Why Should You Meal Prep?
We've all been there; you're running around with a toothbrush hanging out of your mouth, hopping around in one sock, frantically looking for your keys (why are they not where they are supposed to be?!) You've got to get on the road stat if you're going to make it to work on time. You've got no time for breakfast and you're now unprepared for lunch later, too. Rats.
This hunger dilemma could have been prevented with meal prep. Meal prep is the art, and discipline, of pre-cooking meals all at once to last, ideally, at least a week - so you can just grab 'n' go in a flash.
Meal Prepping Steps
- Make a meal plan on paper that fits your needs (health or fitness goals, dietary restrictions, preferences/dislikes) for each day of the week, x3 for each meal of the day. Meat lasts 5 days maximum in the fridge (and seafood even less), so if you want to prep for longer periods you'll have to occupy freezer space.
- Grocery shop for each ingredient and any supplies needed, like Tupperware, to get you through the entire plan.
- Prep for prep. This means washing, chopping, setting out Tupperware. Calculate cook times for things, so you can attempt to multitask a few components at once like a pro. Make room in the fridge and/or freezer.
- Execute the cooking and store your meals. Let anything warm cool down on the counter before putting it in the fridge/freezer.
Meal Prepping With Meat
Prepping and storing meat can be intimidating, but it's the star of the show when done right.
A rule of thumb is to portion meat the size of a deck of cards or less per meal. Things to consider for optimal deliciousness include reheating method, storing method, and variety:
Reheating
Microwaves can dry out the meat, causing it to be tough and chalky. Consider throwing it in a pan or the oven - the key is low and slow to save its integrity. Reheating is significantly easier and faster than cooking. Never reheat food more than once or it can breed dangerous bacteria.
*Pro tip 1: Use meat in a soup to keep it moist!
Storing
Storing methods can also impact the freshness of the meat. Make sure your fridge temp is 40°F or lower, and the freezer is 0°F or lower. Make sure there's enough space for air to circulate.
*Pro tip 2: Tupperware is going to be your best friend, alongside high quality proteins, so make sure you grab some that are made of microwave safe materials (and BPA-free). Make sure they seal ultra tight and have compartments for different meal components.
Variety
Nutrient variety is very important. Make sure each meal is balanced in macronutrients (fat: protein: carb ratio) so you're getting the energy and vitamins you need to get through your day!
Don't be afraid to explore recipes and experiment! Flavour variety and creativity are going to make this lifestyle sustainable.
No one wants to eat the same thing day in and day out, but no one wants to prepare different items in a million pans and trays either. How do you reconcile that?
Pro tip 3: Line a baking sheet with foil and use it to create walls/compartments on the pan. Cover the pan in multiple days' worth of meat in bite-sized chunks. Season each compartment differently to compliment your varied meals (maybe have one with kebab or fajita seasoning, one with sauce, etc).
Order The Best Meat For Meal Prepping
If you're going to take the time to meal prep then you should use the best quality meat available as well. At Farm2Fork we offer only the highest quality meat & seafood available, and we have a tremendous number of meat and seafood options. However, don't take it from us - shop our store now & see for yourself:
