7 Meal Prep Tips For A Week Of Nutritious Eating

Published on: 20 October 2023 Last Updated on: 17 May 2024
Nutritious Eating

If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling to put together a meal or settling for that oh-so-tempting takeout after a long day, trust us, you’re not alone. But what if we told you that with a dash of planning, a sprinkle of effort, and our trusted tips, you could sail smoothly into a week of nutritious eating? Buckle up, folks; it’s time to dive into the wondrous world of meal prep!

7 Meal Prep Tips You Should Know

Healthy eating is the key to healthy living. And in order to eat mindfully, we need to follow this life-saving meal preparations tips. Not only are they super easy, but they also have ingredients readily available in your kitchen. Let’s have a deeper look:

#1 Let’s Get Organized: The Meal Plan Blueprint 📝

Every culinary adventure begins with a well-constructed plan. Start by sketching out a weekly meal plan. Consider:

  • How many meals do you need each day? If you’re aiming for three full meals and two snacks, jot that down.
  • Dietary restrictions or goals: Whether you’re vegan, low-carb, or trying to incorporate more fiber, these guidelines will shape your choices.
  • Ingredients already in the pantry: No need to buy another bag of quinoa if you’ve already got one.

Having a visual representation streamlines your grocery shopping, reduces waste, and discourages impulsive, unhealthy choices.

Tip: Use apps or printable templates to make this process even smoother!

#2 Quality Containers: Your Meal’s Protective Shield 🛡️

The right containers can be the difference between a soggy salad and a crisp one. Good quality, airtight containers

  • Keep food fresher for longer
  • Prevent messy spills
  • Aid in portion control.

We’re huge fans of glass containers. They’re eco-friendly, microwave-safe, and honestly, your meal just looks more inviting in them!

Mistake to avoid: Using damaged containers. Even a small crack can let air in, compromising your food’s freshness.

#3 Embrace the Batch Cooking Bonanza 🥘

Designate specific days as your cooking days — maybe Sundays and Wednesdays. Prepare large batches of versatile basics such as:

  • Grains: Quinoa, brown rice, or bulgur
  • Proteins: Grilled chicken, tofu, beans, or lentils
  • Veggies: A mix of steamed broccoli, roasted bell peppers, and blanched spinach.

These foundational elements can be repurposed into different meals throughout the week. For instance, that quinoa can become a stir-fry, a salad base, or even a breakfast porridge!

#4 Sauces & Dressings: The Flavor Magicians 🍶

A meal can be transformed with the right sauce or dressing. Imagine

  • A zesty lemon dressing for your salads
  • A spicy tomato sauce for those pasta nights
  • A rich pesto for that extra zing.

Having a variety ensures your meals remain exciting.

And here’s a twist: ever tried a CBD-infused dressing? CBD edibles have gained popularity, and adding a few drops of CBD oil to your dressings can combine the potential calming effects with the vibrancy of your meal. So see more about their use and experiment!

#5 Go Raw Before the Big Thaw 🥦

Some produce shines best when cooked just before eating. Foods like snap peas, cherry tomatoes, or certain fruits are best stored raw. When mealtime comes, a quick sauté or a simple addition to your meal ensures they maintain their natural essence.

Tip: For berries, wash them only just before consumption. This prevents mold growth and keeps them fresher.

#6 Breakfast Boost: Overnight Success 🌙

The morning rush is real, but that doesn’t mean you should skimp on the most important meal of the day. Overnight oats are a savior:

  • Combine rolled oats, milk (or a milk alternative), and a touch of sweetener
  • Add in flavors like vanilla or cinnamon
  • Leave in the fridge overnight.

Come morning, top with fruits, nuts, or even a sprinkle of cocoa nibs for a hearty, nutritious breakfast.

#7 Stay Hydrated with DIY Infused Waters 💧

While meals take center stage, hydration plays a crucial supporting role. Enhance your water with delightful infusions:

  • Cucumber-mint for a refreshing burst
  • Lemon-ginger for a touch of zing
  • Strawberry-basil for a fruity, herbaceous blend.

Apart from making your hydration game strong, these infused waters can offer gentle nutritional boosts. And remember, water isn’t just about quenching thirst; it plays a vital role in digestion and nutrient absorption.

Bonus Bites: Trio of Nutritious Quick-Fixes for Hectic Weeks 🍽️

Life gets busy, and sometimes we need straightforward, nourishing recipes that won’t eat up our time. These three dishes are designed with simplicity in mind, ensuring you fuel up without fuss. From breakfast to dinner, we’ve got your back!

Morning Kick-Starter: Chia Berry Parfait

Ingredients:

  • Chia seeds: 3 tbsp
  • Almond milk: 1 cup
  • Mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries): ½ cup
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1 tbsp
  • Granola: a handful

Instructions:

Mix chia seeds with almond milk and sweetener of choice. Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight. In a glass, layer the chia pudding, berries, and granola. Repeat the layers, top with a few more berries, and enjoy!

