Successful Meal Prepping Tips for a Busy Entrepreneur
The day in the life an entrepreneur is not always calm, cool, and collected.
Things do not always go as planned; we may have prepared a lunch but, forgot it or we may have business meeting that requires us to order out.
As an entrepreneur it can be easy to slip into eating out and going to the most affordable restaurants daily.
Little do some entrepreneurs know this is an easy alternative but, it can catch up with our bodies faster than we think.
Developing not so healthy eating habits can cause negative effects on the body such as issues with the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, cholesterol, skin, mental health and reproductive systems.
For example, in an article called “The Effects of Fast Food on the Body” by Ann Pietrangelo stated “Carbs and sugar in fast food and processed food can increase acids in your mouth. These acids can break down tooth enamel. Obesity can also lead to complications with bone density and muscle mass. People who are obese have a greater risk for falling and breaking bones. It’s important to keep exercising to build muscles, which support your bones, and maintain a healthy diet to minimize bone loss.”
Eating out everyday can be the cause of someone getting a headache, depression, acne, heart disease, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, weight gain, high cholesterol, and as stated above teeth distress.
As entrepreneurs our health is one of the most important things that should always be top priority because, we cannot enjoy the growth of a business we created if we are too busy feeling sick from developing unhealthy eating habits.
One of the many ways people can get back on track with their health would be changing the way that they eat. For example, instead of eating out we have the option to meal prep.
Meal prepping is a concept of creating delicious and healthy meals for the week so, you are ahead of schedule.
This is extremely helpful for individuals who have a hectic schedule, where they are always on the go.
One of the many pros of meal prepping would be that it saves you a lot of time, instead of always wondering about what you should make for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Below there are a few tips and tricks that entrepreneurs or anyone looking for a healthy lifestyle can use to be successful with meal prepping.
1. Go to the grocery store with a plan!
The biggest mistake a lot of us make when we decide to meal prep is not planning what meals we will be consistent with or will fancy our taste buds for a week.
Going to the grocery store without knowing what you want to cook is a big negative because, you are bound to pick unhealthy options since it appeals to the eye.
Stick with the basics pick a vegetable, meat or meat substitute, fruits, protein, starch/grains, and healthy fats.
Another reason why it is important to plan before you go to the grocery store would be so, you are aware of how many portions you will need for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
2. Plan the days that you will prepare your recipes.
It is important to be on a consistent schedule with meal prepping.
This allows you to develop a healthy eating routine and it will slowly become natural since it is automatically on your schedule.
For example, Sunday would be a good day because; it is the start of the week and you are able to prep for five or seven days.
Pick a day out of the week and stay consistent with it, this will take you a long way.
3. Keep a rotation of recipes.
Let’s be honest, who wants to eat the same thing week after week? Exactly! It is important to have different recipes that you can try.
You can even develop a small recipe book to keep you interested in cooking or develop recipes on your own, being spontaneous does not hurt.
4. Have fun!
Do not have the attitude of force, you always want to have the attitude of positivity.
Make this into a fun opportunity by purchasing cute containers, labels and seasonings that can make meal prepping unique and fun.
As a starter suggestion I have listed below a tasty sweet potato vegan taco recipe from Cookie + Kate, this recipe will give you a great combination of salty and sweet.
I have listed the ingredients below; you can use the ingredients listed or you can put your own spin on.
Ingredients:
Roasted sweet potatoes
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes (3 to 4 medium sweet potatoes), peeled and sliced into 1-inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (omit if sensitive to spice)
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Spicy black beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow or white onion, finely chopped
- Fine sea salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained (or 3 cups cooked black beans)
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar or lime juice
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Avocado-pepita dip
- 2 avocados, pitted
- 1 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro (mostly leaves, some small stems are ok)
- ½ cup pepitas
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and roughly chopped, or ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (go easy if sensitive to spice)
- 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 medium lime) or 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water
- ½ teaspoon fine grain sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Once you get in the routine of meal prepping it becomes easier and it also becomes a benefit to your busy schedule as an entrepreneur.
You will start waking up more refreshed, increased energy, and positive attitude because; you are adding more healthy fats, fruits, protein, and tasty grains to your diet.
Do not be shy be spontaneous for your health and your taste buds.
