Today, I want to dive into something that can truly make or break your success in transforming your body after 40. Meal prep! Many of you ask, “How do I stay on track with my food and workouts?” and I’m here to tell you, meal prep is the secret weapon.
If you’re serious about reaching your goals, meal prep isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. I’ve seen it work wonders, not just for me but for countless women I’ve coached. So, let’s talk about why this works, how to simplify it, and some quick hacks to make meal prepping as easy as possible.
Why Meal Prep Matters
Whether your goal is weight loss, muscle gain, or simply eating healthier, prepping your meals ahead of time gives you a plan to stay on track. Without prep, it’s all too easy to get derailed, especially when life gets busy or stress levels are high. As the saying goes, “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” Those who meal prep consistently reach their goals faster and stay motivated longer.
Keep It Simple
One mistake I see often is overcomplicating the process. Fancy recipes and complicated dishes sound nice but can lead to burnout. Instead, stick to basic, wholesome ingredients and prep them in bulk. Trust me, simple meal prep is the best meal prep! A mix of proteins, veggies, and healthy carbs will make things easy and keep you focused.
My Go-To Meal Prep Steps
Here’s a rundown of how I make meal prep work for me:
- Stock Up on Quality Containers
A set of reliable meal prep containers is crucial. I use glass containers at home, but if you’re taking meals to work or on the go, durable plastic containers are great. - Choose Versatile Proteins
I always prep a variety of proteins like tofu, lean ground beef, chicken, or eggs. These foods provide essential nutrients and can be mixed and matched with different sides. - Bulk Cook and Freeze for Convenience
Cook up batches of items like rice and store extras in the freezer. Rice can last in the fridge for 3-4 days, but freezing lets you stretch that time even further, saving you effort in the future. - Stick to the Scale
Weighing your ingredients helps you track portion sizes and stay within your goals. By knowing exactly what you’re eating, you’ll stay on track with your macros and calories. - Plan and Prep Twice a Week
A Sunday prep session is a great way to kick off the week, and adding a second quick prep day mid-week keeps everything fresh and on track.
Meal Prep Tips for Extra Success
- Use the Freezer: Freeze some prepped foods like rice and chicken for busy weeks. You’ll thank yourself later when you can just thaw and eat!
- Prepare for Travel: If you’re going out of town or even just out for the day, prep your meals to take with you. Many places have fridges available, so don’t hesitate to take your containers along.
Make It a Habit
At the end of the day, the more you simplify, the more consistent you’ll be. Consistency is what truly gets results. When I first started meal prepping, it felt overwhelming, but I quickly realized that keeping things simple meant I actually stuck with it. Now, it’s second nature.
