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A beginner ’ s guide to meal prepping
If you ’ re constantly on the go and don ’ t have time to cook a fresh meal every day , preparing your food in advance may be right for you . Meal prepping allows you to enjoy healthy , affordable dishes that are ready when you need them . Here ’ s some advice to get you started .
Use the right containers Stock up on reusable , airtight containers that will keep your prepared meals fresh . Glass containers are a great option since they ’ re dishwasher and microwave safe and don ’ t contain any harmful BPAs .
Plan ahead Decide which recipes you want to cook for the week so you can buy the needed ingredients . It ’ s best to choose meals that hold up well in the fridge or freezer . Some foods that are ideal for meal prepping include :
• Frozen vegetables such as peas , broccoli and cauliflower
• Starchy vegetables like parsnips and potatoes
• Fresh vegetables like celery , carrots and bell peppers
• Whole grains like oats , quinoa and buckwheat
• Canned foods like chickpeas , lentils and peas
• Lean proteins like eggs , cottage cheese and tofu
• Lean cuts of meat like chicken , turkey and beef
You may want to start out by prepping meals for just two or three days , as you might find you get tired of eating the same thing all week .
Set aside time Schedule one or two days per week to prep your meals . Many people set aside Sundays and Wednesdays . However , it may suit your schedule to cook on Mondays and Thursdays . Do whatever works best for you .
Lastly , you may want to download a meal prepping app on your smartphone that allows you to keep your grocery lists and recipes in one place . n
104 MoultrieScene JANUARY 2022