Meal prep is a strategic approach to nutrition that involves preparing meals in advance, typically for several days ahead. I don't LOVE to do days in advance which is why I tend to do a couple of days or use Just Meats, but let's talk about how this can help. This practice isn't just about convenience; it's a powerful tool for achieving health goals, and protein plays a crucial role in this equation.
First, meal prep promotes healthier eating habits by removing the temptation to grab convenient, but often unhealthy, options when hunger strikes. When meals are already prepared and portioned out, individuals are less likely to resort to fast food or processed snacks loaded with excess calories, unhealthy fats, and sugars. Instead, they have access to balanced meals tailored to their nutritional needs.
Meal prep allows for better control over ingredients and portion sizes. By planning meals, we can easily include a variety of nutrient-dense foods such as lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. This helps in achieving a well-rounded diet that is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are vital for overall health and well-being.
Now, let's zoom in on the role of protein. Protein is one of the three macronutrients essential for the body, alongside carbohydrates and fats. It serves as the building blocks for tissues, muscles, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. Including an adequate amount of protein in meals is crucial for supporting muscle growth and repair, maintaining a healthy metabolism, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied throughout the day.
For individuals aiming to lose weight and/or build muscle, protein becomes even more critical. Protein-rich foods have a high thermic effect, meaning they require more energy to digest, which can boost metabolism and contribute to calorie expenditure. Additionally, protein helps preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss, ensuring that the body primarily burns fat for energy rather than breaking down muscle tissue.
So as we reflect on the importance of protein, meal prep offers a practical solution for improving dietary choices and sticking to health goals. By incorporating adequate protein into pre-prepared meals, individuals can enhance their nutritional intake, support their fitness endeavors, and pave the way for long-term health and wellness.
For starters, aim for .8-1.2G of protein per pound of your goals or ideal body weight. I consume between 140-155G protein which works well for me. I'm 5'5" 135LB.
For my meal prep, I use Just Meats most days of the week as it's the easiest and fastest for me. https://www.justmeats.com/discount/Kendra15 Here's my link and code (use Kendra15) to get the latest deals. For February the deal is $25 off, plus 25% off your subscription, plus 10% off your subscription for a lifetime!! The meat is grass-fed and grass-finished and delivered right to your door. It's prepared so all you have to do is heat it up. I always have it on hand!
As always, let me know how I can help!
Kendra