Meal prep is the practice of preparing meals or meal components in advance, typically for the purpose of saving time and effort during the week. It involves planning, shopping for ingredients, cooking, and portioning out meals or ingredients to be used throughout the week.

Meal prep offers numerous benefits, including saving time, reducing stress, and promoting healthier eating habits. By having pre-prepared meals or ingredients ready to go, you can avoid the temptation of ordering takeout or relying on unhealthy convenience foods when you’re busy or tired.

To start meal prepping, begin by selecting a day or two each week to dedicate to meal planning and preparation. Choose recipes that can be easily batch cooked and portioned out for multiple meals. Make a shopping list and gather all the necessary ingredients. Cook and assemble the meals or meal components, and store them in individual containers in the refrigerator or freezer.

– Plan your meals and create a weekly menu to ensure you have a variety of healthy options.
– Invest in quality food storage containers that are stackable and microwave-safe.
– Use versatile ingredients that can be used in multiple recipes to save time and money.
– Cook in bulk and freeze individual portions for future meals.
– Pre-cut and wash fruits and vegetables to have them readily available for snacks or quick meal assembly.
– Label and date your meal prepped containers for easy identification.
– Take advantage of slow cooker or Instant Pot recipes for hands-off cooking.
– Don’t be afraid to experiment with new recipes and flavors to keep meal prep exciting and enjoyable.

The shelf life of meal prepped meals depends on the ingredients used and the storage conditions. Generally, cooked meals can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you plan to keep meals longer, it’s best to freeze them. Frozen meals can typically be stored for up to 3 months. However, it’s important to properly wrap and seal the meals to prevent freezer burn.