Mastering Meal Prepping: 5 Essential Tips for a Successful Plant-Based Meal Plan

Meal prepping can be a game-changer for anyone that is looking to improve their diet and lifestyle. Not only does it ensure that you have healthy food on hand at all times, but it also saves you time and money in the long run. Here are 5 meal prepping tips to help you stay on track and reach your health goals.

1 . CREATE A DETAILED SCHEDULE - Before you begin meal prepping, it's important to take some time to plan out your meals. This will help to ensure that you have all of the ingredients you need on hand and that you're not scrambling to come up with meal ideas at the last minute.

Most people give in to cravings because they don't have healthy food options easily available and prepared. So try your best to stick to a consistent schedule and make sure to prep all your meals and snacks so you always have delicious, and healthy food available.

Having said that, if you struggle with meal prepping because of ADHD or any other condition, you can stay flexible. For example, sensory issues can make eating leftover food very unpleasant. In this case, instead of scheduling days where you batch cook for the week, schedule what time you are going to cook or eat daily. No matter how you choose to approach it according to your needs, the point is to make sure you are PREPARED.

Click here to download our free printable meal-prepping template, which will help you plan and organize your meals for the week.

2. MAKE IT BALANCED - A healthy and powerful meal plan is one that is balanced. For example, chickpeas are healthy, but if that's all you're eating for every meal, you're going to be missing out on all the essential nutrients that are found in all the other vegetables, fruits, and seeds. So, how can you ensure you're eating a balanced diet? A simple way to ensure you're eating a balanced diet is by incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds into every dish.

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3. MAKE IT FUN - Cooking can sometimes feel like a chore, but it doesn't have to be that way! You can turn cooking into a fun and enjoyable experience by inviting your family or friends to join you while you cook. This can also be a great bonding experience and an opportunity to introduce the youth to some culinary skills. Now if you like cooking alone, I recommend talking to your family so you can schedule some time alone in the kitchen. Another great trick to make cooking more enjoyable is to listen to your favorite music or have an audiobook playing in the background. I personally love listening to podcasts!

In addition to it feeling like a chore, cooking can also be very tiring and physically demanding. Especially when you're also exhausted from work, school, or just everyday life. Having said that, when you feel unmotivated to cook or meal prep, I invite you to step into gratitude. Don't look at it like "I have to cook", instead make it " I get to cook". Not everyone has the privilege or access to a kitchen or healthy foods. If you do, consider yourself blessed and be thankful that you get to nourish yourself and your family with healthy meals.

4. KEEP IT SIMPLE - Meal prepping doesn't have to be complicated or unpleasant. Try starting with a few simple recipes that you enjoy, are easy to prepare, and can be made in bulk. This will help to get you into the habit of meal prepping without feeling overwhelmed. Once you get into the habit of meal prepping and have been consistent with your diet, you can start experimenting with new recipes and incorporating new ingredients!

5. INVEST IN SOME TOOLS - Having the right tools will make meal prepping easier and more efficient. Personally, there are two kitchen appliances I can't imagine living without!

1. Pressure cooker.

2. A nice blender

The pressure cooker is going to allow you to grains, soups, and a variety of different foods without having to physically be in the kitchen. Simply add ingredients, push a button, and leave while it cooks. I would also consider a blender an essential because it will allow you to make smoothies, sauces, and so much more with a press of a button.

*NOTE* - Another essential tool for meal prepping is containers. Although you don't need glass containers to get started, they are the best and healthiest option. Glass is a non-toxic material that doesn't contain any harmful chemicals, unlike many plastics that can contain chemicals such as BPA and phthalates. These chemicals have been linked to a range of health issues, including hormonal disruptions, cancer, and reproductive problems. If you’re using plastic containers right now, don't stress about it, but switch over to glass as soon as you can.

Not to mention, glass is a better investment and has a larger range of use! Glass is heat-resistant, freezer-safe, and oven-safe, meaning it can be used for everything from storing leftovers to baking and reheating food. Additionally, glass can be used for both cold and hot beverages, without the risk of melting or warping.

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In conclusion, meal prepping is a practical and effective way to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, particularly for those with busy schedules or limited time for cooking. By planning and preparing meals in advance, individuals can make healthier food choices, control portion sizes, and save time and money.

With a little bit of effort and organization, anyone can incorporate meal prepping into their routine and enjoy the benefits of better nutrition and overall health. By planning ahead, incorporating a variety of different foods, making it fun, having the right kitchen tools, and keeping it simple, you can make meal prepping on a plant-based diet a breeze.