What Is Meal Prepping? (And Why Everyone Is Doing It)
Meal prepping has become one of the most popular ways to save time, eat healthier, and reduce stress during the week. If you’ve ever wondered about what is meal prepping or maybe even searched for the meal prep meaning or why so many people are talking about it online, you’re not alone. From busy professionals to students and families, more and more people are turning to meal prepping as a simple fix. A way to stay organized in the kitchen while making healthier food choices throughout the week.
Meal Prep Meaning
The meal prep meaning, as told by Zanny’s Guide, is the act of preparing meals ahead of time (which can also include packaging them) so they are ready to go when needed. Instead of cooking every day, meal prepping allows you to prepare food in advance, whether it be for several days or just a few. You pick the length.
Meal prepping can vary from cooking a full meal to simply preparing ingredients or even just portioning food. The point of meal prep is to make food life easier, so do what works best for you.
Typically, one day a week is set aside to “prep” food for the week. However, some people split it up so they have more variety or because they don’t need a full week of meals. Like I said, do what works best for you. Many people choose one day, typically Sunday, to prepare multiple meals to cover their week ahead.
Meal Preparation Meaning
The meal preparation meaning is very similar to meal prepping; some may even say it’s the same thing. However, there can be a subtle difference. Although both terms refer to organizing, preparing, and sometimes cooking meals ahead of time, meal preparation often focuses more on the prep work.
This can include things like washing fruit (sometimes soaking it in diluted vinegar), washing and chopping vegetables, shredding cheese, or portioning out protein. These are all steps you can take before the actual cooking process.
While some people prefer to prepare full meals for the week, others simply prep ingredients so they are easier to grab and assemble when cooking. Sometimes it’s also easier to change up the dish if the ingredients are already prepared. I’ll say it again: Whatever works for you.
What Is Meal Prepping?
When people ask the question “what is meal prepping?”, they are usually referring to the process of preparing meals ahead of time and storing them in containers so they are ready to go during the week.
Most people picture opening the fridge, grabbing a container, popping it in the microwave, and moving on with their day. That convenience is one of the biggest reasons meal prepping has become so popular.
Picture this: you get off from a long shift and just want to kick back and relax for a little. But instead, you have to cook. Some people avoid it altogether and grab takeout. But the healthier and cheaper version (because you already bought your groceries) is to simply prep and cook your food ahead of time at home.
What Is Food Prepping?
You may also hear people ask “what is food prepping?”. Although it’s not as popular a term as “what is meal prepping,” food prepping definitely has its place.
Food prepping is a bit different from full meal prepping and aligns more with meal preparation because it focuses on preparing ingredients rather than complete meals.
This might include washing and chopping vegetables, marinating meat, cooking grains ahead of time, or portioning snacks for the week. Food prepping makes cooking easier because the time-consuming steps are already completed. Now there’s less to worry about until it’s time to cook or pack food for the day.
How Meal Prep Works
Many beginners wonder exactly how meal prep works, and it can be as complicated or as simple as you make it. Personally, I tend to lean more toward simple.
Start by deciding what’s on the menu for the week and if there are any goals you want to hit, such as low carb, high protein, high fiber, etc. For me, this makes the meal planning process easier instead of thinking about all the possibilities. Think about breakfast, lunch, and dinner because we’re going after it all!
Next, examine what’s already in your pantry because you’ll need your ingredients. Once you know what you already have, you’ll know exactly what you need to buy from the grocery store.
Then comes the prep: cooking the meals, portioning them out, and packaging them. Meal prep containers can save you a lot of time here. You can store meals in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on when you plan to eat them.
Once everything is ready, meals are cooked in batches instead of one serving at a time. After cooking, the food is divided into containers so each meal is ready to grab and go. During the week, all you have to do is reheat and enjoy.
Why Everyone Is Meal Prepping
Meal prepping has become super popular because it solves one of our biggest weekly problems: figuring out what to eat.
At work, you have a uniform and a list of tasks waiting for you. But food leaves so much to chance. That’s where the beauty of meal prepping comes in.
No more second-guessing. No more takeout. No more wondering what you’re going to eat. No more dreading going home and cooking after a long day.
And HELLOOOOO! Huge time saver! Especially in the mornings when I’m most definitely running late for work.
Meal Prepping for Beginners
For beginners, meal prepping doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by thinking about what you want to eat or what health goals you’re aiming for. Buy your groceries and cook your meals. Just start and keep going.
Form the habit and do it for yourself, your health, your peace of mind, and your time.
Some simple meals to start with can be found in 25 Simple Meals to Start Meal Prepping. (Coming in About 2 weeks) As you get more comfortable, start experimenting and branching out. Mix your flavors, herbs, and spices. There are so many possibilities.
As I keep saying. Do what works best for you.
Final Thoughts
Once you understand the meal prep meaning, the reason why people do it becomes very clear. It can feel incredibly freeing.
Make it part of your weekly routine, you won’t be disappointed. Save time, save money, and improve your health.
Encourage someone else to start meal prepping, and don’t forget to check out our blog post on How To Start Meal Prepping for Beginners.
And remember to come back soon for a post on meal prepping. We’ll be looking at The Best Meal Prep Containers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meal Prepping
What is meal prepping?
Meal prepping is the process of preparing meals or ingredients ahead of time so they are ready to eat or cook later in the week.
How long does meal prep last in the fridge?
Most meal prepped foods last about 3–4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in airtight containers.
Is meal prepping healthy?
Yes and No. Meal prepping can help people eat healthier because meals are planned in advance instead of relying on fast food or takeout. On the flip side, granted its till healthier than takeout you have to take into account the ingredients you’re using.
Do you have to cook full meals to meal prep?
No. Some people prep full meals, while others simply prepare ingredients like chopped vegetables, cooked proteins, or portioned snacks.
Photo Credit to Richard R. ~ https://unsplash.com/@sepro
