Some people enjoy the freedom of rummaging through their pantry and coming up with a dish on the spot, but it’s not as fun for others. Meal prep is a great way to reduce the time it takes to decide on what to eat, especially after a long day. It even saves you hundreds of dollars every month!
But to really make it worthwhile, many suggest working on what ingredients you keep available. So, here’s a list of must-haves when learning how to meal prep for the week.
Grains
One of the best things about grains is that you can easily incorporate them into different recipes, whether for the morning or late at night. At the same time, they offer a wide range of nutrients, including fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Oats are a popular option for breakfast meals and mid-day snacks. You can also consider quinoa as a lower-calorie alternative to typical white rice.
Proteins
You can source your protein from several sources. A few you might think of at the top of your head include fish, chicken, pork, and beef. It’s also available frozen or canned, depending on your preference.
Proteins come in different ways beyond animal meat. If you’re working on a vegetarian diet, stock up on eggs, tofu, or Greek yogurt to get your share.
As a staple for most meal prep plans, be sure you learn how to store them properly before and after cooking. This way, you can reduce food waste and use them for a later date.
Nuts and Seeds
Add some crunch and texture to your meals by including nuts and seeds in the mix. It can go from almonds and walnuts to pumpkin and chia seeds based on the nutrients you’re looking for.
You may want to learn how to meal prep these ingredients since they offer high potential in fulfilling a broad range of nutritional needs. It could be anything from a side to a subtle insert.
Sauces
Vegetables
Veggies are a must-have for any meal with all the nutrients it has to offer. It comes in different forms, textures, and tastes, allowing you to really explore and find the perfect mix.
You can go for frozen vegetables if you want them washed, cut, and ready for cooking. But if you don’t mind the extra prep time, go for fresh ones for a hearty meal.
It also helps to look up how to meal prep salads to give you an idea of the basics before you start to switch them up.
Fruits
Conclusion: Start How to Meal Prep with Ingredients
If you want to start learning how to meal prep, it helps to start with what you put in it. You should understand the value of each ingredient and how they contribute to the dish.
This way, you can figure out how to prioritize them and incorporate them across different recipes. As a result, you can maximize the nutritional value while keeping it within your tastes.