Lunch on-the-go: Chickpea Spinach Salad

Ingredients:

  • Cooked chickpeas: 1 cup
  • Spinach leaves: 2 cups
  • Cherry tomatoes: ½ cup, halved
  • Feta cheese: 50 grams, crumbled
  • Lemon vinaigrette: to taste

Instructions:

In a large bowl, toss together chickpeas, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette and give it a good mix. Top with crumbled feta, and it’s ready to pack or eat!

Dinner Delight: Teriyaki Zucchini Noodles

Ingredients:

  • Zucchini: 2, spiralized into noodles
  • Teriyaki sauce: 3 tbsp
  • Tofu or grilled chicken: 100 grams, diced
  • Red bell pepper: 1, thinly sliced
  • Sesame seeds: for garnish

Instructions:

In a pan over medium heat, sauté tofu or chicken until slightly browned. Add bell peppers and stir for 2 minutes. Toss in zucchini noodles and teriyaki sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes, ensuring the zucchini remains slightly crunchy. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds.

***

There you have it — three recipes that promise maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s to nutritious, delicious, and efficient eating!

In Closing…

Remember, meal prepping is not about stringent rules; it’s about making life simpler and eating healthier. The initial effort you put in pays off generously throughout the week. So, don your apron, channel that inner chef, and embark on a week of fuss-free, nutritious eating. And as always, we’re here, cheering you on every bite of the way! 🍴🌱🎉

Arnab is a professional blogger, having an enormous interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, He carries out sharing sentient blogs.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

CBD Oral Drops

Where Can I Buy CBD Oral Drops?                          

Whether you need a solution for pain management, a sleeping issue, anxiety, or general health maintenance, there are a host of cannabidiol products that can serve as a treatment option. One of the most potent options is CBD oral drops, which can be infused into food and beverages or be used on their own. The best palace to source the tincture from are online pharmacy stores. These stores are made up of large pharmaceutical chains, smaller local pharmacies, and other lawful organizations that sell medication online. Although physical pharmacies and specialty stores stock cannabis-based products, the inconvenience of visiting these stores and following ques and filling forms is daunting. This is the main reason why most patients prefer online shopping. Online medication orders require no paperwork and usually take only 5-10 minutes to complete. Besides supplying medication to consumers at low prices, these platforms are accessible 24-7 which provide patients with the flexibility of ordering medication at any time. These platforms also give patients a complete look at the benefits of using products such as CBD oral drops and their effects on the physical and mental being. Mistakes to Avoid When Buying CBD Oral Tincture:            In the old days, when people felt even an inkling of an illness, they would instinctively visit the local apothecary for a solution. These stores stocked naturally derived/based treatments that could manipulate both the body and mind into a state of wellness. Since then, a lot has changed as now we look to chemical or synthetic based treatments to heals what ails us. However, the prevalence of side effects has been soaring into the nerve-wracking territory, which deters patients from getting treatment. The discovery of the cannabidiol compound in cannabis plants came as a welcomed relief at the time as patients now had a naturally-based treatment solution that is both effective and safe. The cannabidiol compound was originally processed or transformed into a handful of products, one of them being cannabidiol tinctures. Tinctures are liquid substances that contain varying amounts of the cannabidiol compound along with other naturally derived products. The CBD drops gained traction in the industry quite quickly, which made way for counterfeit products. Thus, experts advise that the following guidelines be followed when buying cannabidiol tinctures:       Do not buy the cheapest tincture available       Do your homework, expand your knowledge on essential aspects of a product before purchase       Make sure the tincture is non-GMO & organically sourced       Do not assume all CBD drops are the same as some can be sourced from the hemp plant while others are sourced from the marijuana plant. This results in differing compound content       Ensure that the tincture you choose to purchase has certification or verifiable proof of its compound's origin Our CBD Oil Drops and Tinctures Different? Most consumers assume that cannabidiol oil and tinctures are the same product because of their visual appearance however, this assumption is misguided. These products cannot be used interchangeably and should be used following each product's dosage and usage practice. Unlike cannabidiol oil, tinctures contain lower levels of the active CBD compound, making them ideal for beginners. Tinctures have a longer shelf life–between 14 and 24 months and have a higher bioavailability than CBD oil drops. This means that more significant amounts of the CBD compound are absorbed by the body rather than eliminated. The cannabinoid compound is essentially extracted from the cannabis plant and processed into a liquid form. Various substances such as glycerine, cinnamon, and peppermint oil are added to the liquid-based to create a tincture. The CBD oral tincture is suspended under a 60-70% ratio of distilled alcohol. The alcohol content in the tincture serves as a preservative and increases the rate at which the product is absorbed by the system as well. Other ingredients included in tinctures are:         Essential vitamins like B12, D, C, etc         Essential oils like basil, lavender, etc         Water         Herbs         Melatonin         Sweeteners Origins of the CBD Oral Tincture: Cannabidiol compounds can be administered in many ways, as shown by the several forms it is available. The cannabidiol compounds therapeutic benefits can be extracted by dabbing, eating, drinking, or applying it topically to the skin. Among the most popular administration practices are all methods that involve cannabidiol tinctures. Unlike other cannabidiol products primarily made from cannabis leaves and stems, tinctures are produced from cannabis flowers. It is made by steeping flowers or cannabidiol isolates in high-proof grain alcohol, then leaving the brew on low heat for an extended period of time. This procedure allows the active compounds in the cannabis flower to infuse with the neutral alcohol spirit, much of which is boiled off thereafter. The result is a potent liquid tincture that can deliver the effects of the cannabinoid molecules without using smoking or other forms of combustion as a delivery method. Tincture Dosing: When it comes to cannabidiol products, most consumers discard dosing guidelines due to the compound's natural origins. Although using the cannabidiol products acutely or chronically is relatively safe, adverse effects are still a possibility. These adverse effects are commonly induced by non-adherence to dosage or usage instructions. Cannabidiol-infused products such as tinctures should be used according to dosage guidelines as the agent is concentrated. Tinctures were designed to be taken in small doses thus, each bottle comes with a built-in dropper. This administration tool helps users take small, carefully measured doses. Since tincture doses are small, they can be administered in a variety of ways. The most popular being food or beverage incorporation. No matter which administration method you choose, the standard recommended starting dose is 1-2 drops a maximum of 3 times a day. Once ingested, the tincture is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream, which means it produces effects pretty fast. According to experts, patients will experience effects just 15 minutes after consumption however some users may feel effects at a later stage, up to 45 minutes later. The delayed effects are often due to several factors such as body weight, age, underlying conditions, medication currently being used, and more. Read Also: CBD: The understanding of its benefits Are CBD Lotions Good For Your Skin? How CBD Oil Capsules Are Changing People’s Lives

