Sometimes we forget about all the reasons why we should be meal prepping every week. Or, maybe you never really knew why it was so important! Here are 7 healthy reasons why meal prepping should be part of your weekly routine! Trust us, you (and your wallet) will be thanking us later!
1. Saves You Time
Imagine spending just two hours on Sunday preparing your meals for the entire week. Compared to the daily grind-spending at least 30 minutes for each meal or running out for fast food-you'll save around 5.5 hours per week. That's extra time you can use however you want, not to mention fewer dishes to clean!
Read More: 15 Meal Prep Hacks to Save Time
2. Saves You Money
Though initially it might seem costly to spend $75 on a Sunday meal prep session, it's significantly cheaper in the long run. The average take-out meal costs about $5.00. Multiply that by three meals a day, five days a week, and you're already at $75-excluding snacks, which can add another $20 to your weekly food expenses. Meal prepping helps cut these costs dramatically.
Read More: How to Save Time, Money, and Stress By Meal Prepping
3. Less Stress
Meal prepping might seem daunting at first, but having your meals ready for the week means you won't be scrambling to put something together last minute. This organized approach reduces daily stress, helps lower cortisol levels, and could even assist in weight loss.
4. Adds Variety
Variety is the spice of life! It's what keeps us from getting bored and reaching for less than healthy options! When you don't plan the tendency is to eat the same boring things over and over again. By the end of the week, we find ourselves face first in a big pile of nachos because we are so sick of chicken, broccoli, and rice or the same take-out place. By getting a little creative, you can add variety via different fruits and veggies, various protein choices and simple swaps of your favorite seasonings!
Try Something New: 23 Chicken and Pasta Meal Preps
5. Gives You Control Over Your Nutrition
When you meal prep you are controlling what ingredients are going into your meals, your portion sizes (KEY for health) and creating food combinations that you enjoy! Making the decisions for yourself about what is and is not included in your meal preps will keep your waistline in check, your energy levels and mental clarity up and your taste buds satisfied!
Tool: How to Know Your Macros - Macro Calculator by Meal Prep on Fleek
6. Portion Control
Controlling portion sizes is essential, whether you're looking to lose weight, gain weight, or maintain a healthy lifestyle. Meal prepping ensures that each meal is just the right size, supporting your nutritional and fitness goals.
Related: Your Guide to Portion Control. No Tools Required
7. Keeps You Energized
Fueling your body with a balance of lean protein, vegetables, fruits and healthy fats will keep your energy levels up, and your mind focused! If we aren't armed with prepared meals the tendency is to reach for something quick like fast food, sugary snacks, and fat laden chips. All of these items will give us an energy spike and then send us crashing down! With meal prep on hand, you are sure to be getting in fiber, slow digesting carbs and all of the micronutrients that are vital to keeping your blood sugar (and energy) even throughout the day!
Tell us how meal prepping has impacted your journey in the comments below
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