It’s the middle of the week, you’re tired from a long day, and the last thing you want to do is figure out what’s for dinner. Have you ever found yourself in this situation?
Me too. Far too often.
But there’s a simple solution: meal prepping!
Meal prepping really is a life-changer. It saves you time and money while keeping you and your family healthy and happy. Today I want to take an in-depth look at the health, financial and efficiency benefits of meal prepping.
Meal prepping allows you to plan balanced meals that include a variety of nutrients. You can ensure that each meal contains the right proportions of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. This balanced approach helps in maintaining energy levels, supporting bodily functions, and promoting overall health. By preparing meals at home, you have full control over the ingredients, reducing the intake of unhealthy additives and preservatives often found in processed foods.
One of the major advantages of meal prepping is the ability to control portion sizes. When you prepare your meals in advance, you can measure out ingredients and servings accurately, which helps in managing calorie intake. This is especially beneficial for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. This NIH study found that adults who regularly planned their meals tended to have greater food variety, diet quality and healthier body weight.
Deciding what to eat every day can be stressful. Meal prepping eliminates this daily dilemma. Knowing that you have pre-prepared, healthy meals ready to go can provide a sense of relief and make it easier to stick to a healthy eating routine. This can also prevent impulsive eating and reliance on unhealthy fast food options
On average, families who meal plan save about $40 each week on groceries. That’s over $2,000 a year! When you plan your meals in advance, you can create a detailed shopping list that includes only the items you need. This focused approach helps you avoid impulse buys and reduces the chances of purchasing unnecessary or duplicate items. Buying in bulk and choosing seasonal produce can further lower your grocery bills.
Meal prepping helps you use ingredients more efficiently and reduces food waste. By planning your meals and portion sizes, you can ensure that you use all the food you buy before it goes bad. According to the USDA, the average American family wastes about 31% of their food, which translates to hundreds of dollars thrown away each year. By prepping meals in advance, you can dramatically cut down on this waste and save money.
One of the biggest expenses for many households is dining out or ordering takeout. These convenience foods are often much more expensive than homemade meals. By having pre-prepared meals ready to go, you’re less likely to resort to costly restaurant meals or takeout when you’re short on time or energy. This can save you a significant amount of money each month. For example, the average takeout meal costs around $13, whereas a home-cooked meal can cost as little as $4 per serving.
While it might seem counterintuitive, spending a few hours on meal prepping can save you tons of time in the kitchen throughout the week. Instead of taking time each day deciding what to cook, shopping for ingredients, and preparing meals, you can consolidate these tasks into a single session. By preparing your meals in advance, you free up time for other activities, whether it’s spending more time with family, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing.
By reducing the time and mental effort associated with meal preparation, meal prepping can increase your overall productivity. With meals ready to go, you can focus on other important tasks and responsibilities without the interruption of meal planning and cooking. This is especially beneficial for busy professionals, students, and parents who need to maximize their productivity throughout the day.
Get the whole family involved in meal planning and preparation! Spending time in the kitchen as a family provides an opportunity to bond, communicate, and share experiences. Kids can help with washing vegetables, mixing and measuring ingredients. This not only makes meal prep more fun but also encourages healthy eating habits from a young age.
When my kids were growing up, we would hold a weekly meeting where everyone could suggest meals and vote on the menu. We all looked forward to this time and got excited about the upcoming meals.
Meal prepping is a simple yet powerful tool that can benefit everyone, regardless of age, lifestyle, or dietary preferences. Watch this short video to see an example of how I turn one meal into multiple meals. I hope it inspires your own creativity to do the same!
Ready to get started? Check out the Faithful Workouts Meal Plans. You’ll find recipes, instructions, grocery lists and more!
As you embark on your meal prepping journey, I pray that your meals become a reflection of God’s goodness and provision, and that they nourish not only your body but also your soul. May you find joy and fulfillment in honoring God with all that you do, including the simple act of preparing and enjoying a meal.
What is one way you think meal-prepping would impact your life?
Now’s the time to start improving your health. Get instant access to all our workouts, meal plans and more! Make the 2nd half of life your best half!
