If you resolved to eat better, healthier foods in 2017, one of the quickest and easiest ways to accomplish this is meal prepping.
If you’ve never meal prepped before, it’s very simple – you just make a large batch of food for breakfasts, snacks, lunches or even dinners throughout the week. People have been doing this forever (think frozen one-pan dinners), but, meal prepping really had its moment in 2016. Every fitness “expert” on Instagram posts rows of Tupperware containers packed with rice, lean proteins (like chicken), various in-season vegetables, hummus, cheeses and nuts just about once a week.
For the rest of us, the meal you choose to “prep” can really be anything. Having meals on hand throughout the upcoming week will simply help keep you on track. Meal prepping also can keep you from eating out too often and can help save you from wasting food and/or money. Even if you only plan ahead one day at a time (i.e. overnight oats), you’re still all set for the next morning without the hassle of cooking a healthy breakfast.
Forgot to get something out for dinner? Meal prep to the rescue. Stayed in bed for an extra 10 minutes? Overnight oats are here to help.
If you want to give meal prepping a try, here are seven new, yummy recipes to check out:
- Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
- Chicken and Veggie Teriyaki Stir-Fry Bowl
- Roasted Veggie Salad with Avocado Dressing
- Carnitas Burrito Bowl
- Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls
- Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Veggie chips also make a great snack for the week ahead, and you can cook them at home to cut out tons of sodium. Get the recipe here.
Check out these tips to help you start meal prepping like a pro, courtesy of Elle Penner, MPH, RD.
