Meal Prep to Stay on Track

by Kerry Taylor

Unfortunately, summer is coming to a close. NOOOOOOOOOOO!!! LOL. Which means school is coming back in session, and more than likely it affects all of us in varying degrees. Maybe you’re going back to school yourself, your kids may be starting school, or maybe you are a teacher or an administrator. Which also means schools sports are kicking back into full gear and there are more school buses on the road. Travel time to your destinations may have gotten a tad longer. All of this to say, our schedules have all been changed to be a little bit busier, which means less time that what we may have previously had.

So, to stay on course of keeping a healthier lifestyle, I would suggest implementing meal prepping to some degree in your life. It will vary for everyone, the most experienced people may meal prep for a whole week, others may just meal prep their lunches for a day or 2. Doing this at some level will help you save time and keep you from going off the rails with your eating. Here are some ideas for you to try that I have had some success with in my life.

MASON JAR SALADS

I started doing these more because the veggies stay fresh longer and they are easy to create any type of salad you want, grab and go. I place the salad dressing in separate small cups that I will add into the jar when I’m ready to eat and shake it up. Another yummy meal in no time.

STIR FRYS

One of my favorites because you can make a lot of it and you can make it in minimal amount of time. Choose some of your favorite veggies and mix it with the protein of your choice. Mix in some rice into small containers and bam! There you have it, lunch and or dinner for a few days in under 20 minutes.

EGG MUFFINS

I love eggs and these are great for a quick high protein breakfast when I’m on my way out the door in the morning. Mix some eggs together, pour into a muffin tin then add some veggies. I like to add spinach, broccoli or onions and peppers with a little cheese. Throw them in the oven and you’re good to go for breakfast in no time.

HOMEMADE SMOOTHIES

Chop up some fruits and veggies, I like to use berries and spinach, but I know veggies in a smoothie isn’t for everyone. So if it’s not your cup of tea, just stick with the fruits. Throw them in a baggie with some protein powder and store it in the freezer. When ready, take it out, throw in a blender with water or some milk and there you have it.

SNACK BAGS

Small sandwich bags are perfect size to fit some nuts, chopped veggies or some fruits.

These are very simple things that you can do that will create a huge impact in you keeping with your healthy lifestyle journey. Meal prepping doesn’t have to be this huge elaborate thing that you’re slaving for hours doing. You can get a bunch done in less than 30 minutes. Matter of fact, the simpler the better in my book. This increases the chances of it getting done. If you’ve never done any of these, give one or a few a shot and make things a little easier on yourself with your busy schedule!

Until next time, continue to live life, 1 degree above the rest!!