One of the challenges many people face with healthy eating is time. It takes time to cook from scratch, prepare vegetables and bring it all together. It’s because of this that many people take the easy route, getting takeout and buying pre-made store options which can be full of hidden sugars, salt and fat - affecting your efforts to be healthy.
But one of the things that people who eat healthily do successfully is plan ahead. By learning how to meal-prep, as well as some time-saving hacks, you can help pre-prepare food at home that you can have the next time you’re short on time.
Ready to cook now, eat later? Here are some ideas for things you can make ahead ready for when you need them.
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Rubs and herb/spice mixes
To get the most out of cooking from home, you need a strong collection of herbs and spices. But it can feel like an effort finding the right ones to use in your favorite dishes. Why not save some time and create your own rubs and herb and spice mixes? Get some jars or packets ready to create some homemade spice blends. That way, the next time you want to cook Mexican, Italian, a curry or any of your other favorites, you’ll already have the mix to hand!
DIY pickles
Having a pantry full of homemade goodies can make cooking a lot easier, and more exciting. There are all kinds of jar-based foods you can make for later, including jams and pastes, but pickling your own foods is an ideal make-ahead product. Get inspiration from this pickled beets recipe to help make sure your favorites are always in stock. The great news about glass jars is that they can be reused, helping you to save the environment while enjoying healthier goods at home too.
Batch-cook favorites
Batch-cooking recipes ready for freezing can help save you a lot of time in the future. The next time you don’t feel like cooking, you’ll have something tasty to look forward to instead of having to reach for the nearest takeout menu. Check out some batch-cook ideas that are perfect for freezing and spend an afternoon stocking your freezer. If you’ve got a slow cooker, you’ll find it’s even easier to make some tasty dishes for later.
Meal prep for healthier eating
If you’re trying to lose weight or simply eat a bit healthier, it pays to make your food ahead. By spending a Sunday making meals for the week, you can make sure you’ve got something wholesome and tasty for lunch each day instead of heading to your nearest sandwich place. There are plenty of amazing healthy recipes out there to help you eat well, so start prepping in advance so that you can stick to your new healthier lifestyle.
Getting into the habit of cooking ahead will save you a lot of time, while also making sure you eat some healthy, home-cooked dishes. Why not try it this week and see the difference it could make to your life?
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