If you are like me, you might have made a resolution for weight loss at the beginning of the year. We all like to start things fresh and call it a new beginning. I think it helps hold us more accountable than starting in the middle of a week or month.
Sometimes, my family eat the same dinners over and over again and things can get a little boring. Our kids are involved in sports and cheer and sometimes I am running all over town and come home only to find that I have no clue what to make for dinner. Planning meals before the week begins can take the stress out of these days.
When meal prepping, it’s best to start your planning on grocery day. In my house, we like to have grocery day on Sunday. Meal planning always helps with the grocery list. It keeps the whole process more organized that way I’m not purchasing more foods than I need. That means less is going to waste. If I make a list of things to cook, I tend to stick to the list to get only necessary items for those meals.
The list below will help with meal prepping for beginners. The key is to make your life easier and this will totally help!
Step 1: Make a List!
Write down all meals and snacks you would like for the week. If you are getting bored, but aren’t super adventurous, choose one new meal for your family to try and add it to your weekly meal routine. List all the items you will need for each meal. I also have a fun chalk board to make a “menu” for the week.
Step 2: Go Shopping!
We can do this part in our sleep. 😉
Step 3: Meal Prepping.
If you want to have things ready to heat up during the week when you have those busy running around days, this is the way to go. If you have chicken or beef for 2 of your chosen meals, cooking it all at one time can be helpful in cutting down the time it takes to get the meals ready. Cutting up veggies and roasting or steaming them at once can do the same. Put them away in Tupperware or glass Pyrex dishes. When you are ready to cook, they will be easily accessible!
Step 4: Enjoy!
If you were to ‘Google’ meal planning, it might get a little intimidating. But I promise you, it can be really inspiring. There are so many blogs out there about meal planning and prep. Narrowing down your choices, whether it be vegetarian, or low carb, etc., can help in your research. Remember, this is to help you, not make things more complicated. Try new things! Below are a few awesome blogs that can help! Have fun!
Susan Ingram, OWL Blogger
