My Thoughts On Meal Prep

Happy New Year Friends, yes, I do realize its March, Im a bit of a late starter. Now just like many others this year, I have decided to really work on my health, I would say this has always been a goal of mine but if I’m being honest, I’m flighty about it, I’m either all in or not, there is hardly an in-between. I would say last year I primarily worked on my mental health but kinda let my physical health go. So, this past weekend I sat down and really decided heart and soul to do this, to take my diet plan and excise seriously, no more excuses.

So, I am big into meal prep, I like to meal prep most of my meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner. It makes life so much easier and less likely to cheat or if you're like me, eat everything you can, while cooking because you're starving. I generally do 3 days of dinner and lunch, so two different things. I only make for me because Im the only one eating vegetarian and I don't get home till almost seven at night, so it just makes my life a little easier just to pop it into the air fryer or microwave. Breakfast I usually do the same thing every day, like granola bar and banana or English muffin and banana, something like that.

I really try to keep it simple but sometimes I do something a little more extra and it require more time, but I do all my meal prep on the weekends because thats when I have more time. Like I said I try to sick to 3 days because I get bored and know my limits with food. (Side note: lately I have been eating this quinoa salad and I am hyper fixed on it because I've eaten it most days for like 2 months (lol).) Ill post what I do down below, it's so good!!

There are a few things I try to do before I meal prep:

1. I look at the sale adds at the grocery stores I shop at, to look for money savings. My favorites are Target, Publix and Kroger (only as needed, Walmart)

2. If there are things that are a good buy and I can meal prep with it, that's what I will do, if not I will look up something on Delish or even IG for inspo, or I'll just do something I have done before. Just really depends on my mood.

3. Set aside time throughout your weekend or week to commit to the process, homecooked food can take time depending on what you're cooking. The prep to the prepping (haha)

I understand that this all can be time consuming or even a little daunting but it's worth it. This can help you save time, and money. If you are on a weight loss journey this may be exactly what you need to stay on track. If everything is prepped and ready, you're less likely to grab something on the go if your rushed for time. You're less likely to snack while making your meal at home. Just heat it up and enjoy.

Just an example of what I made for this past week, I made vegan meatballs with mashed potatoes and garlic lemon asparagus.

• I bought the premade gardein frozen meatballs and put them in the crockpot on low, with chili sauce and like 2 spoonsful of grape jelly. I let them cook for a few hours.

• When they were almost done, I started the potatoes, I just pealed 3 servings worth for myself and boiled them. Once cooked, I drained them, added plant-based butter, plant-based milk and some salt and pepper.

• Then I washed and cut up the asparagus. To a pan added butter to melt with minced garlic, once melted I added the asparagus and lemon until cooked.

• Separated into 3 servings and that's that.

Super easy and if I had to guess, around 4$ per serving. You can always change it up to your liking.

For the quinoa salad this is what I do, you literally cannot mess this up

• I made a batch of quinoa, just followed the directions on the bag, used veggie broth instead of water and split it 3 ways.

• cut up some cherry tomatoes.

• add artichoke hearts.

• add sundried tomatoes.

• add cranberries.

• add green & black olives.

• and dressing of choice, I have been obsessed with Panera's fuji apple and Mediterranean lemon dressings both are fantastic.

This is how I eat it, but you can do it however you choose. This is basically what I eat for three or four days, there are nights I cook and then eat the leftovers or grab a quick bagged salad, I always try to keep them on hand as well. I think just having easy, good food available when you're hungry will make a big difference.

I hope some of this is helpful and as always thanks for reading

XoXo Nikki