READ MOREDetails
Climate Change

The Effect of Climate Change on Human Health

Climate change has always been a prime topic of discussion all over the world. The world we are living in impacts our life in many ways. Yet, we never give much thought to the changing patterns of its climate and natural habitat. Most people think climate change is all about earth suffering from the advancement of technology and people. But in reality, climate change is real, impacting our lives that vary by age, gender, nation, and socioeconomic status. The extreme rains are causing an increase in sea levels and warming temperatures. The greenhouse effect has an everlasting impact on human health. Not just that, but climate change is sweeping rapidly across the globe. This change is significantly impacting the earth's ecosystem and disturbing human health. It is no wonder why United Nations continuously stressing over climate change endangering the food we consume, the air we breathe, and the interactions with nature. Moreover, the severity of these impacts depends on a variety of factors. Apart from the gender and socioeconomics determinants, access to public health and addressing the safety systems are top factors. For that, there is a dire need for both climate change solutions and reframing it as public health issues for the most vulnerable ones. Professionals are already encouraging the aspirants to advance and pursue public health programs to tackle climate change. However, many individuals never consider advancing their skills by earning a professional degree program because of priorities for full-time work. Fortunately, the dawn of online education is solving this concern and enabling the aspirants to grow in their careers by earning professional and accredited online programs. Aspirants can opt for MPH programs online by setting their schedules within the comfort of home. This way, public health professionals can respond to climate change by reducing the uncertainty, risk of disaster, and economic outcomes. With that said, let's discuss different ways climate change affects human health. 1. Increase in Temperatures One of the effects of climate change that is dominant around the globe is an increase in temperature. Over the last few years, the world is experiencing a significant temperature rise, causing greenhouse effects and scorching summer. Moreover, the rising temperature is also leading to heat strokes and deaths. This year, Canada's temperatures rose to 45C, setting a new record high. But it is worth noting that these temperatures fuel climate change, which directly impacts human health. Some of the notable factors are burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests and livestock. The reduction in the forests alone bumps the temperatures and traps greenhouse heat. On the other side, certain populations are more vulnerable to the global rise in temperatures. These include the societies that lack socioeconomic status, outdoor workers, athletes, and the homeless. For that instance, there is a dire need for policies to address the healthcare needs of these populations and ensure wellbeing for these groups. Research also reports that these extreme heatwaves are set to increase in the future. It raises the alarm to ensure better healthcare access to deprived societies and reduce exposure to abrupt climate change. 2. Air Quality Impact The air we breathe is no longer fresh. The changing climate is now proving the consequences of higher levels of pollutants leading to unhealthy air quality. That is also why there are higher rates of deaths related to air pollution than from car accidents. It might come as shocking that both indoor and outdoor air is harmful to human health. The prominent drivers of these diminishing air quality are burning fossil fuels, construction, and industrial waste. The increase in carbon dioxide emissions from the industries also increases the growth of plants that produce airborne allergens. Moreover, these emissions are also destroying the ground-level ozone layers, which allows the ultraviolet rays to reach the surface that infiltrates human health. Scientists project that carbon emissions are more likely to put vulnerable people into hospitals. Since carbon emissions impact the ozone layer, children and outdoor workers can suffer from chronic lung disease. There is still research required to identify the measures to curb the worsening air quality and reduce its impact on human health with these complex factors. You may go through: Is The World Shifting Fast Enough To Renewable Sources Of Energy? 3. Extreme Weather Apart from worse air quality globally, climate change also yields extreme weather patterns. According to experts, the increase in natural disasters and extreme weather significantly impacts human health. Especially, the young children, older adults, and disabled groups are exposed to these threats from climate change. The floods, droughts, and storms lead to unprecedented impacts like the availability of healthy food and healthcare. Moreover, the damages also leave the deprived groups in limited mobility, causing a variety of issues. Especially, post-traumatic stress disorders are pervasive in such extreme weather conditions. The evacuations and emergency aids indeed come in handy in such situations. The evacuations and emergencies also require medical assistance and equipment to meet everyone's needs. However, the everlasting impact of climate change can leave many human lives on the brink of collapse. 4. Vectorborne Disease Vectorborne diseases also come along with natural disasters that are fueled by climate change. These diseases are spread by disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes, fleas, and other hosts like birds. These vectors carry infectious pathogens of viruses, bacteria, and fungi that are transmissible to humans. The main factor that worries the organizations is the ideal weather conditions that lead to the transmission of this disease. For instance, the monsoon spells across Asia result in higher precipitation and humidity levels that promote the growth of dengue mosquitoes. These vectors spread severe dengue infections causing frequent epidemics burden on Asia. Final Words Climate change affects our health in one way or another. However, there is a lot of measures we can take to reduce its impact and prepare ourselves. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is already causing a cascade of consequences on the world. But it is also essential to act fast and reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate change. Read Also: Six Main Reasons Why You Need to Care for Environment How to start living off the grid

