Thinking of hopping on the Sunday meal prep train? Dreaming about avoiding the 12 PM lunch rush lines at work, and skipping fast food meal delivery in Toronto? If so, you’re not alone. Meal prep has become a staple for many, but with it comes its own set of challenges.
Below, join the MealFix team as we explore some of the most common meal prepping challenges that newcomers (and long-time enthusiasts!) face when riding onto the meal prep wave! Read on to learn more.
#1: Eating the Same Thing Every Week
Though meal prep can be one of the most exciting steps to take towards your health goals, there’s a thin line between consistency and repetition. All too often, carefully planned meals can turn into the same recipes over and over again. Chicken Caesar salad and overnight oats may sound great at first, but can quickly become overplayed.
The fix to flavour fatigue doesn’t have to be complicated. Rotating between two or three different cuisines across the week keeps things interesting. Even swapping a sauce or a side can make the same new meal taste brand new.
#2: Not Storing Meals Properly
While meal prep itself may be simple, understanding the fundamentals is key to avoiding some questionable leftovers. Food safety can’t be overlooked, as it helps keep your meals fresh and safe to eat. Fortunately, once you have a routine in place, keeping track of best practices becomes much easier.
Tips for food storage:
- If you can’t eat the meal within 3 to 4 days, store it in the freezer for safekeeping
- Ensure meals are in the fridge within 1 to 2 hours of cooking
- Let hot food cool slightly before sealing the lid, so trapped steam doesn’t leave you with soggy leftovers
(Psst…MealFix delivers all our meals with cold packs and cooler bags to keep all meals fresh!)
#3: Not Using the Right Containers
Success with meal prep doesn’t just start with the cooking; in many ways, it actually begins with the containers.While that doesn’t necessarily mean you need a brand new 100+ piece food container haul, having a few sets of reliable reusable containers makes a real difference.
Ensure you have enough durable containers with tight, leak-resistant lids. You’ll also want to ensure it’s made from microwave and freezer-safe materials.
#4: Not Prioritizing Key Nutrients
Meal prep is all about food empowerment and making it more manageable to hit your goals. So, if you’re feeling hungry an hour later and counting down the minutes until your next meal, there may be something missing from the equation.
Fibre
- Fibre keeps you feeling full between meals and helps with digestion. Whole grains, beans, and vegetables are all feel-good sources to lean on.
Carbohydrates
- Carbs are your body’s main source of energy. Complex carbs like brown rice, oats, and sweet potatoes release that energy more slowly, helping you stay fuller for longer
Protein
- These days, protein gets all the attention. Aim to include a quality protein source at each meal, whether from chicken, beef, lentils, soy, tofu, or another option.
Fats
- Healthy fats play a vital role in helping the body absorb certain vitamins and in keeping meals satisfying. Avocado, nuts, and olive oil are all heart-healthy go-to options.
Tip: Healthy meal delivery in Toronto can take the guesswork out of your plate by providing full nutritional information for every meal.
#5: Preparing the Wrong Meals
Just as meal prep must be stored properly, choosing the right meals is equally important. Meal prep should last several days, but if the taste or texture is going off by mid-week, you’ll just be left with an underwhelming dinner and a temptation to order pizza for dinner instead.
Make it a point to choose meals that hold up their texture and flavour throughout the week. For example, pasta dishes, roasted veggies, and slow-cooker recipes tend to keep well longer. That said, a healthy meal delivery plan in Toronto can help ensure that every meal stays just as satisfying from the first day to the last.
Meal Delivery in Toronto You Can Count On
As you can see, there’s a lot to meal prepping. If you’re looking to skip the endless Tupperware containers and get straight to the good part, MealFix has you covered.
Browse our weekly menu, then sign up for our mailing list to get 25% off your first order and one month of free delivery!