Meal Prep: A trend focusing on preparing meals in bulk.

It’s primarily used to help people reach their health and fitness goals, but it’s also a great tool for full-time students and employees. Everyone does meal prep a little differently, some prepare all three meals and snacks for the entire work week, and others select certain meals to prepare ahead of time.

Regardless of how and why you choose to meal prep, I have some tips and ticks that can help you.

1. Containers

It’s important that you have enough containers for all the meals. Amazon and Big Lots both have inexpensive, BPA-free dishes that are great meal prep. I highly recommend investing in a set instead of using throw away dishes.

2. Inspiration

Let's make something clear: you don’t have to eat brown rice, chicken, and roast veggies to meal prep. There are ton of options; you just have to find what works for you. Pinterest is a great place to find recipes, just make sure it’s something you will actually want to eat for a week.

3. Plan Ahead of Time

When you know exactly what you will be cooking, make a grocery list. Something that can help you save money is meal prepping dishes that share ingredients. This not only saves you money, but decreases your time in the kitchen.

4. Cook with the Season

Everything has its season and you can save money by cooking with the seasons. To learn what’s in season I recommend using Pinterest and searching by the month. I download a season chart every month.

5. Work Smarter Not Harder

If possible, meal prep the same day as you do your shopping. It saves you the hassle of putting everything away.

6. Multitask

Cook multiple things at the same time: utilize the stove, oven, and microwave to their full potential. Just don’t spread yourself out to thin that you overcook something. I like to start with the things that take the most amount of time to cook, like meat or noodles. While those things are cooking, I will cut up the rest of my ingredients and snacks for the week.

7. Mix and Match

I get bored with food quickly, but I’ve found a way to meal prep without eating the same exact thing everyday. Create a solid protein base and veggies that can be eaten in multiple ways. Here are two examples: Turkey Tacos- the base would be ground turkey with taco seasoning, and then black beans and onions added into it. You could eat it like a regular taco using tortilla shells, or romaine lettuce, and other days you could use it as a topping for nachos. Another example is steak stir fry with a ton of veggies. It can be eaten with brown rice, by itself, or as a wrap. They’re practically the same meal, but have a different flavor pending on how you eat it.

8. Don’t forget the snacks

Sometimes you need something in between meals, or during your evening commute home. I find that having small snacks throughout the day gives me a boost of energy.

Meal Prepping is a once a week commitment that saves you a ton of time during the work/school week. It can help you reach fitness goals, and improve cooking techniques. If you decide to try meal prepping, tag Odyssey Tampa in your pictures.