Common meal prep mistakes will get you every time! It's so easy to inadvertently sabotage our efforts!
Meal prepping has become a popular trend in recent years as a way to stay healthy and save time. It's certainly changed our lives here! However, many people make mistakes that can sabotage their efforts, and sometimes you don't even realize you're doing it. Here are the 10 biggest mistakes you might be making during your healthy meal prepping, and how to avoid them.
You Don't Plan Ahead
One of the biggest mistakes people make with meal prepping is not planning ahead. That's the whole point of meal prepping. To be successful, you need a clear understanding of what you want to eat for the week. This takes away the temptation for impulsive decisions and ensures that you have all the ingredients you need ahead of time.
You Forget About Nutritional Value
When meal prepping, it's easy to get caught up in convenience and forget about nutrition. Make sure to consider the nutritional value of the meals you are prepping, including protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. This will help to ensure that you are fueling your body with the nutrients it needs.
You Eat the Same Thing Over and Over
Eating the same meals day after day can get boring, true. But it's not just boredom that can keep you from being interested in the prep process. A lack of variety also means you're running the risk of limiting the variety of nutrients you're consuming. Make sure to vary your meals to ensure that you are getting a balanced diet.
If you're tired of not knowing what you want to eat every day, this video is for you. You'll discover why being indecisive about your food choices can lead to weight gain and how to overcome it.
You Skip Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it's also one of the most commonly skipped. Make sure to include a healthy breakfast option in your meal prep plan to start your day off right. It sets your metabolism in the right direction for the rest of the day.
You're Not Storing Food Properly
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and quality of your food. Make sure to store your food in airtight containers and keep them in the refrigerator or freezer as needed. And please, when something looks or smells off, it probably is. Pitch it!
You're Going Crazy With Salt and/or Sugar
Using too much salt and sugar can add unnecessary calories to your meals and negatively impact your health. When meal prepping, try to use salt and sugar sparingly, and opt for healthier seasonings, especially if you need to be watching your sodium intake.
Healthy Pantry Swaps are a great way to save money on groceries while still eating well. Here are some ideas for swapping items in your kitchen that will keep your family healthier.
You Don't Prep Enough Food
If you're not prepping enough food, you may find yourself snacking on unhealthy options or eating out. Make sure to prep enough food for the week to ensure that you have healthy options readily available.
You're Not Drinking Enough Water
We know this is one of those things we are all sort of tired of hearing sometimes, but it makes a huge difference. Staying hydrated is key to good health, but it's often overlooked when meal prepping. Make sure to include plenty of water and other hydrating beverages in your meal prep plan. And keep that big glass of water next to your desk at work full at all times.
You're Lazy About Portion Control
When meal prepping, it's important to consider portion control. This will help to ensure that you are not overeating and that you are fueling your body with the right amount of nutrients. Our meal prep recipes keep all of this in mind and even calculate the macros for you!
Read out Guide to Portion control here
You're Too Rigid
This may sound counterintuitive. Yes, it's important to have a plan. But it's also necessary to allow for flexibility because let's face, it, we are all human. If your plans change, don't be afraid to adjust your meal prep accordingly. Maybe you need more protein at the next meal, or perhaps you skip dessert for a day. This will help to ensure that you are able to stay on track with your goals.
By avoiding these common meal-prep mistakes, you can ensure that your efforts are successful and that you are fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to thrive.
