Prepare to Get Healthy

Sparked by busy moms trying to feed their families on the fly, the meal prep craze has inspired people to rethink how they eat. Healthy, affordable meals are possible with just a little time and effort.

Short for meal preparation, the phrase ‘meal prep’ refers to planning, preparing and packaging meals and snacks ahead time, usually for the week ahead.

4 Meal Prep Benefits

Prepping meals can help you:

• Eat healthier. You’re in total control of what goes into the meals you make. (Hint: Always add a big serving of brightly colored veggies.) When you already have food prepared, you don’t have to resort to fast food or prepackaged meals, which typically aren’t very nutritious.
• Lose weight. You’ll eat sensible portions of healthier foods.
• Save money. By making a list, checking it twice and sticking to it, you say bye-bye to impulse buys. And, since you’ll be dining out less, you should see a bump in your bank account.
• Save time. Meal prep requires a few hours one day a week. What are you going to do with all that free time?

Go Freestyle

There’s no right or wrong way to do meal prep. Do what works for you. If your mornings are hectic, prepare breakfast foods. If evening activities have your family dining and dashing, focus on dinner.

Get Started

Prepping healthy on-the-go snacks is an easy starting point. Try:

• Apple slices
• Dark chocolate
• Dates
• Hard boiled eggs
• Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans) and nut butters

If you’re ready for something more, try one of Dr. Ancy, opens new tab's favorite make-ahead meals:

• Sautee garbanzo beans with ginger, garlic, crushed tomatoes, spinach, and a pinch of salt/pepper.
• Serve it with:
  • A side of quinoa mixed with chia seeds
  • A protein source such as chicken curry, broiled salmon, or pan-seared shrimp with salt and pepper.

Pack It Up

You’ll need a stash of quality storage containers. Ask around, or do a quick Internet search. Opt for glass or stainless steel containers to avoid exposure to chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA).