My Secret to Delicious Cooking

If you ask anyone about their most dreaded household chore, the answer will almost always be “cooking”. Even the word sends shivers down our spines. However, this doesn't have to be the case! By following a few simple tips and tricks, you can make cooking an enjoyable experience rather than a dreaded task. 
Let’s face it — we all lead busy lives and it’s almost impossible to squeeze in time for cooking at home between work, school, errands and social outings. The truth is that takeout places aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Thankfully, there are some easy ways to get a delicious home-cooked meal on the table with minimal effort.Here are my best meal prep tips to help you with your next meal prep session.

1.Consider each food category.

Whether you're planning meals for a week, a month, or just a few days, it's critical to include each food group in your menu.The healthiest meal plan emphasizes whole foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, high-quality protein, and healthy fats while limiting refined grains, added sugars, and salt. Consider each of these food groups as you browse through your favorite recipes. Make a point of filling in the blanks if any of them are missing.

2.Purchase high-quality storage containers.

One of the most important meal prep tools is food storage containers. If you're currently working with a cupboard full of mismatched containers with missing lids, meal prep may be a chore. Investing in high-quality containers is well worth your time and money. Consider the intended use of each container before making a purchase. Choose freezer-safe, microwave-safe, or dishwasher-safe containers if you intend to freeze, microwave, or clean them in a dishwasher. Glass containers are both environmentally friendly and microwave safe. They are widely available in stores and on the internet.

3. Make time consistently.

Making meal planning a priority is the best way to incorporate it into your lifestyle. It can be beneficial to set aside time on a regular basis for planning. Making a meal plan can take as little as 10-15 minutes per week for some people. You may need a few hours if your plan includes preparing some food items ahead of time or pre-portioning meals and snacks. Regardless of your strategy, the key to success is to make time and to be consistent.

4. Change up your menu.

It's easy to get into a rut with dieting and eat the same foods day after day. At best, your meals will become monotonous, leading to a loss of culinary inspiration. In the worst-case scenario, the lack of variety may contribute to nutrient deficiencies. To avoid this, make it a point to experiment with new foods or meals on a regular basis. If you always eat brown rice, try quinoa or barley instead. If you usually eat broccoli, try cauliflower, asparagus, or romanesco as a change. Consider allowing the seasons to change your menu for you. Consuming seasonal fruits and vegetables allows you to vary your diet while also saving money.

5. Make it pleasurable.

You're more likely to stick to your new meal planning habit if you enjoy it. Instead of viewing it as something you must do, try to reframe it as a form of self-care. Consider making meal preparation a family affair if you're the family chef. Allow your family to assist you in chopping vegetables or batch cooking soup for the week ahead so that these activities become quality time spent together rather than just another chore.If you prefer to meal prep alone, listen to music, a podcast, or an audiobook while you work.