How to Meal Prep for a Week
Most meal prep meals will last three to five days in the fridge. To prep meals for a whole week, schedule two days a week to cook fresh food. Slow cooker meals like chicken teriyaki are a good option. The USDA advises cooked meals should only stay in the fridge for four days before becoming unsafe to eat. Put together a weekly meal plan with all meals and snacks. Create a grocery list from this meal plan and go shopping for ingredients. Once food is prepped, pack it away properly.
Tips for Keeping Food Fresh during Meal Prep
Handle ingredients properly by washing hands and cooking surfaces often. Keep raw meats separate to prevent cross-contamination. Use airtight containers and refrigerate meals promptly. Pay attention to ingredient quality and freshness as perishables can spoil quickly.
Benefits and Importance of Meal Prep
Meal prepping can help you stay on track with health goals and save time and money. It costs $60-100 for a week’s worth of food and takes 2-3 hours to fully prep meals for the week. Grain bowls and rice meals prep well, lasting four days refrigerated. Chicken lasts four days refrigerated when properly stored. Meal prepping makes cooking easier and less stressful.
Can you really meal prep for a week?
The best solution is to meal prep twice during the week, with each session covering 3 to 4 days of food. Start small and gradually work your way up to regular weekly meal prepping. Meal prep typically involves making a majority of your meals for the week, including breakfast, lunches, and/or dinners.
Why meal prep is Important
It is budget-friendly as making your meals at home is cheaper than eating out or ordering food. It is also healthier and keto-friendly, as you will know exactly what is in your dish.
How to Store Meal Preps
Meal prep can last in the fridge, using airtight containers, 3 to 7 days. Meat and chicken keep 3 to 5 days. Cooked rice and grains last 4 days. Cooked vegetables last 5 days. Freeze meal prep to make it last longer, up to 3 months.
Meal Prep Storage Tips
When meal prepping, food should be stored properly to prevent spoilage. Wash hands and surfaces often when prepping meals. Keep raw meat separate from other ingredients. Refrigerate promptly after cooking. Focus on fresh quality ingredients.
Meal Prep for Healthier Eating
Make a weekly meal plan first. Shop for only needed ingredients from your meal plan to save money and reduce food waste. Plan to cook fresh food twice a week. Store 3 to 4 days of meals in the fridge and freeze the remaining meals. Start small with meal prep and gradually increase as it gets easier.