Beginners guide to how you can meal prep EASILY for travel & everyday life
Anyone who knows me would agree that, I take my meal prep seriously! I could be incredibly desperate for time in the morning, and I would still be making my meals before I would take time to style my hair or put together a nice outfit. #priorities
However, it doesn’t always go as planned, especially after a night of indulging in too many bikini body beverages! The next day is a complete write off.
Mastering meal prep takes time, same as any habit; you must form a routine that becomes second nature to you.
Initially I began meal prepping because, I wanted to eat smart at a price I could afford.
It takes some practice, but over time you will develop a system that works for you.
Follow my tips and not only will you be staying on track with your diet, you'll also be saving serious cash too.
Be Prepared, Always!
Being successful at meal prep means always being on top of planning.
Create a morning or evening routine. Personally, I spend 30 minutes in the kitchen every morning after I've showered and make all my food for the day.
Always pack a lunch AND a healthy snack even if you don't plan to be out long, something might unexpectedly come up.
Have emergency healthy snacks handy in places such as your office, car and gym bag. Refer below for healthy snack options
Plan the night before, what you want to eat the next day. Make sure you have all the ingredients you'll need.
Learn to make food you enjoy eating. Get excited about your meals. 😛
Keep a bottle of your favorite sauce and seasoning at your work place.
Multi-Task In The Kitchen
Betty Crocker better watch out!
Utilize your kitchen space to its full potential. Start cooking multiple items at once. Obviously, without overwhelming yourself, or burning everything to shit.
The more you practice your routine the easier it will become, I promise.
Tip: Always start the cooking process for your proteins and carbs first, because they will take the longest time to prepare..
Build a grocery list you love
and save it.
Put a grocery list in your notes on your phone, because we've all done it; gone to the grocery store and forgot the one thing we went there for.
Eventually you’ll get to at a point where you can be in-n-out of the store in 10-15 minutes, because you know exactly what you need, and where to get it.
Tip: Always incorporate new products into your grocery list, it will make you excited about creating new dishes!
How to meal prep away from home?
there's always a way!
Bring two Tupperware containers for packing a meal on the go.
Stay somewhere there's a kitchen available for use, or at least a fridge to store items.
Make sure the food you pack for the day, can last without a fridge. (no dairy)
Access to the right utensils. Let’s be honest you're never going to want to cook in a kitchen that doesn't feel comfortable. Make sure you're set up for success with the right cooking equipment. A sharp cutting knife is key.
Tip: If staying on track with your budget and diet is important to you, always book somewhere abroad with a kitchen, it's just easier that way.
No prep? Don't worry...
For convenience purposes, I chose snacks you can find at most stores.
Handful of almonds, peanuts, cashews; plain or salt roasted. Serving size 160-200 calories per 1/3 cup
Light non-buttered popcorn; serving size 200 calories per 2-3 cups
Vegan Meats... I'm obsessed with pre cooking (Chick'n tenders, Veggie burger patties) a great item for travel
Handful of Pumpkin seeds; serving size 160 calories per 1/4 cup
Carrot or celery sticks with a side of honey mustard
Seaweed crisps
Light crackers; serving size 140 calories per 13-15 crackers
Coconut chips. Stick to the low sugar flavors. 110 calories per 1/2 cup
Natural protein bars containing less than 12g of sugar. Serving size 200-250 calories per bar
Tip: Minimize the calorie content in meals when you're dining out by requesting any sauce in the dish on the side, and ask for your vegetables to be steamed not fried.
& remember being healthy and feeling happy, are one of the same!
