If you have never meal prepped before or do not know what meal prepping is, then you have come to the right place. Meal prepping is something that many people participate in who want to live a simplistic and healthy lifestyle, like myself.
What is meal prepping?
Meal prepping is the act of preparing meals ahead of time, so that you can easily grab your food and go. Usually about 3-7 days worth of meals are prepared. You can prepare breakfast, lunch, or dinners for throughout the week.
Why meal prep?
Meal prepping is a convenient and efficient way to try to stay healthy and stay on track. Meal prepping reduces a lot of temptation to eat unhealthy because the healthy meals are already prepared and ready for you. And you do not have to worry about taking the time to prepare home-cooked meals each day, which is super convenient.
Meal prepping allows you to also monitor your portion control and see what you are putting into your diet. If you are looking for an easier way to stay healthy and stop reaching for those prepackaged snacks, then meal prepping is the perfect option for you.
How to meal prep?
Determine the recipes or meals that you would like to prepare. Gather all of your ingredients. Pick a day where you will dedicate your time to preparing those meals. Which could include any of the following: Meals that are made ahead (already cooked). Meals that are portioned and frozen (usually a larger batch, ready to thaw out and cook). Ingredients ready to go (already chopped and ready to cook). Place the meals into plastic bags or containers depending on the meal
Meal Prep Guidlines
Write out what meals you will have on what days (a calendar for your meals). Schedule your preparation and shopping day. Be mindful of storage life (write down the date on the bag or container)
Have fun with it and switch up your recipes
3 essentials to include in your meal prep
Protein, Complex carb, Veggie
Helpful tips from Amanda
Always have breakfast to give your body the fuel it needs for the day. All meals should have a protein source. Women: 15 g minimum/Men: 20 g minimum. Drink water throughout the day. Shoot for 20 oz. at every meal. Eat 5-6 times per day. 3 main meals and 2-3 snacks. All meals should have a carb source (primarily vegetables). Eat a small meal or snack 30-60 minutes before a workout. Eat a meal or drink a protein shake 30 minutes after a workout. Consume lean sources of protein (fish, chicken, turkey, pork or beef). Avoid fried foods. For fat loss Limit fruits, dairy, and processed starches (these food items break down into sugar very quickly in the bloodstream, which is the very last thing someone trying to lose weight needs floating around in their body). Drinking water is paramount to your fat loss success and health. Portion control is very important.
Women
Protein- 1 palm
Veggies- 1 fist
Carbs1 cupped hand
Men
Protein- 2 palms
Veggies- 2 fists
Carbs- 2 cupped hands
I hope that you now understand clearly what meal prepping is and the purpose of it. These tips and guidelines should help you to get started on your meal prepping journey to a more simple and healthy lifestyle. So, what are you waiting for? Get out your calendar and start planning!!

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