Vegetarian meal prep involves planning and preparing meals in advance to make it easier to maintain a healthy and balanced diet throughout the week.
I love to eat good food and I love to cook for myself and for my family. And the amount of time that goes into making good food that we can't deny. That was where meal planning comes in and this post is about how to meal plan with some easy simple tips.
And with help you to make meal times around the house run a little smoother faster and more efficiently
This is one of the things that I like to do every week so it makes my life easier and we can save money and we don't waste too much if we follow this. As a food blogger, I try so many recipes so I have to make plans so things can't go to waste and I can try as many recipes.
What is meal planning?
It's basically thinking of your meals ahead of time so that by the time around each dinner or lunchtime, that is not the first moment oops you think to what for dinner or lunch
Vegetarian meal prep involves planning and preparing meals in advance to make it easier to maintain a healthy and balanced diet throughout the week.
Benefits of meal planning
Meal planning is not only for taking out of the stress of all time as it is every day but also allowing you to plan for variety so you are not eating said pasta every day.
It helps you to save money since you know beforehand what you need to buy so food is not going to waste. When you think about meals ahead of time you're more likely to plan for healthy meals.
and the last benefit is the amount of time you save.
In theory, meal planning is amazing. Who doesn't like to save money and time headaches that happen every day just by thinking about what to cook?
Actually in the beginning its overwhelming for us
So there are some common issues with meal planning and meal prep tips planning
sacrificing variety to save time
Not being able to keep track of what is in the fridge and pantry and what needs to be picked up from the store.
not having flexibility
creating a meal plan but not being able to stick with it.
So luckily I have some tips for all of these issues to make your meal plan easy and wonderful.
So let's go with the tips
Here are some easy simple tips and ideas to help you with vegetarian meal prep:
Decide on the number of meals you want to prep for the week.
Choose a variety of recipes to keep your meals interesting and ensure you get a diverse range of nutrients.
Create a Shopping List:
Make a shopping list of all the ingredients you'll need based on your meal plan.
Consider buying in bulk for staples like grains, legumes, and frozen vegetables to save money.
Batch Cooking:
Choose a day of the week to do your batch cooking. This could be a weekend day when you have more time.
Cook large quantities of grains (quinoa, brown rice, etc.), legumes (beans, lentils), and vegetables.
Mix and Match:
Cook versatile ingredients that can be mixed and matched to create different meals. For example, roast a variety of vegetables that can be added to salads, wraps, or bowls.
Protein Sources:
Ensure you have a variety of protein sources, such as beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, edamame, and plant-based protein sources like quinoa.
Consider prepping a large batch of protein (e.g., marinated tofu or seasoned beans) that can be used in different dishes.
Prep Fresh Ingredients:
Wash, chop, and portion fresh fruits and vegetables for quick and easy access during the week.
Store greens separately to maintain their freshness.
Sauces and Dressings:
Prepare sauces and dressings in advance to add flavor to your meals. Store them in small containers for easy use.
Storage Containers:
Invest in good-quality, airtight storage containers to keep your meals fresh.
Portion your meals into individual containers for grab-and-go convenience.
Freeze Extras:
If you make a large batch of a particular dish, freeze individual portions for later use. This can help prevent food waste.
Snacks:
Prepare healthy snacks like cut-up vegetables, fruit slices, or homemade energy bars to curb cravings.
Mindful Nutrition:
Ensure your meals include a balance of carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and a variety of colorful vegetables for a well-rounded diet.
Stay Creative:
Experiment with new recipes and flavors to keep your meals exciting and enjoyable.
Remember that meal prep is customizable based on your preferences and dietary needs. Adjust these tips to fit your schedule and taste preferences.
Some Bonus Tips
Don't put away your groceries just yet when you return from the store
Batch your main cooking with freezer cooking
Take bits of help from your family members to do planning for you
Conclusion
With any of these easy meal planning tips above you will definitely save yourself time and money by preparing wholesome meals for you and for your family
Please share with me if you have any other things that you do at home
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