A lot of people find this difficult to do because cooking a healthy meal can take a lot of time. That's why Meal Prep has become such a popular solution. Meal Prep is the process of preparing your meals in advance so that you have healthy food to eat all week long.
In this article, we're going to show you how to Meal Prep like a pro. We'll provide you with some of the healthy meal prep for the week that is easy to make and also provide lots of nutritional benefits. So, let's get started with it.
7 Healthy Meal Prep for the Week
Meal prepping is a great way to make sure you're eating healthy and balanced meals throughout the week. It takes some time upfront, but it can make your life much easier in the long run. Here are some healthy meal preps to get you started.
Roasted Veggie Bowls
Roasted Veggie Bowls are the perfect way to get your daily intake of vegetables. Not only are they packed with flavor and nutrition, but they are easy to make. To make a Roasted Veggie Bowl, you will need a variety of vegetables, such as cauliflower, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and then spread the vegetables on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with your favorite herbs and spices. Roast the vegetables for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender. Serve the vegetables in a bowl over cooked quinoa or brown rice.
The nutritional benefits of Roasted Veggie Bowls are numerous. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are low in fat and calories and can help lower cholesterol.
Veggies are also rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation. Eating more vegetables can also help manage blood sugar levels and aid in weight loss. Roasted Veggie Bowls are an easy and delicious way to get your daily dose of veggies.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito Bowls
One of our favorite healthy meal prep recipes is the sweet potato and black bean burrito bowl. It's simple to make and filled with healthy, delicious ingredients.
To make this recipe, start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Then, wash and cube two sweet potatoes. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, rinse and drain a can of black beans.
In a large bowl, mix together the black beans, diced red onion, diced green bell pepper, diced tomatoes, and cilantro. Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting, add them to the bowl with the black bean mixture and stir everything together.
The burrito bowl is a great way to get your daily dose of essential vitamins and minerals. Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene and vitamins A, B6 and C, while black beans are a great source of iron, protein, and fiber.
Baked Salmon With Veggies
The best part about salmon is that it's a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are both essential for healthy skin. Not to mention, it's tasty and easy to prepare.
To make baked salmon with veggies, all you need is a sheet of salmon, some vegetables of your choice (we recommend broccoli, cauliflower and carrots), olive oil, salt and pepper. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then chop up your veggies and lay them out on a baking sheet. Drizzle the veggies with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, then place the salmon filet on top. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
Quinoa Salad
If you're looking for a vegetarian-friendly meal prep option, consider making a quinoa salad. Quinoa is an excellent source of plant-based protein, and it’s packed with vitamins and minerals. To make it even better, you can top it off with superfoods like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
To prepare this dish, start by cooking quinoa in vegetable or chicken stock. Once cooked, add in some diced vegetables of your choice. You can also add in black beans for added protein and texture. Finally, top off with your favorite dressing or vinaigrette.
Lentil Soup
For something comforting, you can't go wrong with Lentil Soup. Lentils are packed with proteins and dietary fibers, plus they taste great and are easy to prepare.
To make this delicious soup, all you need is some olive oil, celery, onions and garlic for the base. After that, add in some vegetable broth, lentils and spices of your choice like smoked paprika powder or cumin.
Now simmer the soup for about 20-30 minutes until the lentils are fully cooked. If you're looking to add a bit more nutrition into your dishes, you can also add some diced carrots or diced potatoes to the mix.
This simple yet delicious soup is sure to be one of your favorite meal prep recipes. Enjoy it on its own or with a side of whole wheat bread or crackers – it's totally up to you!
Curried Tofu
Curried tofu is one of the healthiest and most flavorful meal prep options. It comes together quickly and easily, with minimal ingredients and a robust flavor. To make it, you’ll need tofu, curry powder, coconut milk, and some veggies of your choice.
Once you’ve cooked the tofu in a skillet with the spices, add the coconut milk for a creamy finish. Serve it over cooked rice or your favorite grain for a complete meal. You can also double or triple the recipe if you’re making it for multiple days ahead of time.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Looking for something a little bit more indulgent? Baked sweet potato fries are a great option. They’re easy to make and tastes delicious with just a few simple ingredients. You will need sweet potatoes, olive oil, sea salt, and garlic powder.
First, preheat your oven to 425 F degrees and line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut your sweet potatoes into thin strips and place them on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder and sea salt. Toss everything together until the fries are evenly coated.
Place the fries in the oven for 25-30 minutes flipping them half way through cooking time. Serve them hot and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a meal!
Final Thought
Healthy meal prep is a great way to simplify your life, save time and money, and ensure you have nutritious meals at your fingertips throughout the week.
By taking a little time on the weekend to prepare, you can take control of your diet, reduce stress, and feel your best. Whether you're new to meal prep or a seasoned pro, there's always room to mix things up and try new recipes.