<\/p>\n \u201cLife is busy, and people often fall into poor food choices simply because nothing is prepared,\u201d she says. \u201cMeal prepping removes that daily decision fatigue, when the food is already there, you’re far more likely to eat well.\u201d<\/p>\n Article continues below <\/p>\n You may like<\/p>\n It can also save time, reduce food waste and make the most of your budget. Rather than cooking from scratch every day, preparing meals in batches means you spend less time in the kitchen overall.<\/p>\n \u201cMost people spend time each day figuring out what to eat and cooking it,\u201d Olivia explains. \u201cA single prep session can save several hours across the week\u2014and that\u2019s not including the mental energy you save from not having to think about it.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re also less likely to impulse buy, you waste less food, and you eat out less. Using the same base ingredients across multiple meals can make your grocery shop go much further.\u201d<\/p>\n For those on a budget, she suggests focusing on staples such as eggs, canned beans, lentils, oats, frozen vegetables, sweet potatoes and brown rice.<\/p>\n \u201cThese ingredients are cheap, filling, nutritious and incredibly versatile,\u201d she says. \u201cBuild your meals around a balance of protein, grains and vegetables, and choose foods that reheat well or taste good cold.\u201d<\/p>\n Beyond the practical benefits, there\u2019s a psychological one, too. Knowing your meals are already ready to go can reduce stress and make healthy habits easier to stick to.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a real sense of calm that comes from opening your fridge and knowing exactly what you\u2019re eating,\u201d she says. \u201cThat feeling of control often carries over into other areas of your routine.\u201d<\/p>\n What to read next<\/p>\n Meal prepping can also support portion control and it means that you have a better idea of what you\u2019re eating and how much, which can help reduce overeating over time.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you cook while you\u2019re already hungry, it\u2019s easier to make less mindful choices,\u201d Olivia says. \u201cWhen meals are ready to go, you\u2019re more likely to stick with what you\u2019ve prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n So, how do you get started? Olivia recommends three simple steps.<\/p>\n 1. Start with just one meal<\/p>\n Don\u2019t try to prep your entire week straightaway. Begin with a single, easy option you already enjoy. \u201cThe biggest mistake people make is trying to do too much too soon,\u201d says Olivia.<\/p>\n \u201cStart with something simple, like a sheet pan of chicken and vegetables. Toss everything in one pan, season it, roast it at 400\u2109 for 25\u201330 minutes, and divide it into containers.<\/p>\n \u201cAdd a sauce or dip like hummus on the side. Minimal clean-up, hard to mess up, and genuinely tastes great all week.\u201d<\/p>\n She adds that breakfast is another good place to start. \u201cI personally struggle the most with high-quality breakfast, so that is the meal I always have prepped.\u201d Quick and easy options include overnight oats<\/a> and chia pudding.<\/p>\n OVERNIGHT OATS-3 WAYS\/\/Vegan, Easy. & Healthy – YouTube Watch On <\/a> Seasonal produce is often fresher, more flavourful and better value, making it a smart choice for meal prep.<\/p>\n \u201cIngredients that are in season tend to taste better and are usually more affordable,\u201d Olivia says. \u201cThey can also be more nutritious, especially when they haven\u2019t spent as long in storage or transport.\u201d<\/p>\n She suggests asparagus, peas, spinach, artichokes, radishes and strawberries as seasonal ingredients for spring. \u201cThey\u2019re at their peak flavor and usually the best price of the year.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\n2. Choose seasonal ingredients<\/p>\n