Previously, we looked at how successful meal planning allows us to cook more meals at home instead of eating at restaurants and fast food. After planning, now learn the best tips for meal prepping in order to cook our delicious meals.
Prep food ahead of time
Save time and stress by preparing food in advance. For example, wash and chop produce ahead of time, prepare salads, marinade meat and poultry, and prepare long-cooking items like rice.
Consider buying pre-cut fruits and vegetables when pressed for time. They are more expensive, but the price may be worth it to reduce time and stress.
Batch cooking
Cook for multiple meals at one time. For example, prepare enough to have leftovers for another dinner, lunches, or freeze for nights when you don’t have time to cook. Chili, stew, soups, casseroles, and meatballs freeze well.
Batch cook on the weekends, or when you have time. For example, cook boneless chicken breasts or ground beef for several meals at a time and store in the refrigerator to top salads, make tacos, or mix with pasta and sauces.
Repurpose leftovers
If you are not a fan of leftovers, think of ways to repurpose them. For example, roast a chicken, or buy rotisserie chicken, and shred the leftover chicken for chicken salad, tacos, or add to soup.
Leftover vegetables are delicious for breakfast in omelets. Grain bowls are an excellent way to repurpose leftovers for any meal. For breakfast, start with leftover rice or quinoa, add some vegetables, and top with a fried egg and shredded cheese.
Use slow or pressure cooker
Multi-cookers and slow cookers allow for hands off time while cooking and may save time as well. Prepare your one pot meal in the slow cooker in the morning before work. Multi-cookers like the Instant Pot save time when cooking meat low and slow, like roasts, stews, or beef shanks.
My Instant Pot is great! I make brown rice in 14 minutes and perfect hard-boiled eggs in 5 minutes. I also use it to make yogurt, bone broth, and vegetable broth from scraps.
Vary the menu
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut with our menus. Include a variety of fruits and vegetables in meals for optimal nutrition. Prevent boredom by trying a new vegetable or recipe occasionally.
Final thoughts
With successful meal planning and the best tips for meal prepping, you will be on your way to eat healthier on the journey to wellness!
