The Do's and Don'ts of Meal Prep for Fat Loss
The start of the new year brings along resolutions that many of us want to achieve. Whether the goal is to take more time for self-care or lose weight, there's something we've all set our sights on.
If your goal is to get in better shape, you need to consider meal prepping. It's a helpful way to monitor what you're eating without going overboard, but still getting the vitamins and nutrients your body needs.
Below, you'll find some information about the dos and don't of meal prep for fat loss. These meal prep tips will help you achieve your goals and avoid any roadblocks that might come your way.
Do: Prep Wisely
Before you begin your meal prep, plan the meals you want to create. This will ensure you don't forget anything when doing your weekly shopping.
It also gives you a visual representation of everything you plan to eat and allows you to get creative with your meals. If you've got time, do some research on different recipes that offer you nutrition and delicious flavor at the same time.
Don't forget to note how much of each product you need.
Don't: Buy Too Much Food to Prep
During the prep phase, it can be easy to go overboard because of your excitement. Going overboard could mean planning too many meals for one week or purchasing too much food when you go to the store.
The issue with this is you end up overspending and buying food that will spoil before you've had a chance to consume it. It's best to prep food for up to three days.
Once food has been prepared and cooked, it will only be safe to eat for a maximum of 4 days. Therefore, only cook what you know you'll be able to consume in that time frame.
Do: Buy Staple Food Items
As you create your list of food items to purchase for meal prep that week, ensure you include some staple items that will last in your pantry for a long time. For example, buy different dry beans and rice that can be kept in your pantry.
These items won't spoil as quickly as other items you might buy and can cut down on the overall cost you spend on food each week. After you decide what your pantry staples will be, you can move on to the food items that aren't going to keep as quickly, such as your vegetables and proteins.
Don't: Avoid Wilting Vegetables
There's nothing worse than purchasing vegetables that are going to wilt or become soggy after you've prepped them. If you enjoy salads, you're going to have to make the salad the day you intend to use it.
This is because if you prepare it ahead of time, you risk the salad becoming soggy and the leaves beginning to wilt. If you can't avoid making the salad ahead of time, pack the dressing on the side so you can add it later on when it's time to eat the salad.
Do: Use a Meal Prep Service
Sometimes there's never enough time in the day to do your grocery shopping and prep the meals yourself. If this sounds like you, it might be wise to subscribe to a meal prep service.
The benefits of meal prep services are endless, including:
- It makes it easier to manage portion sizes
- Reduces the temptation to purchase bad foods
- Saves you time
When you sign up for meal prep services, you have access to different menus, such as meal plans for weight loss and healthy gourmet signature meals. Before placing your order for the week, you can select:
- Number of meals you'll receive
- If you want snacks with your delivery
- Note allergies if applicable
- Select a delivery day
- Select if you want breakfast/lunch/dinner
It takes the guesswork out of losing weight and deciding what meals will work for you and your weight loss plans.
Don't: Choose the Same Foods
The beauty of meal prep services is that you can switch up your meals and add some variety to your daily meals. When you're focused on losing weight, the food you eat can become routine and boring.
As you make your choices for the week, choose a different protein and see what you get. We also recommend you don't select a delivery day when you know you won't be home.
The mail delivery will deliver your package, and you don't want it to sit outside and risk the food spoiling. This would cause you to lose money on your purchase, and you'd end up having to go to the grocery store to prep meals for the week.
Do: Follow Your Program
The key to weight loss is to stick to the program. While there are times when you should reward yourself for the hard work you've put into losing weight, you don't want to lose sight of the overall goal.
Select a day when you'll do all your meal prep and stick to it. Over time you'll get into the habit of doing so, and it will become natural to meal prep at the same time each week.
You can ensure it doesn't throw off other plans you might have for the week by following a schedule.
Don't: Become Rigid With the Schedule
Another essential meal prep tip we have to offer is not to get stuck on having to eat the meals you've prepped. What we mean by this is if you've got friends that invite you to dinner, don't feel as if you've got to turn down the invitation.
You can always save your prepped meal for the next day and go out with your friends. However, if you intend to enjoy a meal out with your friends, review the menu for the place where you'll be eating ahead of time.
This lets you know what's on the menu and have an idea of what you're going to order before you get there.
Meal Prep for Fat Loss: Dos & Dont's
When you meal prep for fat loss, there are several dos and dont's you need to keep in mind. You should follow a schedule, but don't be afraid to do other things for meals.
If you don't have time to prep, you can always use a meal prep service. Speaking of meal prep services, contact Athletics Fit if you're searching for one that will help you meet your nutritional needs.
We believe that we are what we eat, let us help you choose healthy meals and snacks for your weight loss goals.