Diane prepping food

Meal prepping is an effective way to stay on track with healthy goals by ensuring proper nutrition and saving time. However, it can feel overwhelming at first. To ease into meal prepping, start by planning a simple, go-to breakfast. Choose something easy, like scrambled eggs that doesn’t require preparation. This helps establish a routine without overloading you.

Next, focus on packing lunches and dinners. Use a Sharpie to label each meal for easy identification. Start small by prepping one or two meals for the week and avoid planning for seven days at first. Cooking for three-day intervals or freezing extra meals can prevent food from spoiling.

Before committing to a recipe, make sure it’s one you enjoy and know how it reheats. Avoid experimental dishes during your first attempts. Lastly, embrace shortcuts: Use an instant pot or rice cooker, or opt for ready-made ingredients like frozen French fries or vegetables to save time and effort. The goal is to make prepping as efficient as possible, without getting bogged down in perfection. Over time, you’ll refine your system to suit your needs. Remember wholesome food will help you feel better.

By Diane Alavie, B.Sc.Phm.