Meal prepping is such a convenient habit for bariatric patients on all stages of their progressive diets. Here are a few reasons why:
- Meal prepping helps you control your portions
Food containers come in so many different sizes. Find one that adjusts to your meal plan and include the portions recommended by your nutritionist. For example, if you’re currently in your puree phase, you can use small jars to hold different mashed foods and take your daily pick. If you are in your normal bariatric diet phase, make sure each container has its share of protein, vegetables, and healthy carbs! Experiment with recipes too so it keeps mealtimes exciting.
You can also plan your snacks! Small ziploc bags are great for carrying around a perfect portion of your favorite snacks for when it’s not quite meal time. If you are already well into your normal bariatric diet, you can pack a variety of snacks like granola bars, baby carrots, berries and yogurt drops, cherry tomatoes, the possibilities are endless!
- Saves you time
By setting aside an amount of time to prepare your food for the next few days, you will not waste time figuring out what you want to eat for each meal. It also means only one trip to the store and one dish washing load. Now the only thing you have to do for the next few days is heat up and enjoy!
- Saves you money
This is something not many patients consider. Meal planning makes it more convenient to buy food in bulk, which is cheaper, and avoid unnecessary trips to the store. Buy buying only necessary ingredients, it will also reduce expenses and food waste.
- Can be a source of family time
Encourage your family to take part in your meal planning and preparation. This can create a positive impact on children, and even adults, by teaching them about portion sizes, nutritional value, measuring and cooking! A healthy family is a happy family.
- Avoid skipping meals
Meal prepping leaves no room for excuses when it comes to skipping meals because your food is ready to go. Missing a meal or two not only messes up your metabolism, which can make losing weight more difficult, but it can cause lack of energy. Your body needs fuel! Skipping meals can also result in headaches, trouble focusing, and even unhealthy cravings or binges on food your body doesn’t need.
Are you ready to start meal prepping? Here are some tips and tricks!
- Plan for 3 days for freshness
You want to have your meals ready to go for the next few days, but you also want them to be fresh. Prepping your meals for the next 3 days ensures that your food is tasty and also safe to eat after being stored in the fridge.
- Add Colors
You want your food to not only be delicious but look delicious too! Adding color to your meals makes them much more appealing and can even help you identify if you’re missing some key items. Is your meal container looking too brown? It may be missing some fresh vegetables! Maybe some fruit! Add your reds, yellows, greens, oranges or blues to keep your vitamins and minerals in check!
- Use Clear containers that are dishwasher and microwave safe
Out of sight, out of mind. Not being able to see what you’re eating makes it easy to avoid portion control. This happens a lot when, for example, you are eating directly from a bag of chips. You might not notice how much you ate until you have reached the bottom of the bag. Measuring and separating your food and snack portions into containers is a great way to plan your meals and keep track of how much you’re eating.
- Make a plan before going to the grocery store
Plan ahead by making a list of the meals you are going to be preparing. Then write down all the ingredients and quantities you need. By doing this small exercise, you ensure that your trip to the grocery store is quick and easy, and you won’t spend money on unnecessary items and you will avoid food waste. Be sure to read the nutritional labels on the food you buy!
And as always, our general tips apply: Remember to sit down during meals and take your time enjoying each bite. Chew your food thoroughly and listen to your body’s cues that will tell you how much food is enough. If you’re planning to start meal prepping, let our nutrition department know so you can work together in developing a delicious and nutritious plan.
Remember that our nutrition department is available to all patients who need advice or help. If you would like to consult our bariatric nutritionists about making changes to your diet, don’t hesitate to contact us!
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