Meal Prep like an Athlete

Is Meal Prepping something you are considering in the new year?

If so...I believe it can be something that really supports your training and hence can enhance your performance. Juts think about it. If there is food ready to grab and go in your fridge at all times, you will eat it. Meal Prepping takes away the question "what do I eat" and the statement "there's nothing to eat". It ensures that there is pre-cooked fuel available at all times, and guarantees that you have melas that are ready to create in a snap.

Below are some tips and tricks to make meal prepping simple and achievable this coming year!

Some things that you will need:

Time

Set aside some time one day per week specifically for food prep. This is typically done on Sunday but it can be done anyway that woks best with your practice/game schedule.  You will need to go grocery shopping or order groceries online to be delivered on your food prep day. Schedule this into your week as if it were a lifting session or stretching session. It's that important to your performance. 

Knives

Sharp Knives are a must. It makes slicing and dicing veggies easy, quick and enjoyable. These Cuisinart Knives are my favorite because they are not super expensive yet they are really good quality! 

Veggie Chopper

This  veggie chopper is a new gadget that I'm enjoying. It makes chopping onions and peppers quick and easy.  Plus...clean up is minimal!

Storage Containers 

You will need to store the food that you prep in containers so that it is truly grab and go. These glass containers come in many sizes and are microwave safe. I prefer using glass in order to avoid plastic. 

Grill Basket

This grill basket is super convenient for grilling chicken or veggies. It helps batch cooking and keeps clean up to a minimal! 

Other tools

I love using an instapot, slow cooker, air frying pan, for batch cooking soups, stews, rice, quinoa, oatmeal, hard boiled eggs, chicken, potatoes etc... 

Tips for Meal Prepping 

• Prep Full meals: You cook an entire meal and store it in your fridge or freezer. This is a great technique for meals that you are going to take with your to school or work.
• Batch cooking: Cooking meals such as soup, stew, one pot meals or pan sheet meals. It's an easy and complete easy to prep an entire meal.
• Ingredient prep: Cooking individual ingredients such as brown rice, quinoa, sweet potato, grilled veggies and grilled chicken, can set you up for creating a custom meal in the moment.  If you have multiple cooked ingredients in your fridge you can easily create a complete meal in minutes! For example if you have grilled chicken, sweet potatoes and Brussel sprouts already cooked...you already have a balanced meal to create! Combine, heat and serve! Boom. The only addition would be to add some seasonings or a sauce (hot sauce, pesto etc...) 

Meal Prep Commitment

Decide what you think you can fit into your schedule and your lifestyle. Commit to what you can realistically manage. Try it and see how it works. Continue with what works and add additional techniques after you feel more confident with what you have committed to. It takes practice and time just like the techniques in your sport has taken!  But I know you are capable and I know it will enhance your performance.

Enjoy the process!