MEAL PREP 101: DO NOT PANIC

Most of the challengers in my online challenge groups are making a complete lifestyle change and with that comes a change in the way you eat (70-80% of your success)! That is why planning your meals is SO important. It tends to be the one area people struggle with the most -- their diet -- so it's the one area I try to help the most.  Workouts are great but you can't outwork a poor diet. 

Meal Prep can be overwhelming...and some of my challengers have a slight freak-out moment on Sundays! DON'T PANIC!!!! Meal prep does not have to take all day and it shouldn't make your life harder.  It should do the EXACT opposite.  It should make your life EASIER.  

Now, some people like to cook everything and put them into containers and literally be able to run out the door with the container.  Personally, that's not my style.  I don't enjoy eating the same thing every day for 5 days straight and like to have a variety.

Here are a few tips I shared with them that I wanted to share with you....

1. KEEP IT SIMPLE! You don't have to spend all day in the kitchen to meal prep. I don't like to cook, so I know that feeling!

2. Wash your fruits and veggies so they are ready to eat and you can grab and go!

3. Cut your veggies or fruits if needed (I try to choose options that don't require a lot of cutting/work...bananas, apples, oranges...but I also LOVE pineapple and watermelon and will ALWAYS take the time to cut them up when they are in season.)

4. Make bulk of your protein choice (i.e.: chicken) and keep it simple (not a ton of seasonings) so you can use it in a variety of ways throughout the week.  I like to cook a crockpot full of chicken breasts with a little chicken broth, salt, pepper, onion, and garlic. Then I use the meat in a variety of ways and spice it up throughout the week as needed.  

Some examples I use the meat in are salads, wraps, stuffed peppers, stir fry, pasta dishes, etc. SO easy!

5. Trial and error! If it doesn't work for you this week (the food doesn't stay fresh the way you like or it was too much work, etc), try something different next week. This lifestyle change doesn't happen overnight but with time you will find things that work best for you and your lifestyle!

Looking for more tips on how to make a lifestyle change to get healthier and happier?  Head on over to Heather Shriver Burns: Health & Fitness to get more tips, motivation, recipes, etc. 

XO, 
Heather