1. Decide what you're prepping for. Do you want to gain weight or lose?

Knowing what your goal is you help yourself in preparing your weekly meals. Meal prep reduces the amount of consumption that helps lead balanced nutrition and also knowing which you desire, losing, or gaining weight, it will be the best way to decide what to purchase.

Related: Healthy Weight Gain Meal Plan

2. Research meals based on that decision.

Pinterest is your friend. Do not judge but I just made maybe my fourth Pinterest account, this time I'm keeping it and downloading the app. My younger sister is a Pinterest fanatic and I would usually use her expertise but since beginning meal prep, I can see the need. Pinterest supplies the most creative and helpful ideas known to any wanderer.

3. Make a grocery list and stick to it!! (most important).

Coming from a family of cooks, you are sent to the store with a list of items to bring back for dinner. There is a protocol when sent shopping, be sure you get everything on the list, call home if you can't find it, or hop around different grocery stores. With a family from NYC it was normal to shop throughout the city, from the fish market to the local Hispanic grocery store all in one trip. Sticking to the list keeps you from buying unnecessary items and saves money, this should be applied with all shopping if you ask me, we all can use extra savings!

4. Plan to prep 3 days at a time. We don't waste food!

I said it once, but I'll say it again, SAVINGS! It is key not to overbear yourself with food when attempting meal prep because two things can happen. Depending on what you are prepping, for instance vegetables, you don't want to prep for too many days ahead because fresh produce is best used within five days or less. Wasting veggies or any food result in wasting your money and time spent shopping. Save money by not wasting food and you can buy a new outfit to fit that slimmed down body.

5. Mentally prepare yourself to only eat what you have prepared. HIDE YOUR DEBIT CARD! DON'T STOP FOR FAST FOOD!

We all can afford to use mind tricks on ourselves when setting goals, we are all human battling temptations every day. To overcome these battles try leaving your debit card at home or not carrying cash when making a short run out. You'll be grateful when you pass by any of those fast-food restaurants with hot fries.

6. Meditate/pray every morning because you're going to need it if you love food like us Bama girls and it will help to stay focused.

You need to do this if anything, use it as a constant reminder of your set goals. Change is tough and it takes determination to accomplish your goals, however, there is power in prayer. For any time where a struggle can be found, there is room for defeat. Let's be honest here, our eating habits are the biggest struggle in this country. If not eating, there are plenty of other things that require prayer to find success.