Hello lovelies! How has your new year been so far? Starting off on the right foot?

Well, I have had a crazy week/weekend! I feel like I practically lived in the car this weekend lol. Anywho... a little over a week ago, I shared THIS printable with you! A simple way to help keep you organized and on track. Well, today I wanted to also share with you a few tips on meal prepping!
Over the years I have learned so many tricks and tips when it comes to prepping from my trainers, weigh loss buddies and of course Pinterest ;). So, I thought why not share the wealth!

So, if you are looking to lose weight or just make your busy life a lot easier, check out these easy steps you can take to meal prep like a pro!



Step 1- Plan your menu. This may seem like the easiest part but in my opinion, it's the hardest. Trying to decide what you want to eat for every meal for a full week can be kind of over whelming. I try to not plan my week with something I am craving because 9/10 times, I won't be craving it when I am done cooking it! I do however pick items that I do enjoy no matter what I am craving. Make sure when you plan your menu, you eat most of your carbs in the morning or if you tend to work out heavy at night, a smaller portion,

Step 2 -If needed buy separate Tupperware. I tend to do this every few months anyway. I get annoyed when pasta sauce or chili stains the dish lol. Plus you can stock up from the Dollar Tree!

Step 3 - Buy a food scale. If you don't have one, YOU NEED ONE! They are the best thing to have in your kitchen when you are [prepping, especially to lose weight! You can find one at almost any store. There are a ton out there and anyone will do. You don't have to get the top of the line either, a simple scale will work fine.

Step 4 - Set aside a "prep day". Try to choose a day where you rarely have anything going on. Prepping can take a while depending on what you make so make sure you set aside one day to stay home. If you get bored easily, have your pals come over to keep you occupied while you cook :)



Step 5 - Pick your veggies. When picking your veggies, try ones that can be cooked easily, eaten raw or leafy greens.
Try these: Broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots, peppers, asparagus, spinach, romaine lettuce.

Step 6- Pick your Starch. Unless you are doing no carb/ low carb, you won't really need to worry to much about picking to many up!
 Try these options: Sweet potato, brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat pasta.

Step 7- Pick your protein- Make sure you pick lean/ extra lean proteins.
 Try these: Chicken breast, ground turkey, tuna, extra lean beef, tofu, eggs. Chicken breast and ground meats tend to hold the best. If you use seafood, try making enough for 2 days, anything longer can go bad quicker than the others.

Step 8- Pick your fruit. When picking your fruit, remember that some have more sugar than others. Also some fruits spoil quicker too.
 Try these: Apples, berries, melons, bananas, pears, watermelon, oranges.

Step 9- Pick your snacks. When picking snacks, try to avoid anything that is a "packaged snack" ie granola bars, 100 calorie chips or crackers.
 Try these: a cup of Greek yogurt ( I love Chobani!), almonds, fruit and veggies, peanut butter and celery.

Step 10- Make your schedule. Eating on time is just as important as prepping. If you go to long in between, your metabolism can slow down and if you eat to quickly you risk not feeling full and that only leads to over eating or eating too late.



 Meal prepping takes dedication and time. Don't worry if your first time is a little shaky or takes all day. Once you get used to the process of planning and prepping, it is super easy. Don't be afraid to ask for help and don't think that every prep will take just as long as the first one. All the work is worth it in the end when you don't have to fret about what you are going to eat for dinner on a stressful day. Plus you will be on your way to your goal in no time!
I hope you find these tips helpful!

What are your favorite foods to prep with? Let me know in the comments below!