have the coffee or tea station ready to go. Make your fresh fruit juice ahead and store properly. Breakfast meats and boil eggs can be cooked ahead and reheated in the morning. Fresh fruits can be chopped ahead of time and stored in serving sizes. Premeasure hot cereals in a measuring cup while having a pan of the correct amount of water waiting. Cooking does not have to be hard or unpleasant. Your body will stay performing at its best when you eat healthy meals that you love creating.
