What's Happening?
Meal preparation involves planning and preparing meals or ingredients in advance to maintain a healthy diet and reduce stress. NorthShore dietitian Jessica Hicks explains that meal prep can take various forms, from preparing meals for several days to prepping individual ingredients. The article highlights the benefits of meal preparation, such as portion control, financial savings, and reduced food waste. It also provides strategies for successful meal prep, including planning meals, making grocery lists, and cooking in large batches.
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Why It's Important?
Meal preparation is an effective way to manage time and maintain a healthy diet, especially for those with busy schedules. By planning meals ahead, individuals can ensure they consume nutritious, home-cooked meals and avoid the pitfalls of unhealthy fast food options. This approach also supports budget management by reducing food waste and minimizing unnecessary grocery purchases. Additionally, meal prepping can help individuals achieve dietary goals by allowing them to control portion sizes and ingredient choices.
What's Next?
For those new to meal preparation, the next steps involve selecting simple recipes that can be easily prepared in advance and investing in proper storage containers. As individuals become more comfortable with the process, they can experiment with different meal prep techniques and recipes to keep their meals varied and interesting. The article suggests starting with meals that include ingredients from each food group to ensure balanced nutrition.
