Starting something new can be a bit scary sometimes. What do I need to get started? Where do I get started? Will it work for me? Is it hard? Our mind is filled with questions and reservations, especially if we're planning on committing to a long-term lifestyle change. And it's often how people first feel when they consider meal prep, especially when there are so many myths out there. We've debunked some of the biggest meal prep myths to help you realise it's not as complicated as you think! After all, the very concept of meal prepping is to make life easier...
You have to eat the same thing every day
This is one of the more popular misconceptions out there about meal prepping. In reality, it's easy to plan a variety of meals for the week ahead by rotating your proteins, carbs and vegetables. Keep things interesting by creating your own healthy 'buffet' - cook up a couple of different core meal elements from similar ingredients and swap them up with a couple of different side dishes, et voila! Or if you're feeling adventurous and have the time and the budget, cook up a variety of meals so you're guaranteed to mix things up.
Prepping takes FOREVER
Taking an hour or two out of your day to cook ahead for the rest of the week might sound like a huge chunk of time, but when you add up the amount of time you spend each day making meals, you're easily saving time by batch cooking for the week ahead. Imagine a whole week of food sat in your fridge and freezer and the time you'll save before, during and after work, picking up the kids or going to the gym. The dream!
It's expensive
The beauty of meal prepping is that you're guaranteed to save money. Not only is it a great way to use up all your fresh ingredients, but it also helps you avoid buying food out during the day. Buying ingredients in bulk is a great way to save too. Prepping 'fakeways' is also the perfect way to stop ordering in on a Friday night - you've already got a curry or pasta sat in your fridge waiting to be eaten!
It's hard to store and re-heat prepped meals
It might seem like cooking up a batch of meals will take up loads of cold storage space, especially when you don't have the right meal containers. That's where Igluu meal prep containers come in! Our BPA-free, resuable containers are durable and stackable, so you can stack them in the fridge or freezer and take them on the go with ease. Our containers are also airtight, which helps keep food fresher for longer. Our containers are also freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe, which means you can safely store a prepped meal in the freezer, pop it in the microwave when you're ready to eat and put the empty container right in the dishwasher afterwards.
Meal prep is all about strict, clean eating
Although a lot of people use meal prep as a tool to keep them on track with their lifestyle goals, prepping your food can simply be about making life easier - especially if you have a busy work and family life. If you're a new parent trying to keep things simple or work awkward and long shifts, prepping any kind of meal ahead and storing it for those busy days ahead can still be a huge benefit. Whether you've cooked up a huge pasta bake smothered in cheese or a three bean salad, meal prep is perfect for all kinds of diets!
Like any new habit, there's often a bit of trying and testing (we all have different needs and lifestyles, after all!) but eventually you'll crack it. Igluu meal prep containers are available to buy on our website or on Amazon.
