Too busy to cook during the week? We’ve all been there, and it ends up costing us big time. Failing to go to the grocery store or properly meal prep for the week can result in extra money being spent eating out, ditching our diets, and wasted groceries in the fridge. The CGS Team is sharing 6 tips to make healthy meal prepping doable and effective for you!
6 tips for healthy meal prepping
#1. Designate a specific day and time to meal prep
Since most of us work Monday-Friday, Sundays are the best day to get your meal prep done for the week ahead. Designating a specific day and time will hold you accountable to that day and time. It’s easier to plan your schedule when you know that Sundays at 6pm are always reserved for meal prepping.
#2. Choose double-duty vegetables
When hitting the grocery store in preparation for your week’s meal prep, stick with vegetables that can be eaten raw or cooked. This will come in handy if something comes up and stops you from cooking on your designated day and time. Carrots, broccoli, and leafy greens are great double-duty veggies. Carrots and broccoli can be eaten raw or cooked, and leafy greens can be used to whip up a quick salad when your cooking falls through.
#3. Healthy sweets made pretty
Don’t forget to meal prep your deserts! A yogurt parfait can be stored in the fridge for a few days and can be taken to work with you as a snack or finish. Containers come in all shapes and sizes which makes it easy to control your portions. Make it simple. Layer Greek yogurt with blueberries, mangos and almonds and finish with a dash of cinnamon.
#4. Overnight oats means breakfast all week
Take Dr. Carolyn Alish’s advice and opt for oats! “Overnight oats require no cooking, and you can make big batches at the beginning of the week that will last through Friday! All you have to do is combine rolled oats with liquid like skim milk, almond milk, or yogurt, let it sit overnight, then add your choice of fruit or nuts in the morning. Just make sure you use double the amount of liquid for every serving of oats and stir them up before you eat.”
#5. Cook your foods all at once
To make the most of your time and save the most money, cook all of your food at the same time. Roasting your meats and veggies at the same time yields the same results as cooking two separate batches. Just be sure to keep like-items together. This will make it easier to take out any food that may be done earlier than the rest.
#6. Mason jars are more than just a trend
Pinterest has been flooded with meals prepped in mason jars, but they are more than just a visual trend. They are actually a great meal prep tool for salads! Layer the salad dressing at the bottom, followed by your veggies, nuts, and ending with your greens. This will ensure a soggy-free salad! Most grocery stores carry mason jars for as little as $1, so stock up!
Related: How to Use Meal Prepping to Save Money
Meal prepping can be fun, when you’re prepared! Use these tips for your next meal prep day and let us know how effective they are for you. What tips do you have to share when it comes to meal prepping? Is there a specific food that you stick to? Share a comment below to discuss what works for you.
2 thoughts on “6 Tips for Healthy Meal Prepping”
I’m on week 2 of meal prep, and I will definitely say that it helps to have a set schedule BIG TIME! I know that my Sunday evenings are reserved for cooking for the week.
Sundays are meal prep days for me!! I usually make chicken breasts and steam veggies for the week!