Imagine one day you go to work, and your lunch box all packed up to go. Food is readily available, and all you do is heat it up in the break room. You seem to be having much more energy today than other days last week, but what did you change? You actively made the change to prep all of your meals ahead of time, and you do not recollect that you have become extremely “hungry” at all today! Actually you have been content! You are feeling great!
Now this may not happen to everyone, but this is a “perfect” story. Is this far from reach though, and can others copy this? Yes is the answer! Meal prepping is a tactic not only used by individuals looking to lose weight, but by time-crunching individuals who want to save time instead of slaving over the stove everyday of the week! Ask yourself, do you never have “enough” time to make food? Do you find yourself always at the drive-thru windows because you woke up a little late for work? Everyone has a busy lifestyle, and we all can benefit from meal prepping!
Why even bother to start meal prepping? We know it creates a way to save time during our schedules, but it goes deeper than that! You will save money on your groceries by only buying exactly what you need, and by (hopefully) cutting down your waste on the food you bought which helps save money! Meal prepping can also be an investment into your own health since you will be more conscious about the foods you will be eating! As opinionated as that sounds your foods you meal prep will most likely be “cleaner”, as in low to almost no added ingredients in a food product, and will also help you in weight-loss by keeping your portion sizes adequate. Lastly, you can make your meals have variety if you wanted. No more “left-over’s” and more freedom to have different meals more often!
Here are some ways to make meal prep easier!
1) Cook all of your food at once!
2) Get food storage containers!
3) Keep snacks simple, and delicious! Do not go overboard!
4) Stick to your grocery list! This tip is the most important because when you deter from your list you may buy food items that you never wanted in the first place. Buying unwanted items costs more money in the end!
Now I know everyone has different tastes in foods, but there are a different ways to do it. A fun way to do some morning meal prepping is with mason jars. Overnight oats, to salads, to soups you name it you can do it! Also, if you prefer being a little more basic you can always buy containers at a dollar store or supermarket!
What is a simple recipe by a Top Personal Trainer in CT?
Here is a recipe for one of my favorite soups done with mason jars!
Red Lentil Coconut Curry Mason Jar Soup
Author: Rachael Hartley, RD, LD, CDE
Serves: Makes 4
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils (I used red split lentils)
- 2 medium carrots, shredded
- 4 small garlic cloves
- 1 can coconut milk
- 6 teaspoons red curry paste
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
Instructions
- Cover lentils with a couple inches of water in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until tender (time can vary depending on what type of lentil you use so check the package). Drain.
- Divide shredded carrot between four mason jars. Add 1 minced or pressed garlic clove, 1½ teaspoons curry paste, ½ teaspoon turmeric, ¼ teaspoon salt to each. Divide lentils between the mason jars, then divide the coconut milk between the mason jars. Seal with lid and refrigerate until ready to eat.
- When ready to eat, add about 1 cup very hot water, seal, give it a good shake to distribute ingredients and let sit for four minutes to ‘cook’.
“With all the different ways to keep on track, and be prepared for your day and reduce the stress of the day, and enjoy some good food”, Concludes Top Personal Trainer in CT.
