Meal Prepping

Definition

Meal prepping is the process of planning and preparing meals in advance to save time, ensure portion control, and maintain a healthier diet.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Meal prepping involves strategically planning, cooking, and packaging meals in defined portions ahead of time. This method often utilizes batch cooking techniques and proper storage to keep food fresh for extended periods, ensuring nutritional requirements are consistently met while also managing caloric intake.

Benefits

• Saves time during the week by reducing daily cooking tasks
• Helps in portion control and managing calorie intake
• Supports weight management and health goals
• Reduces stress around meal times and decision-making
• Encourages a balanced and consistent diet

Examples

• Preparing a week's worth of lunch containers with chicken, vegetables, and quinoa
• Portioning out snacks like nuts or fruits into small, ready-to-eat packages
• Cooking a large batch of soup and storing it in individual servings

Additional Information

• importance: Meal prepping is particularly important for individuals with specific dietary goals or those looking to maintain a consistent nutritional intake. It also helps in reducing food waste by planning meals with perishable ingredients.

Related Terms

• Batch Cooking
• Portion Control
• Healthy Eating
• Diet Planning

References

• The Benefits of Meal Prepping
• How to Meal Prep: A Beginner's Guide