February is right around the corner and prep ahead meals are a sure-fire way to keep your resolution to live a healthier lifestyle intact! With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is easy to just order a take-out salad and convince yourself that will keep you on target even though you had a bag of Doritos for lunch. By simply taking some time on weekends to prep ahead, or any day off for that matter, you can ensure your snacking, and even meals, are what you intended each day. Weekends are ideal for leisure for those living in the 9-5 world; however, it is difficult for some to come home from work each and every day and prepare the next day’s meals – let alone whatever is for dinner!
Why Prep Ahead?
Prep ahead meals and snacks sound like a no-brainer. Spend some time on your day off to ensure your week to follow keeps you on track! Some diets or ways of eating are even a means to lower cholesterol, manage diabetes, even cut the fat from your mid-section! Why cheat yourself (and your wallet) by leaving that up to the snack stand at work or the fast food world instead of keeping the control to yourself?
How to Prep Ahead?
Although it sounds like a daunting task, the best place to start is by making a list. This can even expand your food choices so you aren’t eating quinoa and chicken three days a week for lack of other options! Snacks, lunches and dinners are a good place to start. Breakfast, with the exception of sugar cereal, donuts and pastries, is pretty hard to mess up your healthy lifestyle – as long as you remember to eat breakfast every day! This list can even make your grocery shopping experience less stressful and you may notice it’s easier to skip the cookie aisle if nothing else in that aisle is on your list!
You can find a TON of prep ahead ideas and even grocery lists/recipes online nowadays. Here is one for nearly two weeks of food – among other household chores! Also, you can find some of our recommended Paleo prep ahead crock pot meals here.
