You know what's great about meal prep? You can cook for the week in one shot and it's a lot easier than cooking every night. But there are some things you should keep in mind when you're meal prepping. We've put together this list of healthy meal prep ideas to make sure your meals are balanced, delicious, and easy to make!
With that said, here are 6 meal prep ideas you can start making today! 👊
Chicken is a great source of protein, B vitamins and selenium. It's also low in fat and cholesterol. You can use it to make soups, stews or casseroles; chicken thighs are ideal for this purpose because they're juicier than breasts. If you don't have time to cook your own chicken at home (or want to avoid the mess that comes with roasting), opt for rotisserie chicken instead--it's already cooked through so all you need to do is heat it up!
Ground turkey is a great source of protein, iron, zinc and niacin. It also contains selenium--a mineral that helps protect against heart disease.
Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair. Iron aids in the production of red blood cells; it's especially important for women because they lose iron during their menstrual cycle (and during pregnancy). Zinc supports immune function; it also helps heal wounds faster by boosting tissue regeneration. Niacin helps lower cholesterol levels while strengthening the immune system. Selenium protects against cancer by reducing free radical damage to DNA in cells throughout your body
Fish is a great source of protein, omega 3s and vitamin D. It's also very easy to prepare! If you're planning on eating fish for your meal prep meals, here are some tips:
Cook it in foil packets with vegetables and seasonings for an easy way to make sure that it's cooked all the way through without drying out.
If you're not into cooking fish yourself, look for pre-prepared versions at the grocery store--these are usually found near the produce section or seafood counter. They'll come already seasoned and ready-to-eat so all you have to do is heat them up before serving!
Eggs are a great source of protein, as well as vitamin B12, selenium and choline. They're also a good source of omega 3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation in the body and lower cholesterol levels--a benefit that can help prevent heart disease.
Choline is an essential nutrient found in eggs that has been shown to improve memory function when taken as part of daily diet (1). Choline deficiency has been linked with liver damage (2), but you don't need to worry about getting enough if you eat enough eggs!
If you're a fan of protein shakes and have been thinking about making them at home, this is the perfect time to give it a try.
Protein shakes are one of the easiest ways to get a ton of protein in your diet without having to worry about cooking or measuring out ingredients--just add water and blend! They're also great for post-workout recovery because they contain nutrients that help rebuild muscle tissue after intense training sessions.
The downside? Protein powder can be expensive if purchased pre-mixed, but there are plenty of recipes out there that use ingredients like oats or peanut butter as substitutes for whey powder (which tends to be more expensive). You can also save money by purchasing bulk blends instead of small containers from individual brands.
Hard boiled eggs are a quick and easy way to add protein to your meal prep. They're also a great snack on the go!
To boil an egg, you need:
A pot of water (enough so that your eggs can be completely submerged)
Eggs in their shells (10-12 is a good amount)
Protein is an important part of any diet, because it's what your body uses to build muscle and repair tissue. If you're trying to lose weight or build muscle, eating enough protein is key.
There are many different ways to get your daily dose of this macronutrient--from protein shakes made with milk and peanut butter (or other nut butters) all the way up to whole eggs or grilled chicken breast--and each method has its own advantages and drawbacks. But no matter how you choose to get your fill, meal prepping with chicken/turkey/fish is an easy way for anyone who wants a healthy way of eating without spending too much time in the kitchen!
Meal prepping is a great way to get organized and save money on food. It's also a good way to eat healthier and make sure you're getting all the nutrients your body needs. We hope this list has given you some ideas for what kind of meals you can prep ahead of time, so that next time you have a busy week ahead with work or school it won't be as stressful!