It’s the start of a new year and a new decade. You’ve made resolutions such as eating better to get your health in order and this time you’re determined to get it right this time. If you’ve done your research, you know that one of the most effective ways to control your diet is to cook at home. The only problem with cooking at home is finding the time and energy to get it all done. Which is why most people resort back to the convenience of quick meals and fast food.
If you’re going to beat the odds and keep your resolutions, meal prep is a great way to start eating better. Using tips and hacks like those to be discussed below will help make this process a lot easier:
Make Use of Containers
To keep your food from going bad and for quicker reheating processes when you’re ready to eat, having the right containers is a must. From plastic food storage containers to mason jars, there are a variety of options to keep your food fresh and easy to grab and prepare. Opt for varying sizes for storing things like meats and sides to veggies and snacks. They even have smaller portion control containers that can make it easier for you to eat mindfully and sustain a healthy weight.
The Right Bags Provide Convenience Too
Not only should you be eating dinner at home, but to keep to your resolution to eat better, you should also be taking meals to work. It can be convenient to grab a snack from the vending machine or to be tempted to place an order with the rest of the office when you don’t have lunch on hand. You can change all of that by preparing your lunches in advance, with the right bag makes it convenient for you to carry anything from your sandwiches and fresh fruit to your soups and pasta dishes along with a few snacks to give you a boost throughout the day. While a large insulated bag may be ideal, there are also meal prep bags that can be convenient. These highly insulated lunch bags keep your food and beverages at the right temperature, but they also come with conveniently sized containers for you to pack your lunch in.
Clear Out a Weekend Day
Finding the time to cook throughout the week is often difficult for most. You’ve either got so many responsibilities to take care of or are so tired from the day’s events that all you want to do is grab the most convenient meal and go to sleep. To prevent you from ordering takeout all the time it is best to find the time to prepare your meals in advance. Select either Saturday or Sunday and designate that as the day you do all the dirty work. This includes planning your meals for the week, making a list, going shopping, preparing dishes in large batches, and storing them in containers. While this can take up a better part of your day, you can multitask by cleaning up the house or spending quality time with your family. It also eliminates the need to try and prepare something last-minute throughout the week.
Get Creative with Seasonings
Buying in bulk is the best way to save money when you decide to start cooking at home. Be that as it may, having a bunch of the same types of meats, sides, and vegetables can get a bit old. When you get tired of the same tastes, you’re easily tempted to fall off the wagon. You can reduce the likelihood of eating what you shouldn’t by being more creative with the foods you select at the store. Seasonings, dry rubs, and marinades can be a big help in this department. You can take the same type of meat and season it three different ways for a new dish every day. Try different combinations from various types of cuisines to add some spice and variety to your meals.
This year, you’re determined more than ever to stick to your healthy eating goals. One of the best ways to start this journey is to start cooking more at home. By planning and preparing your meals in advance, you reduce the need to resort to quick meals or fast foods that are overly processed and packed with sugar and salt. So, utilize the above tips to simplify your meal prepping process for a healthier, happier, you.
