Food Blog

Breaking it Down: Meal Planning & Prepping

foodblog mealplanning mealprep whatsonyourfork Dec 28, 2020

For me, meal prepping doesn't mean making all your meals on Sunday and putting them in those matching to-go containers. I don't think it's bad to do that. It works GREAT for some, but, I need a more realistic approach and I thought I'd give you some insight into how I do it. If you struggle with eating healthy & cooking your own meals (at least some of them) I hope this blog helps to show you ways to find what works for you. 

When I get home from the grocery store, I always take 30 minutes to put the groceries away, clean the produce, and prep a few things. Here is what goes down on grocery day at my house:

  1. Come home from the store (or pick them up off my porch) and get all the produce out FIRST
  2. Fill a BIG bowl with water and a few tbsp of vinegar and place all veggies that need to be washed in the bowl 
  3. Put away all other groceries in their correct spot (don't put the rice with your easy-grab snacks. Keeping your pantry and fridge organized will save you LOADS of time and frustration when it comes time to cook your meal

Here are some foods that I suggest you prep right away:

  • Quinoa/Rice (go ahead and cook some up so you have it on hand for quick lunch & dinner
  • Prep your proteins like chicken breasts, salmon filets, beans, etc. This saves you so much stress at dinner time. I can't emphasize this enough
  • Boil Eggs
  • Assemble salads (leave out dressing)
  • Cut fruits and veggies 

Here is a picture of one day of snacks I packed for Neil (the hubby). He goes to work every day, and to ensure he eats healthy, he loves me to pack his lunch and snacks. I show you this picture because it's real. Is it a perfectly balanced dietitian-approved day of eating? Probably not. But this is exactly why I show you this picture. I want to keep it real. I want to keep it simple. I want to show you that eating healthier is doable.

Here is what we have:

  • 2 cutie oranges (yes I peel them. If I don't, he won't take the time to eat them)
  • Homemade Tuna Salad (tuna in olive oil, s/p, dijon mustard, lemon juice, a little mayo from Chosen Foods, a dabble of sweet relish 
  • Homemade roasted pecans (I make different nuts in batches each week. This is part of my prep day)
  • 2 boiled eggs (This is part of my prep day. I boil 8-10 eggs a week and use them for salads, to eat alone, and for egg salad)
  • Plant-based protein shake 
  • chicken sausage (I cooked a whole package on prep day. He ate it for lunch 2 days, and for snacks 2 days)
  • Guacamole from Costco to dip the chicken (added healthy fat and flavor)

These foods are real. These foods are simple & quick. With just a little bit of effort and prep, eating healthy is completely achievable. I am here to inspire you. I am here to challenge you. I got you, boo! Every day is a new day to try. 

I have a mini-class on my website that teaches you step-by-step how to incorporate some healthier meal planning and prepping into your busy schedule. You will leave the class feeling refreshed and ready to cook some healthy meals. Learn more by clicking here

In good health,

Shelley

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