Meal preparation

Meal preparation, often referred to as "meal prep", is the process of planning and preparing meals. Sometimes this involves preparing full meals, but it can also involve preparing ingredients for later use.

Overview

Meal preparation is a broad term that encompasses a range of activities. It can involve the planning of meals for a week or more, shopping for the ingredients, and then cooking and storing the meals or meal components until they are eaten. The goal of meal preparation is often to save time and effort throughout the week, to ensure a balanced and nutritious diet, or to control portion sizes.

Planning

The first step in meal preparation is often planning. This involves deciding what meals to eat, and in what quantities. This can be influenced by a number of factors, including dietary needs, personal preferences, and budget. The planning stage often involves creating a meal plan and a grocery list.

Shopping

Once the meals have been planned, the next step is shopping for the ingredients. This can involve visiting a supermarket, a farmer's market, or ordering groceries online. The goal is to purchase all the necessary ingredients for the planned meals.

Cooking

The cooking stage of meal preparation can involve a range of techniques, from simple to complex. This can include chopping vegetables, cooking grains, grilling meats, or baking breads. The goal is to prepare the meals or meal components so they are ready to be eaten throughout the week.

Storing

After the meals have been cooked, they are often stored in the refrigerator or freezer until they are eaten. This can involve portioning out meals into individual containers, or storing larger quantities of food in larger containers.

Benefits

There are many benefits to meal preparation. It can save time and effort throughout the week, as meals or meal components are ready to be eaten. It can also help ensure a balanced and nutritious diet, as meals can be planned and prepared in advance. Additionally, it can help control portion sizes, as meals can be portioned out in advance.

See also

• Cooking
• Food storage
• Meal planning