8 Scientific Benefits of Meal Prepping (2024)

Photos of neatly packed meals on social media may have drawn you to meal prepping, but cooking several days’ worth of meals ahead of time has a number of proven advantages, from saving time to getting a wider variety of nutrients in your diet.

“I definitely think meal prepping helps us with just living well in general,” says Basheerah Enahora, RDN, owner ofBE Nutritionin Charlotte, North Carolina. “When we put some thought into it, we’re more likely to pick up really nutrient-rich foods from the grocery store. We have a list that’s decided in advance.”

And when you eat at home, that means you’re not eating out — a practice that, research shows, can have negative health impacts if overindulged. For example, one studysuggested that less than 0.1% of restaurant meals were of ideal quality, meaning they didn’t have a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean poultry, and nuts, nor did they consistently limit sugary drinks, sweets, and processed meats.

If you’re new to meal prepping, it’s important to create a plan that works for you. “People feel that a meal plan has to be this rigid structure, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be that,” says Enahora. Choose a prep day that works for you, or spread the work out however makes the most sense for your schedule. Flexibility is key.

With some planning and perhaps a little preemptive chopping and marinating, you can easily call yourself a meal prepper and begin to see its benefits.

Here are some more science-backed ways that meal prepping has been shown to improve your health and overall lifestyle.

8 Scientific Benefits of Meal Prepping (2024)

FAQs

8 Scientific Benefits of Meal Prepping? ›

Some benefits of meal prep:

Can ultimately save time. Can help with weight control, as you decide the ingredients and portions served. Can contribute to an overall more nutritionally balanced diet.

What are the benefits of meal prepping? ›

Some benefits of meal prep:

Can ultimately save time. Can help with weight control, as you decide the ingredients and portions served. Can contribute to an overall more nutritionally balanced diet.

What are 3 keys to successful meal prepping? ›

Follow these three steps and you'll be planning and prepping nutritious and delicious meals that fit your preferences and lifestyle!
  • Step 1: Make a Menu. First, think about your approach to meal planning — do you: ...
  • Step 2: Stock Your Pantry and Freezer with the Five Food Groups. ...
  • Step 3: Keep a Running Grocery List.
Jul 18, 2019

Does meal prepping help you lose weight? ›

It is important to note that while meal prep can help people with weight loss, it is just one part of a lifestyle change that can improve health. People can also implement healthy lifestyle changes like getting more exercise, drinking more water, and reducing their stress levels.

What are the benefits of ready meals? ›

Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that they save time. You can come home after a long day of work and have a delicious, healthy meal waiting for you without having to spend any time in the kitchen. Pre-prepared meals are also convenient; you can take them with you on the go or eat them at home.

Does meal prepping actually save money? ›

Yes, you can absolutely save money with meal prep. It can take some trial and error to master the process, but meal prepping is one of the best ways to save cash and fit healthy habits into your busy lifestyle.

What is the rule of 3s meal plan? ›

The Rule of 3's is made up specifically of these guidelines: Eat at least three meals and up to three snacks a day (you might think of this as a breakfast, lunch, and dinner meal plan) Eat at least three food groups per meal (and two per snack) Allow no more than three hours between eating.

What are the 6 keys to planning a successful meal? ›

6 Steps to Meal Planning Success
  • Step 1: Take Stock. Check your pantry and fridge for staples you have on hand and like as well as items that need to be used. ...
  • Step 2: Map Your Meals. ...
  • Step 3: Focus on Fresh. ...
  • Step 4: Pack in Protein. ...
  • Step 5: Love Your Leftovers. ...
  • Step 6: Plan Ahead.

What are the 6 basic meal planning principles? ›

To improve food quality, household meals should be planned based on six principles; namely adequacy, balance, calorie (energy) control, nutrient density, moderation and variety.

What are the cons of meal prepping? ›

Possibly Time-consuming: Meal prepping may involve a time commitment, especially if prepped meals need refrigeration or freezing. Potentially Expensive: Buying the necessary ingredients in bulk can make meal prepping expensive.

What foods help burn belly fat? ›

Following a low-carb diet also means consuming more protein. Studies indicate that a diet rich in high-protein foods, such as eggs, fish, seafood, legumes, nuts, meat, and dairy results in overall less abdominal fat, more satiety, and an increased metabolic function.

How many times a week should you meal prep? ›

While you definitely want variety for your meal prep, you should limit your recipes to two or three per week, and for five days ahead of time max. Being prepared is great, but you also want to make sure you're eating meals with fresh ingredients even if prepared ahead of time.

Is meal prepping healthy? ›

Meal prepping reduces the number of takeaways, ready meals and snacks that you eat, which often means you are consuming less sodium, sugar and saturated fat. Having greater control over ingredients and your nutrition can result in a healthier diet.

What is the healthiest meal plan? ›

A healthy eating plan: Emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. Limits saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars.

What foods are good for meal prep? ›

Here are some foods to consider in your meal prep: Lean proteins: Chicken, beef, pork, turkey, seafood, eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, and cottage cheese. Whole grains: Brown rice, oats, buckwheat, quinoa, and barley. Pulses: Beans, chickpeas, lentils, and peas.

Are meal prep meals healthy? ›

People who meal prep are more likely to stick to their nutrition plan. Meal prepping reduces the number of takeaways, ready meals and snacks that you eat, which often means you are consuming less sodium, sugar and saturated fat. Having greater control over ingredients and your nutrition can result in a healthier diet.

How often should you meal prep? ›

This means that you probably don't want to prepare seven days' worth of meals in one day, unless you plan to have some less-than-fresh options. A good plan is to start with one day per week and prepare 1-2 recipes that you will be able to eat within 3-4 days (say, one recipe for lunch and one for dinner).

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Velia Krajcik

Last Updated:

Views: 6756

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Velia Krajcik

Birthday: 1996-07-27

Address: 520 Balistreri Mount, South Armand, OR 60528

Phone: +466880739437

Job: Future Retail Associate

Hobby: Polo, Scouting, Worldbuilding, Cosplaying, Photography, Rowing, Nordic skating

Introduction: My name is Velia Krajcik, I am a handsome, clean, lucky, gleaming, magnificent, proud, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.