READ MOREDetails
Astral Projection

Astral Projection: Is It Real?

Humans have practised astral projection for thousands of years. However, few people truly understand what it is, how it works, and how it can be harnessed and utilized to improve our lives. In this article, we take a deep dive into astral projection and discuss its history, how it works, and how you can achieve it. However, first, we need to answer a question that scientists have been studying for centuries. Is astral projection real? Find out below. Astral Projection: What Is It? Astral projection is the process of deliberately inducing an out-of-body experience. Practitioners can separate their physical bodies and their spiritual bodies, allowing the spiritual side to explore the world freely while leaving the physical vessel safely behind. In doing so, the spirit can enter other beings, explore different places, or simply look back at the physical body and observe. Astral projection can be a powerful and moving experience; it’s a method of seeing the world from a new perspective and can lead to profound and life-changing epiphanies. Is it Real? Astral projection might sound like magic, which leads many people to assume that it’s not real and is the stuff of fairy tales. Scientists have long worked to confirm or deny the existence of astral projection, but thus far have failed to reach any concrete conclusions. There’s no denying that out-of-body experiences are a real thing. They’ve been reported throughout much of human history, even among people who wouldn’t necessarily believe in something like astral projection. While some out-of-body experiences can be caused by trauma or medical conditions, astral projection is the act of inducing these experiences and retaining full control of the situation. Astral Projection Throughout History The idea of astral projection has been present throughout thousands of years of human history, since as far back as ancient Egypt. It’s not confined to one region or group of people either, instead, the practice spans civilisations and cultures across the world. Originally, astral projection was practised by holy figures, mystics, and shamans, who were believed to hold the power required to project their spiritual beings. Today, everyone and anyone can get involved in astral projection, and we’re seeing a significant increase in the number of people exploring and experimenting with the phenomenon. How To Astral Project If you want to master astral projection, you must first learn how to reach a state of total mental peace and calm. The best way to do this is through meditation, or through a practice like yoga. Once you are able to completely clear your mind and enter a zen state, you can focus on separating your spirit body from your physical body. This uncoupling is how astral projection begins and is the key to unlocking its power and potential. However, this takes practice. Don’t expect to be able to do it right away. You need to dedicate yourself and truly focus if you want to see results. Conclusion Astral projection is certainly real, but the way in which it works is still not fully understood. Read Also: 1. Easy Ways To Live A Healthier Lifestyle. 10 Tips On How To Ditch The Stress And Start Living A Peaceful Life.

READ MOREDetails