When it comes to results, which last it comes down to preparation and daily habits. Daily habits like food choices are a big factor to your success. Constantly choosing the fast-food choice over preparing from home may sound like a small factor but, it can be a determinant of success or failure. It is true what is said that you cannot outrun a poor diet.
Preparation is the key to shifting the unwanted cm’s from your waistline which found its way there over winter. Meal preparation is not just for body builders, but it is a useful tool for anyone to not only eat healthier for life but also save you money.
Try these four tricks to successful meal prep:
- Plan to meal prep 2 times a week.
For food safety most dishes will be safe for around 3 days in your fridge before they become a bit iffy. Secondly it means your life is not completely spent in the kitchen and this process saves you time. Pick two days three days apart to prepare for your lunch, dinner and/or breakfast.
- Invest in some Tupperware.
Size of the containers do matter for portion control as research has shown you tend to eat more if what you are eating from is larger. Try to purchase nothing larger than say a medium serving container which you could get from a takeaway shop. Buying 3 containers for each meal you are preparing will help reduce washing up e.g., three for lunch, three for dinner etc.
- Variety and enjoyment.
Take the time to search for some recipes which tickle your taste buds, they do not need to be hard and you do not need to be a MasterChef. Try the many health promoting recipes on the South Australian Gourmet Food Company website.
Variety will help you enjoy your meals more. If you are short on time buying the premade half cup whole grain options from your supermarket can work really well, tinned fish and pre-cut frozen vegetables are also a great go to which are also friendly on the wallet.
- Remember the healthy plate model.
- ¼ of your meal is a lean meat or alternative like 80g chicken breast, 65g beef, 100g fish, 170g tofu, 2 large eggs or 1 cup of beans.
- ¼ is whole grains like a slice of wholemeal bread or ½ a cup of couscous, quinoa, rice or pasta and the rest is vegetables or fruit.
Most of the population are not even getting close to meeting their requirements for health when it comes to vegetables and fruit and fibre. As a result, this means most of the population is kicking themselves in the foot when it comes to weight control and loss.
Try to stay away from adding salt as your blood pressure will not thank you in the long run. Instead try using herbs and spices which will give your body antioxidants to fight off free radicals that can cause damage and disease to the cells of your body.
Take home message: Prepare in advance or prepare to fail. Your daily habits create your health and waistline.
