*Please note I am not in any way a registered dietitian, this is only advice that you can choose to follow or not*
As in we are prepping meals for future consumption. Whether this be for an easier week while juggling life or for weightloss/gain preperation, cooking meals and prepping may seem a bit intimidating. Don’t get me started on when we’re first starting out, I know it appeared to be quite the task to me. But now it’s apart of my lifestyle, needless to say I’ve simplified it so it doesn’t discourage me from my ultimate goal.
People’s perception of losing weight is to mainly have a very bland diet and have absolutely nothing that makes the saliva glands well salivate, lol. I’ve had people tell me they are only eating salads and cutting out the meat, not doing dressing, going on water fast, going vegan, becoming vegetarian ect and it’s all because as a society we are lost. We have no idea what to put in our bodies nor how much of it to consume.
People will literally eat like a rabbit and wonder why they get bored, have no energy, have unimaginable cravings and totally crash and burn either before they have reached this diet’s end or make it through the end to only go right back to old habits the minute it’s over and I mean as in going to an all you can eat buffet to celebrate at 10 pound weight loss victory to only put back on 12 pounds within the next 2 to 3 weeks. Yes this used to be me so I know and understand 1st hand.
When I 1st started my fitness journey, I remember thinking to myself “eating clean” is no carbs, no seasoning, no juice, no dressing, no fruits because of the simple sugars etc. I felt defeated already and always found myself hungry within a few hours of a so called meal which usually lead to “yo yo” dieting. Anyone with me so far???
I won’t continue to babble on, just going to give some tips on a bit easier, tastier meal prep ideas. Some people prep all 3 meals including snacks and some are comfortable with doing just lunch and/or dinner etc. You have to figure out which one you are. I choose Sundays as my 1st prep day and I prepped for 3 days at a time for freshness purposes. Of course I am aware of my personal calorie intake for that particular week as you should be as well.
Choose either one protein or meats and season it 2 different ways or choose 2 different proteins or meats. Season your meats and zip lock bag them now throw them in the fridge to marinate.
Choose your carbohydrate whether it be sweet potatoes, red skin potatoes, pasta or rice. Season it to your liking and portion out serving sizes which you can find on the food packaging.
Choose your vegetable, season and also portion out serving sizes. I for one Love❤ the sheet Pan method. Cover sheet pan with foil, dump your marinated meats, potatoes and veggies on the pan and pop it in the oven on 325゚so everything cooks evenly. Bam! Done! Portion in separate containers, store in fridge for the next 3 days, throw away foil, sit down and relax because you my friend have just had a very successful easy clean up meal prep Sunday😁 Happy Prepping!
By: Tiffany Bennett
Below are some ideas: Tomato basil chicken with green beans.
Grilled fish with citrus basil, zucchini and squash and avocado scoops.
Ham and cheese lettuce wraps, salad, 1/4 of a chocolate bar and broccoli.
White rice, spicy shrimp and a tomato and avocado salad with green onion and cilantro.