The Truth about Meal Preparation ("Meal Prep") Myths

Myth #1: Meal preparation is defined as cooking a huge meal on sunday and then sticking to every detail and leftover from that plan throughout the week. 

 

The TRUTH: There is no set definition for meal preparation. You can plan two days at a time and call it meal prep. And as long as it works in a practical and functional way to keep you and whoever else you are responsible to provide for healthy, you are doing great. Keep up the good work. 

A lot of people like to cook in their free time so that they have meals already ready or ready to be made with little preparation when things get busy during the week. If that falls on a weekday instead of a weekend, more power to ya! 

The MAIN POINT: Meal preparation will look different for everyone. Find a method and map a plan that works for you or your family and make a goal to stick to it. 

 

Myth #2: Deviation from the prep plan equals failure.

The TRUTH: I love the following two sayings; “anything that can go wrong will” and “plan for the worst, and hope for the best.” They apply in many cases, and it is certainly the same when it comes to meal preparation. One week you won’t make enough food, and another you will make too much. Sometimes you won’t be in the mood for what you planned. 

The MAIN POINT: Practice makes progress, and progress is the real success. You can have a successfully healthy week regarding your food and health choices, even if you don’t stick exactly to your meal plan.

 

Myth #3: Money is required to kickstart meal prep, and lots of grocery shopping is involved

The TRUTH: This one is simply false. I started meal prepping as a student in college, which is a time when your wallet historically wears a little thin. It’s a really important and necessary skill to learn to be frugal, and even if you don’t have to be, understanding your spending patterns and being aware of the value you place on things helps you understand your options in a better way.

The MAIN POINT: Again, practice makes progress and with time you will start recognizing patterns both in yourself as a shopper and in the stores that sell you products. Make a plan for financial freedom and shop by it (i.e. shop on student discount days, buy staples at Costco in bulk, take out cash and only spend what you have in cash  instead of paying with a card)

Bonus tips: check the dollar store or the dollar spot at target for  notepads and meal planners (the one pictured above I found at the dollar store and has 60 sheets, so even with a little room for error that’s less than one dollar a year to plan your meals if you use one sheet a week). 

 

Myth #4: Meal prep doesn’t include snacks

The TRUTH: Not including snacks and beverages in your meal plan can actually result in you spending more money and being more hungry throughout the day. A lot of people make the mistake of only focusing on dinner and as a result end up binge eating or having unbalanced meals at other times in the day. 

 

The MAIN POINT: Account for your lifestyle and priorities when meal planning, and don’t forget the other sources of nutrients you need throughout the day! Be sure to drink lots of water, and be aware of activities (school, work, volunteering, extracurricular, an appointment) or something outside of your normal routine that may require extra replenishment or refueling when planning your meals for the week (or other specified period of time). 

 

Myth #5: Each day must be a different meal but from the same ingredients. 

The TRUTH: Don’t fall into the bloggersphere or the instagram infatuation of what meal planning “should” look like. Identical glass containers with pretty lids and delicately designed foods...honestly they are gorgeous, but some pre-prepped salad tossed in Mason Jars that don’t match will serve the same function. If doing all those things brings you joy and fits within your budget, go for it. But PLEASE, don’t fall into the trap of what you think meal prepping is based on someone else’s portrayal (especially if they have no nutritional qualifications). 

The MAIN POINT: There is no right or wrong way to meal plan. Be accountable to and aware of your personal budget and meal planning related goals, and find fulfillment and feel full from what works for you.