3 Tips to make meal prep a lifestyle:
We all know meal prep sounds great in theory. She’s organized. She’s balanced. She’s prepared… and she seems hard AF. But here’s the truth: it does not have to be as tough as it looks. Sure, IG can make it seem glam and complicated, but it’s really not. So let’s get into the fundamentals — how to time block, un-complicate, and make this a sustainable nutrition shift.
Time Blocking:
You’ve got to carve out actual time to do your meal prep, but that’s different from the time you’ll need to pick recipes and grocery shop. For example: take 30 minutes to choose four recipes you want to commit to for the week. Then budget at least 45 minutes to hit the store, shop, and get everything home.
Get nerdy with your calendar — literally plug each step in. Seeing it laid out visually keeps you accountable and helps you stay on track with your organized goals. Plus, it ensures you’re being realistic about what fits into your schedule. And if grocery shopping just isn’t happening one week? DoorDash it. No shame in making things easier.
My recs for uncomplicated recipe direction:
You can’t go wrong with Mediterranean-inspired meals. A little olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice can take you far. I keep things simple: Monday through Wednesday, my lunches are the same; Thursday and Friday, I switch it up slightly.
I build each meal around three basics - protein, colorful veggies, and whole-grain or whole-food carbs. Think: 150g baked baby potatoes, grilled zucchini with ½ tbsp olive oil, and 6 oz air-fried chicken. Easy, balanced, and quick.
If you’re new to the meal prep game and want a solid foundation for building balanced meals, check out The Cleveland Clinic Meal Prep Ideas. It’s a great resource.
To keep this sustainable:
Make sure you have the supplies you need. Good quality, easy to match, glass tupperware goes a long way. Easy to wash and easy to rely on. Here is the exact set I use! I purchased a set for me and a set for my boyfriend so we rarely ever run out.
Last but MOST important - make your goals realistic and attainable. Don’t try to invent time where there isn’t any. Be honest about your schedule, prioritize, pivot when you need to, and keep practicing. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to show up and try your best.