Meal Prep 101: Tips and Tricks for Beginner Cooks

Meal prep can be life-changing if you want to save time, eat better, and cut stress. Above all, you can even create a week’s worth of meals for only $50! 

For new cooks, it might seem hard, but with the right plan in place, it can be easy and quick. If you’re aiming for balanced meals, less takeout, or more food orders in advance, these tips will help you begin. 

This article will cover the basics of meal prep, from picking fresh, organic food to storing meals right. Let’s jump into the basics and boost your kitchen skills.

Start with Fresh, Organic Ingredients

Meal prep begins in the supermarket, by selecting healthy and organic produce. Fresh, organic fruits, veggies, and meat provide more nutrition, taste better, and last longer when stored correctly, compared to nonorganic alternatives, which contain pesticides or harmful nitrates.

When shopping for vegetables, look for those that appear bright and feel firm to the touch. Greens such as spinach or kale should have crisp edges instead of sogginess, while fruit should feel heavy for its size and have smooth skin. Though organic food may be more expensive, its taste and health benefits make it well worth the cost.

Choose organic, grass-fed meats like beef, free-range chicken, and wild fish, as they contain more nutrients and fewer drugs and hormones compared to conventional meats. For example, selecting better-quality meat can make your ground lamb dishes taste and smell better. It’s all because of the meat choice. Not to mention that organic, grass-fed meat types give you more proteins and are generally healthier for you. In essence, starting with fresh, organic food gives you great meals for the week.

Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time

Before cooking, it’s key to plan meals for the week. This saves time and ensures you have all you need while cutting down waste. Pick simple meals you like and use the same ingredients. For example, you can make roasted chicken, and then use leftover chicken in a salad or a wrap the next day.

Make a grocery list based on your plan and stick to it firmly to avoid buying things you don’t need. Beginners often buy too many things, leading to waste. Start small with 3-4 recipes, and add more as you gain skill. Consider incorporating meal replacement shakes Australia into your plan for added convenience and variety.

However, think about portions when you plan. This helps if you have food goals like weight loss or muscle gain. Knowing how much you should eat ensures you have enough food for the week without eating too much.

Invest in Good Storage Containers

A key part of meal prep is having good containers. Quality, airtight boxes keep food fresh all week. Choose BPA-free plastic or even better, glass containers. Get different sizes because not all meals are the same. 

Stackable container sets save fridge space and help keep your fridge organized and appealing. Glass containers are usually heat-resistant and you can quickly pop them in the microwave to warm up your food. 

For fruits or snacks, you can use silicone bags. These can be used over and over, protecting the earth and your wallet. You can also use them to freeze food, so you can avoid spoilage. In addition, make sure to label your boxes with what’s inside and the date the food was made. It helps you eat things before they spoil.

Batch Cooking is Key

Batch cooking is great for easy meal prep. Cook a lot at once and split it into separate containers for the week. If you’re new, begin with simple dishes that can be made in big batches like soups or roasted veggies. You can roast a bunch of veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots, peppers, and broccoli in one pan. 

You can also combine your veggies with grains like quinoa, in salads, or with proteins like chicken or tofu. Cook a lot of protein like chicken or salmon, which you can mix up with sides for different meals. This saves time and ensures you have tasty meals ready.

Don’t Forget Snacks and Breakfast

When meal prepping, include breakfast and snacks too. Prepping them saves time and prevents you from eating sweets and junk food. 

Overnight oats make an easy and nutritious breakfast that you can quickly whip up every week in individual jars. Simply combine oatmeal, milk, yogurt, and fruits or nuts before leaving them to sit in the fridge overnight. By morning, you’ll have a filling and nutritious meal ready to consume.

Prepare fruit, veggie sticks, and energy snacks to take with you on the go. Cutting carrots, cucumbers and peppers allows you to grab healthy snacks quickly when hunger strikes. Nuts or trail mix bags make snacking healthier on the go easier too.

Bottom Line

Meal prepping may seem intimidating at first, but with practice, it becomes easier and simpler. Start with fresh, organic produce to ensure healthy meals. Prepare multiple dishes at the same time; this helps ensure everything stays neat and organized. Cook multiple breakfast and snack items so all meals are ready when necessary and help ensure you stay on track with your plans. As your culinary skills improve and meal prepping becomes an indispensable skill, time saved will become much less of an issue as healthy homecooked meals become a staple part of life.