Meal Prep is the way to go. Expert tips for Easy, Healthy, and Affordable meals all week long.
Admit it, we are all tempted to grab drive thru when we are in a hurry or simple feel too lazy and don't want to cook or even worse, clean dishes. Meal prep was the best discovery for me. Basically in one day at one time you knock out all the cooking and all the dishes for the entire week. Boom done. Instead of making excuses, I set aside some time on the weekend for a healthy week. Here's how you can do it too.
What you need:
1 hr for the grocery store and $60 (average of $6 per meal for 10 meals)
2 hrs for cooking and a buddy (all things in life are easier with a friend, but not necessary)
3 healthy recipes to be portioned out each week (tough to admit, but pintrest is a great resource for this)
10 containers (freezer, dishwasher, and microwave proof)
Dedication (this only works if you EAT the prepped meals)
Admit it, we are all tempted to grab drive thru when we are in a hurry or simple feel too lazy and don't want to cook or even worse, clean dishes. Meal prep was the best discovery for me. Basically in one day at one time you knock out all the cooking and all the dishes for the entire week. Boom done. Instead of making excuses, I set aside some time on the weekend for a healthy week. Here's how you can do it too.
What you need:
1 hr for the grocery store and $60 (average of $6 per meal for 10 meals)
2 hrs for cooking and a buddy (all things in life are easier with a friend, but not necessary)
3 healthy recipes to be portioned out each week (tough to admit, but pintrest is a great resource for this)
10 containers (freezer, dishwasher, and microwave proof)
Dedication (this only works if you EAT the prepped meals)
The picture sums up its value - if you're tired, busy or lazy, you can just reach for a perfectly portioned meal - like the healthier, cheaper, and tastier homemade answer to a Lean Cuisine. It just requires a bit of discipline, but its a nice feeling knowing I can come home after a very long hard day of Austin Mobile Training and not worry about what I'm eating and if its good for me. I already know and its already waiting for me. Portion control also means I can see the muscle gain results from my own fitness regimen which is the end goal. I am looking to maintain and gain muscle, but this works for weight loss too. Just remember to tailor the grab-and-go meals to your fitness goals and personal eating constraints.
A consistent breakfast keeps me full in the morning and instead of reaching for a vending machine, I always keeps fruit close at hand. By minimizing the food decisions throughout the week, you can eliminate stress from all the little choices and temptations.
If this sounds boring or a bit redundant to you, remember this:
1. Give yourself flexibility by prepping only five lunches and five dinners - that's four meals a week to cook something different or dine out and eat something special instead of making it an every day occurrence.
2. Make sure you're making something that you will not mind eating for five days. Experiment with new recipes on your day off so you don't commit to meals you will lose taste for. Check out my grocery list here for a place to start.
3. Spice it up with Cholula hot sauce or hatch chilli sauce from central market so the flavors change a bit from day to day.
4. And finally, cook with a friend. Extra help makes the preparation faster and more fun.
At the end of the week, everything is fresh and delicious - these are intentional meals, not sad leftovers. You will visually see the results on your body and physically feel the difference in your energy and health.
For questions or if you want to training with me click below.
If this sounds boring or a bit redundant to you, remember this:
1. Give yourself flexibility by prepping only five lunches and five dinners - that's four meals a week to cook something different or dine out and eat something special instead of making it an every day occurrence.
2. Make sure you're making something that you will not mind eating for five days. Experiment with new recipes on your day off so you don't commit to meals you will lose taste for. Check out my grocery list here for a place to start.
3. Spice it up with Cholula hot sauce or hatch chilli sauce from central market so the flavors change a bit from day to day.
4. And finally, cook with a friend. Extra help makes the preparation faster and more fun.
At the end of the week, everything is fresh and delicious - these are intentional meals, not sad leftovers. You will visually see the results on your body and physically feel the difference in your energy and health.
For questions or if you want to training with me click below.
Josue Madrid
Austin Personal Trainer - (NASM)
Austin Personal Trainer - (NASM)