When you are working to lose weight, meal prepping can be a game-changer. Not only does planning and preparing meals in advance save you time and money, but it also ensures that you have healthy meals and snacks on hand when you need them. But what exactly should you be meal prepping for weight loss? Here are some healthy meal prep ideas to get you started:
Easy Meal Prepping Ideas | Bulk Cooking Recipes
Grilled Chicken and Veg – Meal prepping for the week
Grilled chicken and roasted vegetables: Grill up some chicken breasts and roast a mix of your favourite vegetables, such as broccoli, sweet potatoes, and peppers. Divide them into individual containers for an easy, low-calorie lunch or dinner.
Mason Jar Salads – bulk cooking recipes
Layer your favourite greens, protein, and veggies in a mason jar for an easy-to-grab lunch on busy days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
Overnight oats – healthy breakfast option for weight loss
Mix oats, almond milk, and your favourite toppings like chia seeds, berries, and nuts in a jar and let them sit in the fridge overnight for a healthy breakfast on-the-go.
Vegetable stir-fry ideas
Cut up a mix of your favourite vegetables and stir-fry them with lean protein like chicken or tofu. Divide into individual containers for an easy lunch or dinner option.
What about prepping ahead of time?
All your veg could be chopped in one go on your day off and stored in Ziplock bags in the fridge for up to 5 days. This makes throwing a meal together so quick on your return from work, a school run or activity.
Quinoa bowls
Cook quinoa and top it with a mix of roasted vegetables, avocado, and a lean protein like grilled salmon or tofu for a filling and healthy meal.
The Famous Egg muffins – I have my own version as well as WeightWatchers and Slimming World options
Whisk together eggs, spinach, and chopped veggies and bake them in muffin tins for an easy grab-and-go breakfast. These freeze very well so you can make a big batch ahead of time meaning you can grab some from the freezer each morning!
Other bulk cooking options – bulk cooking pasta and other ideas
A lot of your carbohydrates can be made in bulk. Pasta, baked potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, and quinoa are great options to have ready ahead of time.
Why meal prepping is a good idea
These healthy meal prep ideas are just a starting point. You can practically bulk cook and meal prep any of your favourite recipes so why not make a list of your favourite dishes and get prepping. That way, you’ll always have delicious and healthy meals to hand. By prepping your meals ahead of time, you’ll be more likely to stick to your weight loss goals and make healthier choices throughout the week.
Meal prep containers – Glass, plastic and takeaway containers
When it comes to meal prepping, having the right containers makes all the difference. The best meal prepping containers are durable, leak-proof, and easy to clean. Glass containers are a great option as they are non-toxic and don’t hold onto odours or stains. Mason jars are also a popular choice for storing salads, soups, and overnight oats. If you prefer plastic containers, make sure to choose ones that are BPA-free and microwave-safe. Look for containers that have separate compartments to keep your food from mixing and to make portion control easier. Lastly, consider investing in reusable silicone bags or beeswax wraps for sandwiches and snacks to reduce waste and save money in the long run. By choosing the right meal prepping containers, you’ll be able to store your food safely and conveniently, making it easier to stick to your healthy eating habits.
While it’s a good idea to hold onto old takeaway boxes, make sure your food is cold when you transfer it to these containers and never heat up your food in these.
About WeightMatters with Jenny
Meet Jenny, the founder of WeightMatters – an easy-to-implement weight loss program that helps individuals achieve their weight loss goals healthily and sustainably. Jenny has over 25 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. She’s passionate about helping people reach their health and fitness goals and has helped countless individuals transform their lives through her program.
WeightMatters with Jenny offers a unique approach that combines healthy eating, regular walking and ongoing support and guidance. Jenny’s program is tailored to each individual, taking into account their specific needs, goals, and preferences.
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