Let's get real: meal prep can be a total drag. You're envisioning hours of chopping veggies, boiling chicken breasts, and tediously portioning out into containers. But let me be the one to tell you-it doesn't have to be that way. Meal prep, done right, is a major time-saver, a serious stress-buster, and a total game-changer when it comes to eating healthy.

My meal prepping journey began as I started working a load or just opted for takeout and frozen dinners. I knew that wasn't going to be very sustainable; I was desperate, though, for a better solution. And then came meal prepping, which honestly saved me. It has helped me be healthier, to control my budget, and actually enjoy cooking again.

Planning Your Menu

The point of meal prepping is planning. Before you even think about reaching for your chopping board, spend a little bit of time mapping out meals for the week. Consider your dietary needs and desires: quick-and-easy lunches or hearty dinners after a long day-which is the most important? Don't overthink it.

This would also mean that, more often than not, I would prepare two to three different recipes throughout the week and was able to mix and match. For instance, roasting a big batch of veggies, some protein-packed chicken or tofu, then a couple different types of grains. That way, I can make a wide variety of meals without having to cook something new every night.

I also find it helpful to meal prep based on the day of the week. An example may be knowing that I am super busy on Tuesdays, so I will make a super-quick and easy meal that day. Sometimes if I don't make a plan for meals, I tend to grab whatever is quickest and easiest-even if it's not the healthiest choice.

Step 2: The Power of Batch Cooking

Now that you have your menu planned out, it is time to hit the kitchen. The beauty about meal prepping is that you can cook in bulk, which saves you tons of time in the long run.

Think about it: instead of roasted chicken breasts every night for dinner, why not roast a whole lot in one evening? You can even use the leftover chicken for salads or sandwiches.

For batch cooking, I really advise you stick with simple recipes that are fairly versatile. Recipes like roasted vegetables, quinoa, and rice are all great options because they can be used in a multitude of meals.

Just a little pro tip, don't be afraid to experiment with flavors. I do like to throw in a little bit of spice or add in some other herb on top of my usual batch-cooked meals for variety. You can even freeze some of your cooked meals for later.

Storage is Key

You got your meals prepped, now it's time to store them. I would highly recommend using airtight containers to store food fresh and avoid freezer burn. Label everything with the date of what's in it. That way, it's easy to grab what you need for your meals without having to open every container.

I like to keep food in containers of different sizes, so that it could be for a single serve for lunch and another bigger one for dinner. For snacks, like nuts and fruits, it's very handy to have some small containers ready.

Step 4: Mix and Match

One of the best things about meal prepping is mixing and matching your ingredients to make any type of meal desired. You can even get creative and try out new recipes.

For example, I might take some of my roasted vegetables and toss them with quinoa and a protein source for an easy and satisfying dinner. Alternatively, I might use my cooked rice to make either the base of a stir-fry or the base of a salad.

It's great, not being afraid to get creative with it. You can think of endless flavor and texture combinations, just so long as you include a lot of different nutrients within your meals.

Chapter 5: Snacks Aren't Off Limits!

I know, I know, snacking-it's one of those things that is hard to resist, especially when you're trying to stay on track with your meal prepping goals. But don't despair. You can still enjoy snacks as long as you plan ahead.

I have healthy snacks around me all the time. This reduces my tendency to immediately look for less healthy options once I get hungry. Some common snacks that I have around me include nuts, seeds, fruits, and veggies. I also like keeping some protein bars or yogurt around just in case I really need a little boost.

Meal Prepping: Something More Than Food

Meal prepping is far more than cooking and eating. It is actually sort of a way of life that makes quite a big difference in the sphere of health and well-being. It helps save time, money, and stress. It can also help one eat much healthier, which may result in higher energy levels, a better mood, and a strong immune system.

So, what are you waiting for? Meal prep for yourself this week and see just how much easier it makes your life. You may be surprised at how much you like it!