If you are active on any kind of social media platform, then you have probably seen the term “meal prepping” somewhere. What exactly is meal prepping? Meal prepping is simply preparing a bulk amount of healthy, perfectly portioned meals in one sitting.
As a busy collegiette™, it might seem that between your classes, internships, student organizations and gal pals that there is simply not enough hours in the day for you to cook, but it is the most guaranteed way to stay on track with your healthy eating. It’s very hard to reach for something unhealthy when you have delectable meals already prepared and ready for you to eat!
This Sunday, we challenge you to set aside a few hours to meal prep and see what a difference it makes in your week. Meal prepping will save you money and calories.
These are some simple tips to get you started:
1. Simplify your grocery list
Healthy eating isn’t about deprivation, it’s about changing your habits and picking healthier options. Instead of ground beef, try turkey! It’s leaner. Rather than white rice, opt for brown or quinoa. Brown rice is more fibrous so it will keep you fuller longer! Below are some healthy eating staples to have in your kitchen:
- Protein: boneless/skinless chicken breast, salmon, lean ground turkey, eggs
- Carbs: brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes
- Vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, green beans, brussel sprouts, egg plant
These items are all excellent for meal preppers because they are versatile and store well in the refrigerator.
If you think that healthy meals have to be bland, you’re wrong! Stock up on these must have items to give your meals variety.
Mrs. Dash seasonings are amazing to add to your spice rack because they are full of flavor, all natural and salt/MSG free!
Sriracha’s main ingredient, chilis, contain capsaicin, known to boost metabolism and potentially bolster weight loss.
Walden Farms dressings are a great way to get in your daily servings of vegetables. All the benefits of those veggies are lost if your salad is drenched in a fattening, high calorie dressing! Walden Farms salad dressings have no calories, fat, carbs, gluten or sugars of any kind and there are twenty options to choose from!
2. Tupperware and sandwich bags are your best friends.
They make food storage a breeze! Tupperware comes in various shapes and sizes, so that they can fit your specific storage needs. Make sure you pick ones that are microwave safe, as well as BPA free. Sandwich bags can be used for your healthy snacks (almonds, apple slices, etc.) and are great because they don’t take up so much space when you’re on the go.
3. Learn about safe food storage.
You have probably thought to yourself sometime throughout the duration of this article: “Won’t the food go bad?” And the answer is that it could, depending on what you choose to cook. Educate yourself on safe food storage at: http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/types/index.html.
4. Find inspiration from others.
Pinterest and Instagram are great places to find ideas for tasty, healthy recipes! (Hint: Follow us at http://www.pinterest.com/hercampususf/ and @hercampususf on Instagram!). Search hashtags like #mealprep and #cleaneating.
These are the basics of meal prepping. From what to buy at the grocery store, to storing your tasty dishes, and where to find recipes, you have all the tools you need to get started. Whether you are taking us up on the meal prep challenge, or you already prepare your meals ahead of time, make sure you tag us (@HerCampusUSF) so that we can see your yummy food porn!
Photo Sources:
http://www.blackfitnesstoday.com/
http://www.healthiestlife4me.com/
http://www.skinnyminniemoves.com