Meal Prepping: Save Time, Money, and Eat Healthier!
Finding time to cook healthy meals can be challenging as a college student.
That is where meal prepping comes in! Meal prepping is when you prepare meals, typically 3-4 days in advance to ensure you have nutritious, ready-to-eat options available.
Why?
You can save time during your busy weekdays by dedicating a few hours a week to prepping meals. It is best to cook in bulk and buy ingredients in larger quantities because it will reduce the cost of your trips to the grocery store. With pre-prepared meals, you’re less likely to opt for unhealthy fast food or takeout. Knowing your meals are ready reduces the daily stress of figuring out what to eat.
Getting Started
Start by planning your meals for the week. Aim for a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats that align with your dietary preferences. Invest in some good tupperware that is microwave and dishwater-safe. Glass containers are durable and great for reheating. Don’t forget to set aside a time that works best for you to do your meal prep. It will take around 2-3 hours to cook and assemble your meals.
Tips for Effective Meal Prepping
Start with simple recipes that you enjoy and are easy to prepare. Include staple foods like grains, proteins, and veggies that can be mixed and matched throughout the week. Freezing meals or ingredients can extend how long they are good for. Make sure to label your containers with meal names and dates so that you are aware of what needs to be eaten first.
Meal prepping can seem like a lot at first, but with a bit of planning and practicing, it can become a game-changer in your goal for a healthier, more efficient diet. Start small, stay organized, and adjust as needed. Happy prepping!
Be Well, Auburn.
Carsen has lived in the Auburn area for most of her life. Through and through, her family are die-hard Auburn fans. Both of her parents are Auburn Alumni and are still actively engaging in Auburn’s campus. No surprise there when Carsen chose to stay in Auburn for her college years.
Carsen is a sophomore studying Apparel Design and plans to minor in Marketing. When she is not doing school or working, you can find her online shopping, hanging out with friends, being active, watching Grey’s Anatomy, or enjoying time with her family. Some of Carsen’s favorite things are traveling, hot vanilla lattes, getting up early, watching the sunset, and serving in her church.
After college, Carsen is hoping to move out of Auburn, but not too far. If her father had it his way, she wouldn’t be going anywhere, but that is not necessarily on her agenda. She hopes to move to a city nearby where she can pursue her fashion dreams.