The Ridiculously Easy Way to Meal Prep for Beginners

I've been wanting to write a meal prep for beginners post for a whileeeee now. So here it is friend! Let me ask you.... Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen every day, scrambling to throw together a last-minute meal? Do you find yourself constantly resorting to unhealthy takeout or microwave dinners?

I completely understand how you feel, I've been there. It's frustrating. If the idea of meal prepping has always seemed overwhelming, don't worry - I was once in your exact position and you're not alone!

But here's the thing: meal prepping doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, with a few simple steps, you can effortlessly take control of your eating habits and save yourself time and money in the process. 

This is lengthy, but intentional and INCREDIBLY informative - so:

• grab a pen and paper and take notes
• download the checklist at the end for easy beginner meal prep!!
• Or copy this URL and paste it into your notes for when you have time to come back and sit down to review this.

You're setting yourself up for success!!

Easy Meal Prep for Beginners:

I want you to consider this your beginner's guide to meal prepping. Within this meal prep guide, I'm breaking down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps that anyone can do. I'll guide you through the entire journey, from planning your meals to properly storing them, so you can kiss those last-minute food decisions goodbye. 

By the end of this meal prep for beginners guide, you'll not only have a clear understanding of how to make meal prepping a breeze, but you'll also be equipped with the tools and knowledge to make healthier choices and reach your goals.

So, if you're ready to create a new habit and take the first step towards a stress-free and healthy lifestyle, keep reading. Get ready to learn the art of meal prepping, nutritious and delicious meals one at a time with these meal prep tips!

Tools to Make Meal Prep Easier

Start with a Meal Plan

Before diving into your beginner meal prep journey, it's crucial to start with a meal plan. Consider it your roadmap to success, helping you stay organized and focused throughout the process.

By taking the time to plan out your meals in advance, you'll save yourself from the stress of decision-making and set yourself up for a successful week of effortless healthy meals.

Creating a meal plan doesn't have to be a big stressful process. Begin by asking yourself a few key questions:

• What are your dietary preferences and goals? 
• How many meals do you need to prepare?
• Are there any specific ingredients you want to incorporate? 

Once you have a clear idea of your needs and preferences, you can start mapping out your meals for the week.

A simple way to approach meal planning is to choose a handful of recipes that you enjoy and are relatively easy to prepare. Look for recipes that utilize similar ingredients, as this will help streamline your grocery shopping and minimize waste.

I do this by selecting two main proteins for the week, like chicken and turkey. It's also helpful to include a variety of vegetables and grains to ensure a well-balanced diet.

Consider dedicating a specific day or time each week to plan out your meals.

This routine will help you stay consistent and make meal prepping a seamless part of your lifestyle. Whether it's Sunday afternoon or Thursday evening, find a time that works best for you and stick to it.

By starting with a meal plan, you'll eliminate the guesswork and uncertainty that often leads to unhealthy food choices. Instead, you'll have a clear direction to follow throughout your meal prep journey, making it easier to stay on track with your health and wellness goals.

Make a Comprehensive Shopping List

With your meal plan in hand, it's time to move on to the next step: making a comprehensive shopping list.

A lot of people dread grocery shopping. However, this list will serve as your guide when navigating the aisles of the grocery store, ensuring you have everything you need to effortlessly execute your meal prep. 

By taking the time to create a well-thought-out shopping list, you'll save yourself from last-minute trips to the store and the frustration of forgetting a key ingredient.

To start, review your meal plan and take note of all the ingredients required for each recipe.

Consider the quantities needed for each item and be sure to account for any leftovers you might want to incorporate into future meals. It's also helpful to have an understanding of the staple ingredients you regularly use and may need to restock.

As you create your shopping list, organize it according to the layout of your preferred grocery store.

Group similar items together, such as fresh produce, dairy products, and pantry staples. This approach will minimize backtracking and save you valuable time while you shop. 

I learned this the hard way, LOL.

Don't forget to check your kitchen pantry and refrigerator for any items you already have on hand. By eliminating duplicate purchases, you'll not only save money but also reduce food waste.

Once your comprehensive shopping list is complete, take a moment to review it.

Check for any missing items or potential substitutions that could make your meal prep even easier. With this list in hand, you'll feel confident and prepared as you venture into the grocery store.

Embrace Time Saving Tools

Now that you have your comprehensive shopping list ready, it's time to embrace time-saving tools and techniques that will help streamline your meal prep process.

Effortless meal prepping doesn't just happen by magic; it requires a bit of planning and the right tools to make your life easier. Fortunately, there are a variety of time-saving tools available that can help you conquer your meal prep like a pro!

One invaluable tool that should be a staple in any meal prep enthusiast's kitchen is a good set of quality knives.

Investing in a sharp, durable chef's knife and a sturdy cutting board will make chopping and slicing a breeze. With the right tools at your disposal, you'll be able to swiftly and safely prepare your ingredients, cutting down on both time and frustration.

Grab this meal prep schedule planner from Etsy!

Another time-saving tool that can be a game-changer in the kitchen is a food processor. Whether you're grinding meat, chopping vegetables, or making sauces, a food processor can save you significant time and effort.

Simply toss your ingredients into the processor, press a button, and let it do the work for you. It's like having an extra set of hands in the kitchen.

For my friends who have a busy schedule, consider incorporating a slow cooker or Instant Pot into your meal prep routine. These versatile appliances allow batch cooking food with minimal effort. 

