Preparing meals ahead of time for the week is a practical strategy that supports a healthy lifestyle by making nutritious eating more accessible, convenient, and economical. Allowing you more control over what you consume during a busy week, there are plenty of reasons to begin meal prepping. These are just a few reasons why you should begin to incorporate the practice into your routine. Read on to discover all the benefits that it can bring to your lifestyle.
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Nutrition and health
Vegetables can be easily incorporated into meal prep (Photo: Getty Images / Maria Korneeva)
Prepping meals in advance allows for better control over portion sizes. Furthermore, you can ensure the meals prepared are balanced with the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, fat, and essential vitamins and minerals. This reduces the temptation to opt for unhealthy fast food or snacks, promoting healthier eating habits.
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Time and convenience
Preparing butternut squash (Photo: Getty Images / Ana Rocio Garcia Franco)
Preparing meals in bulk saves time during the week, as it reduces the need for daily cooking and cleaning. Knowing that your meals are already planned and prepared can reduce the daily stress of deciding what to eat, while meal-prepped food is convenient and ready to eat with minimal effort.
Cost-effective
Cutting vegetables (Photo: Getty Images / Hinterhaus Productions)
Buying ingredients in bulk and preparing meals at home is generally more cost-effective than eating out or buying pre-packaged meals. Meal prepping also helps in better planning of grocery shopping, which can reduce food waste as ingredients are used efficiently.
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Improved choices
Lunch boxes filled with chicken and broccoli (Photo: Getty Images / Johner Images)
Planning meals encourages more mindful eating, as you can focus on including a variety of foods and nutrients in your diet. Meal prepping also allows for customisation according to dietary needs, preferences, and goals, whether it’s for weight loss, muscle gain, or managing a medical condition.
Environmental benefits
Preparing salad (Photo: Getty Images / Kseniya Ovchinnikova)
Preparing meals at home reduces the need for single-use packaging often associated with takeout and convenience foods. Additionally, one can choose sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, contributing to a lower environmental footprint.
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