Having trouble sticking to that diet plan or needing help getting your meal prep started? Making a good schedule and finding ways to keep yourself accountable are the two main tactics you can use to achieve that weight goal you’ve been striving for. Having a kitchen organized around your new lifestyle will give you the structure you need to make significant changes in your diet. Check out the following tips to help you get back on track (and keep you there).
Try Induction Cookware
One of the easiest ways to streamline your kitchen and your cooking processes is by changing how you cook. Induction cookware and stovetops have been used in chef’s kitchens for many years, but more recently, they’ve been making their way into households across the country. A benefit of investing in this cooking system is the superior heating speed that induction stovetops offer. Induction cookware heats almost twice as fast as traditional electric stoves, and the quicker you can cook, the sooner you can get back to focusing on other parts of your life.
Organize your Pantry
If you don’t know what is in your pantry, you can’t properly prep meals or even go shopping for other ingredients. Knowing what you have already is essential to creating a pantry that you can pull from for all your recipes. You can do this by going through everything in your pantry and fridge. Throw out what has expired and what doesn’t fit your diet plan. Then, only add items that you can use in many common recipes that you love.
Buy in Bulk
If you are investing time and energy into meal prepping each week, buying in bulk can save you a lot of stress. You can choose dry goods that are staples for your kitchen, such as canned foods, grains, beans, and nuts. If your spare time is limited, buy in bulk online and have the items shipped to your house. This is a great idea for busy parents or endlessly on-the-go professionals.
Choose Local
Regardless of the time of year, you can find local and seasonal produce to help support your healthy lifestyle. When you buy from local farmers and co-ops, you know where your food is coming from, and what pesticides and chemicals (if any) were used on the food you are putting on your dinner table. If you buy meat locally, you will also know how the meat was processed and when. If you buy local, your food is also not traveling great distances to get to you. This means you’re helping the environment and are also more likely to find organic produce and grass-fed meat.
Choose Frozen (When Fresh isn’t an Option)
Frozen produce often holds the same nutritional value as the fresh stuff. If you have space in your deep freezer to buy in bulk, then invest in produce that you know you will use often. Spinach, onions, and other assorted vegetables retain their nutritional value when frozen and can be used in many cooked recipes as a swap for fresh produce. Frozen fruit is a staple for many smoothies and breakfast recipes. You can also utilize your freezer space for the meals you have prepped for the week.
Using all or some of these tips, you can feel better about what you are cooking for yourself and your family. Always choose organization over chaos when it comes to preparing healthy meals and snacks.