Simply add your ingredients, set the timer, and let the machine do the rest while you go about your day. By the time you're ready to sit down for a meal, your food will be perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy. I do this for work lunches or easy meal prep recipes for dinner.

Prepare and Store Your Meals

One of the keys to successful meal prepping is ensuring that you have a seamless process for preparing and storing your meals. This might actually be one of the biggest take aways!

By following a few simple steps, you can set yourself up for an effortless weekly meal prep.

First and foremost, investing in a set of durable, reusable meal prep containers is essential. These containers not only help you stay organized but also make it easy to portion out your meals.

Look for airtight containers that are microwave and dishwasher safe for added convenience.

By having everything neatly packed in individual servings, you'll be able to grab a healthy meal on the go or quickly reheat dinner when you're short on time.

Once you have your containers, it's time to start preparing your meals.

Begin by cooking large batches of your favorite proteins, such as chicken, beef, or tofu. Season them with your preferred spices and divide them into individual portions.

Next, cook a variety of vegetables, whether it's roasting a tray of colorful bell peppers or steaming a medley of broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Don't forget to include complex carbohydrates like brown rice or quinoa as a filling base for your meals!

After your proteins, vegetables, and carbohydrates are cooked and portioned, it's time to start assembling your meals.

Fill each container with a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.

The perfect meal prep = Protein + Veggie + Carb

This will ensure that each meal is both satisfying and nutritionally complete. To prevent burn out, consider incorporating different flavors and textures to keep your meals interesting throughout the week.

Finally, be mindful of proper storage techniques to maintain the freshness of your prepared meals. Label each container with the date it was prepared to keep track of their shelf life. If you're storing meals in the refrigerator, make sure to stack them in an organized manner to maximize space.

I usually stack mine in the order I want to eat them. For instance, Monday's lunch and dinner are in the front, then Tuesday's, etc.

I'll typically cook on Sunday and only make meals through Thursday so I know it's safe to eat. Thats 4 out of the 7 days, prepared.

If you want to prepare for all seven days, I recommend one prep day on Sunday and another prep night on Wednesday!

For longer storage, such as in the freezer, use freezer-safe containers or wrap each meal tightly in freezer-safe bags. This Vacuum Sealer from Amazon is perfect for keeping left overs fresh!

Enjoy the Benefits of Meal Prep

One of my favorite sections! Because THIS is where it counts when you're asking "What does meal prepping do for me?"

By taking the time to plan and prepare your meals in advance, you'll find yourself saving countless hours during the week and experiencing the satisfaction of having nutritious, homemade meals ready to enjoy whenever hunger strikes.

Not only will this save you from the temptation of ordering takeout or resorting to unhealthy options, but it will also help you make healthier food choices.

Meal prepping allows you to have better control over your portion sizes, ensuring that you're not overeating or consuming unnecessary calories. 

It also gives you the opportunity to incorporate a variety of nutritious ingredients into your meals, helping you meet your dietary goals and preferences.

With meal prepping, you can easily cater to specific dietary needs or restrictions, whether you're following a gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian diet.

Also, by dedicating a block of time each week to meal prepping, you'll reduce stress and decision fatigue when it comes to deciding what to eat. Instead of scrambling to put together a meal at the end of a long day, you can simply reach into the refrigerator or freezer and grab a pre-prepared meal. This eliminates the need for last-minute grocery store runs or unhealthy snacking.

In addition to the time and stress-saving benefits, meal prepping can also save you money. By buying ingredients in bulk and preparing meals at home, you'll cut down on the cost of eating out or buying pre-packaged meals.

Plus, you'll be less likely to waste food since you'll have a clear plan of what you'll be eating throughout the week.

Just Do It, Start Today

You've accomplished the guide for meal prep for beginners! Now that you understand the advantages of meal prepping, it's time to take action and start today. I want you to sit down and just start planning next week!

So let's recap:

• Pick a day and time each week to plan your meals and a day to prepare them in advance. Find a day that works for you, whether it's the weekend or a weekday evening, and make it a regular part of your routine.
• Start by reviewing your schedule for the upcoming week and determine how many meals you'll need to prep. Consider your breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and any snacks you typically have. This will give you a clear picture of what needs to be prepared and ensure you have enough food to last throughout the week.
• Next, create a meal plan for the week. Take into account your dietary needs, preferences, and any specific goals you have, such as incorporating more vegetables or reducing your intake of processed foods. Look for healthy meal prep ideas that align with your preferences and can be easily prepped in advance. 
• Make a grocery list based on the ingredients you'll need, and be sure to check your pantry for any items you already have to avoid unnecessary purchases.
• When it's time to grocery shop, stick to your list and avoid impulse buys. Buying in bulk whenever possible can help you save money. 
• Once you have all your ingredients, set aside a block of time to cook and prep your meals. Some people prefer doing this all at once, while others find it more manageable to prep a few meals at a time throughout the week. Find what works best for you and your schedule. 
• Prepare your ingredients, portion out your meals, and store them in appropriate containers, whether that's glass containers, meal prep containers, or mason jars.
• Remember to label your meals with the date and contents to avoid confusion later in the week. If you're using freezer-friendly ingredients or recipes, consider batch cooking and freezing extra portions for busy days or emergencies.
• Now that you have your meals prepped and ready to go, embrace the convenience and enjoy the extra time and energy you've saved!!

DOWNLOAD THIS MEAL PREP FOR BEGINNERS CHECKLIST, to help with easier meal prep planning!