Simple and Straightforward Meal Prepping
When you hear the words "meal prep," you might picture a refrigerator meticulously organized with identical containers, hours spent cooking on Sunday, and a complicated schedule of meals for the entire week.
But meal prep doesn't have to look like that!
As summer winds down and schedules become busier, a little preparation can make healthy eating easier. The key is to prepare ingredients that work together to make easy meals rather than trying to prepare every meal in advance.
Start with Your Produce
One of the easiest meal-prep habits is simply washing and preparing fruits and vegetables when you bring them home. Wash berries, chop vegetables, rinse greens, or slice fruit so they're ready when you need them.
When healthy ingredients are visible and convenient, you're more likely to reach for them.
Prep a Few Vegetables
Choose two or three vegetables each week to prepare ahead. These are some of our favorites for making simple, healthy meals:
- Chopped peppers
- Roasted broccoli
- Shredded carrots
- Sliced cucumbers
- Roasted sweet potatoes
These can quickly become salad toppings, wrap fillings, grain bowl ingredients, or side dishes.
Make Smoothie Packs
Smoothies are a great option for busy mornings. Prepare individual freezer bags containing ingredients such as berries, spinach, banana, and mango. When you're ready for breakfast, simply blend with your preferred liquid and any additional ingredients (like protein powder).
An organic, cold-pressed juice can also be an easy addition to a busy morning when you want a convenient and delicious way to get your fruits and vegetables.
Keep Overnight Oats Ready
Overnight oats are another simple breakfast that requires almost no morning preparation.
Combine oats, plant-based milk, chia seeds, and fruit in a jar the night before. Refrigerate overnight and add fresh toppings in the morning. Try different combinations throughout the week so breakfast doesn't become repetitive.
Build Flexible Grain Bowls
Cook a batch of quinoa, brown rice, or another whole grain and keep it refrigerated. When you're ready to eat, add whatever vegetables, beans, greens, or healthy fats you have available.
One batch of quinoa can become several completely different meals depending on the ingredients you add!
Prep Components, Not Perfection
The goal of simple meal prepping isn't to predict exactly what you'll want to eat five days from now or to eat the same meals on repeat all week. Instead, give yourself options!
Having a few prepared ingredients available means you can assemble a nourishing meal in minutes without starting completely from scratch. A little preparation can go a long way toward creating a healthy routine that actually fits your life.
