We all know that staying on top of our nutrition can be a game-changer when it comes to reaching our fitness goals. Meal prepping ensures you fuel your body with the right nutrients while saving time and money. Here’s how to make meal prepping simple and stress-free!

Step 1: Plan It Out

Before you even step into the kitchen, have a plan! Ask yourself - what do I want to eat this week, what do I need to organise ahead of time, what have I already got in the fridge/freezer?

• Pick 2-3 meals that are simple, balanced, and enjoyable.

• Ensure each meal includes a protein source, healthy fats, and carbs.

• Create a shopping list to avoid unnecessary purchases (and impulse snack buys!).

• Utilise click and collect or delivery! Time savers, money savers and they allow you to really cut down prep time.

Tip: Most of us naturally eat about 80% of the same foods every day. Keep it simple and build meals around the foods you enjoy!

Step 2: Meal Prep vs. Food Prep

Not all meal prepping has to mean making every meal ahead of time! There are two main approaches:

• Meal Prep: Cooking full meals and portioning them out into containers for easy grab-and-go options.

• Food Prep: Preparing ingredients in advance (like chopping veggies, cooking protein, or making a big batch of grains) so you can quickly assemble meals when needed.

Decide what works best for you! Some people like to prep all three meals, while others only focus on breakfast and lunch, then cook fresh dinners. If you prefer more flexibility, prepping key ingredients rather than full meals allows you to mix and match throughout the week while still saving time.

Step 3: Don't Forget Your Snacks!

If you like to have snacks between meals, make sure you have them planned and ready to go. 99% of people say their “downfall” is snacking, but this is usually because they don’t have anything prepped and end up grabbing whatever is available.

• Stock up on protein-rich options like Greek yogurt, boiled eggs, cottage cheese, jerky.

• Keep healthy fats handy—nuts, nut butter with apple slices, or avocado on whole-grain crackers.

• Prep fresh-cut veggies with hummus, or have some fruit ready to grab and pair with a protein source.

Having snacks ready means you won’t be left reaching for processed or sugary options when hunger strikes!

Step 4: Stay Consistent & Keep It Fun

Meal prepping is about creating a lifestyle, not just a one-time fix. Keep it enjoyable and sustainable!

• Rotate your protein & carb options to keep things interesting.

• Switch up seasonings and sauces to give meals variety without extra effort.

• Find quick ways to use leftovers - throw protein into an omelet, mix it into a salad, or wrap it up for an easy lunch.

Most importantly remember : Meal prepping doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to work for YOU!