Ever found yourself saying, “I’ll start eating healthy on Monday…” after a week of takeaway and last-minute meals?
You’re not alone.
We all have the best intentions, but between work, family, and life’s curveballs, healthy eating often takes a back seat. If you’re like us, after a long day the last thing you want to do is decide what’s for dinner—cue the temptation to order takeaway.
Now, we’re not here to demonise takeaway (we love a good Thai stir-fry every now and then!), but when it becomes your go-to during the week, it can start to derail your health goals.
So, what’s the solution? Meal prep. It might sound like a buzzword, but it’s a game-changer—and here’s why.
Let’s be honest—when healthy meals are ready to go, you’re far more likely to eat them. Meal prep helps take the decision-making out of your day, so when hunger hits, the healthy choice is the easy choice.
It also means you’re more likely to get the nutrients your body needs—think enough protein, fibre, and veggies—without relying on nutrient-poor takeaway options that are often high in saturated fat and sodium.
Spending 1–2 hours on the weekend prepping meals or ingredients can save you hours during the week. No more mid-week panic over what to cook, or last-minute dashes to the shops.
Meal prep also makes grocery shopping faster. With a plan in hand, you can breeze through the aisles with a clear list and zero guesswork.
Prepping meals at home means fewer last-minute Uber Eats orders and less food going to waste. You’ll also get more bang for your buck when you buy ingredients in bulk and use them across multiple meals.
When you plan ahead, you’re more likely to buy only what you need and use it all. You can portion meals to suit your appetite, store leftovers properly, and avoid throwing out unused ingredients at the end of the week.
Nothing’s worse than realising at 6pm that the chicken is still frozen or there’s nothing in the fridge. Meal prep removes that daily dinner dread—ingredients are prepped, meals are ready, and your future self is already thanking you.
Meal prep doesn’t have to mean eating the same meal every day or spending hours in the kitchen. A little forward planning can go a long way in helping you eat better, save time and money, reduce waste, and take the stress out of healthy eating.
Try setting aside just one hour this weekend to prep a few meals or ingredients—you might be surprised at how much easier your week becomes.
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