Food Prep!

After a few nonstop days at the gym: many sessions in a row, fitting in workouts and generally keeping the boys in check, I was reflecting about how preparing my food in advance and planning WHAT I am going to eat and WHEN has made sticking to my goals so much easier. "Food prep" and taking control of all my meals on a daily basis has contributed greatly to determining the successful outcome of my goal. Weight loss becomes far more achievable when you personally take the initiative and responsibility over your food. If I’m honest, it can be slightly time consuming and I do feel like an idiot when I am hitting strangers on the bus first thing on a morning with my cooler bag full of my food for the next 14 hours, but the rewards far outweigh the aforementioned negatives which is only my ego talking!

The Advantages of Preparing your Own Food:

-You control the portion sizes

-You know exactly what has gone into the food- no nasty surprises such as poached eggs arriving to the table swimming in hollandaise sauce, a healthy breakfast with good intentions can turn very calorific and sugary when you do not know what is on the menu or the details of how it is served.

-You can stick to your diet plan with no excuses

-You are not leaving your meals to chance

-You enjoy your food more when you know you have put time and consideration into its preparation

-You can be selective with the food quality if it is something you are concerned about, i.e organic, free range meat and eggs and fresh salad leaves. There is nothing more disappointing than soggy three day old salad when you are paying to eat out!

-It is more cost effective than buying out everyday

I am perfecting preparing my food for the week as an art form and it does not have to be an all time consuming event every evening of the week. You do however have to make it a priority and have a vague idea of what your work week looks like: Are you in meetings? Do you have work lunches/dinners? Can you take a snack at your desk/workplace? Knowing your daily routine and planning for it, takes the guesswork out of your meals.

Here are a few tips on efficient food prep:

-Make enough food in your evening meal to take to work with you the next day

-On a Sunday evening, hard boil 6 eggs and keep in the fridge eating two a day as a snack/meal over the next three days.

-Bake chicken and sweet potato in batches. They will hold in the fridge for up to three days in a Tupperware container and still taste great.

-Buy a bag of apples on a Monday and keep it with you at work, having one each morning as a snack.

-Soak porridge oats overnight in water. They cook much faster once they have had a chance to absorb liquid which is perfect for anyone rushing in the morning.

-Keep your kitchen cupboards and fridge organised so you become familiar with where your food is located.

Once preparing your food becomes part of your routine and you discipline yourself to make the effort to prioritise it, it becomes much easier to find the time to ensure it is done. This is one of the key lessons I have learnt since working at Revolution and something I would encourage anyone with an interest in achieving a slimmer and leaner physique to pursue. YOU MUST KNOW WHAT YOUR NEXT MEAL IS!

Later this week I will be writing about eating out and smart food choices when socialising for those (myself included)who enjoy meals out with friends but are working towards a goal.