Whether you’re preparing for a business trip or just preparing a quick meal for yourself, meal prep can help you avoid the hassle of cooking every day. You can plan your meals and store them in the refrigerator ahead of time. To keep the meals fresh, make sure you choose seasonal ingredients. A good way to add variety to your menu is to add extra protein in the form of beans, chickpeas, or tofu. You can also add healthy fats like avocado or nuts.
Can you lose weight from meal prepping?
Whether you’re preparing a buffet-style meal or a complete meal, prepping meals can save you a lot of time. To minimize the time you spend cooking and preparing meals, create a shopping list before you head to the store. You can then save it in a spreadsheet and add to it as needed.
While meal prep can save you time and effort, it’s important to be aware that food doesn’t last forever in the fridge. On average, your meals won’t stay in the fridge for more than five days, but it depends on the ingredients, storage containers, and refrigerator temperature. Also, when meal prepping, don’t forget to consider food safety. You can prevent food poisoning by cooking your meals at the right temperature. You should also check the FDA guidelines for food storage.
Preparing food ahead of time can save you time, particularly if you’re in a hurry. If you’re starving, you may be tempted to pick up unhealthy foods, so meal prep allows you to choose healthier options. Moreover, it helps you add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.