Everyone wants to eat healthier after indulging in all of the delicious treats the holiday season has to offer. However, very few people are able to maintain their healthy habits beyond the first few weeks or months of the new year. If this sounds familiar, it's not your fault. The good news is that making a few small changes to your cooking routine can help you hold onto those healthy eating habits all year long. Meal prepping is a simple, cost-effective way to create healthy, delicious meals without spending all of your time in the kitchen. Below you'll find the ultimate guide to meal prepping. 1. Schedule a dedicated "prep day" This is easier said than done for some people, but it's helpful to get in the routine of dedicating the same day each week to prepping your food. If possible, try to plan, shop and prep on the same day. This lets you get the whole process knocked out at once without spending tons of energy on it throughout the week. 2. Splurge on containers you'll love How your food is plated is just as important as how it tastes. You'll be much happier to eat your pre-made meal if the containers are aesthetic and easy to clean. 3. Be realistic with your meal prep goals Ambitious goals like "prepping all of your meals for the week" are just too much for most people. It might even be too time-consuming to prep weekly dinners. Be honest about how much time you can devote to prepping, and plan accordingly. 4. Get creative There are different types of meal prepping. Some people like to cook an entire meal and then portion it into microwaveable containers. However, not everyone likes this. Don't be afraid to get creative with your prep. Some people simply do all of the prep work for a meal, such as slicing veggies and marinating meat, and then cook the prepped ingredients on the designated day. Others do single-bag "freezer prep" meals that anyone in the house can warm up in the oven. There's no "right" way to meal prep, so do what works for you. 5. Prep breakfast or lunch instead Who says you can only prep dinners? Prepping breakfast or lunch can save just as much time and energy, especially if you're prone to skipping those meals. Remember that meal prepping doesn't have to be complicated. Follow the tips in this guide to creating lasting, healthy habits for 2022.
