As The Bikini Chef®, emphasizing healthy eating is my JOB! And, healthy eating involves Food Prep. One of the most asked questions is, “What is Food Prep?”
Here, 5 Easy Steps to What Food Prep is and How To Do It:
Food Prep: (noun) Slang for food preparation; the act of washing, chopping, often pre-cooking foods and packaging them so that they are easy to access for snacks, meals, and on-the-go meals for work or other activities. (def, Susan Irby)
Step 1. Food Prep begins by pre-planning the meals and snacks you would like to have over a designated period of time.
*Tip: Write down the meals and snacks on a piece of paper or tablet so that you are clear on what you will need to purchase at the grocery store; include packaging containers and resealable bags, if necessary.
*Note: The pre-planned period of time for meals and snacks can be as little as one day or as long as one week or even a month, in some cases. In following The Bikini Chef® recommended lifestyle and the 30 Days to Healthy Living program, fresh foods are essential. So, the most recommended length of time for Food Prep is no longer than one week. This is simply because fresh foods will most likely spoil by then. Freezing foods is an option for long term Food Prep, if desired, but purchasing packaged frozen meals is not a recommended option.
Step 2. Make a grocery list.
*Head to the grocery store with grocery list in hand!
*Tip: Save time and mind energy by making a grocery list based on the pre-planned meals and snacks. Following a list also helps you stay on track with the program. Follow the motto, “If I don’t bring it home with me, I won’t eat it!”
Step 3. Once home, unpack and begin “preparing the food”.
*Wash the fruits and vegetables.
*Get out the chef knife and cutting board and trim the roots, if needed; chop fruits and vegetables to desired size.
*Cook lean proteins such as fish or organic free-range chicken.
*Cook vegetables, as needed, for specific meals.
Step 4. Arrange the prepared foods in containers.
*Note: The foods can be arranged as best fits your needs and schedule. If you desire to take meals to work, consider packaging entire meals in an airtight, travel safe container so they are ready-to-go when you leave for work.
Or, if you prefer, package each food separately and take multiple containers with you. Whatever packaging and meal arrangement works best for you.
*Tip: Arrange snacks like nuts, seeds, raw vegetables and foods of this nature in individual snack bags for ease of use and portion sizes.
Step 5. Refrigerate!
*Tip: If needed, make a note somewhere obvious so you don’t forget your meal and snack for the day. I often place my car keys in the refrigerator on top of the container so I cannot possibly leave home without it.
*Tip: Label containers by Day of the Week or by Meal or Snack name, for convenience.
Step 6: At week’s end, START AT STEP 1.
*Tip: If you have the time, pre-plan two weeks of meals and snacks. However, make your grocery list and shop per week for absolute food freshness.
Buon Appetito!
JOIN The Bikini Chef® recommended 30 Days to Healthy Living Program at ANYTIME… CALL/TEXT SUSAN at 310.753.3750. For more information, 30 Days to Healthy Living
