Tips On How To Meal Prep Successfully

Published on June 23, 2020

We are going to start off honestly here and I’ll start by saying that learning how to meal prep is one of the craziest things that I’ve tried, but in the end, it is also one of the most rewarding things that I’ve done. You all have heard everyone talking about meal prepping, and how it’s beneficial well let me say, it is, but there is more to it than whether or not it’s worth it.

When I was in college I was always on the go from classes to work and to dance shows and practices. I was always on the go and never had time to stop and plan meals ahead of time.

With this, it led to me eating at random times of the day and not getting in the proper nutrients from those meals. I would eat late, which led to me eating unhealthy because the only thing that was left open at night was fast-food restaurants, and it was quick, so of course that was what I went for.

With eating unhealthy and at weird times, I noticed that I started to feel weird and gain a little bit of weight with the unhealthy habits I picked up. So at this point, I didn’t know what to do until, as cliche as it sounds, I was on YouTube and a video about meal prepping came up on my recommendations. I guess that was the world trying to tell me “here, this right here is your answer to your problem.”

So, I watched it, did my research on it, and gained more insight on the subject. As time went on, my diet became better, and I wasn’t eating horrible meals. If you want to do the same, here are some tips that I have gained over time to start with meal planning.

Disclaimer: This is what I acquired over time from reading different blogs and advice, and I chose what worked for me.

Containers

Now, before I did anything, I went out to find a decent portion and sized containers. I did look online to see what type of containers most people used, but I knew I didn’t want anything way big or too small. Most of my containers I order off Amazon, and then over time I would accumulate them if I saw them while I was out.

Finding Recipes

Find your recipes first. That’s what I did. I knew there were recipes that I wanted to try out as well as some that my friends recommend to me. Knowing what you want to cook beforehand for me was a weight lifting off my shoulders because it just made me feel like I was one step closer to my goal.

Making Your Meal Plan

As ironic as it sounds, don’t forget even to make your meal plan. There are many print tablets online of a planner that you can write on to schedule your meal plan. Write out your dinners than lunches then your breakfast. Plan out what days you want to eat a particular dish. Please write this down in a journal or calendar because it will be ten times easier on you, and you won’t become stressed.

Grocery Shopping

Make sure you write out your grocery list. Don’t just go in the store unprepared by not having a list because then all the work you have done before this to prepare yourself will have gone to waste. Be prepared with the grocery list and stay organized by only buying how much you need.

Be Consistent

The biggest one of all, don’t quit! I know it may be not very pleasant at first or time-consuming, but it’s all worth it in the end. I feel more confident in myself and my diet. As well as feeling mine in control of me and what I’m eating. My body has changed, not just weight-wise but mentally as well. Like you building up to get that dream job, outfit, dog, or cat whatever it may be, this is the same thing. It will take time, but once you keep at it and stay positive, you go it down packed for good.

Jori Ayers is a Staff Writer at Grit Daily based in Tampa, Florida. She was formerly with the editorial team at Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.

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