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Your guide to preparing meals and the articles that will make it easier

2022-01-10T18:03:34.525Z


Save time, shop smarter, get your money's worth and eat healthier with these tips. Whether you want to save money by bringing lunch to the office or you just never have enough time during the week to cook dinner, meal prep can save you time, help you shop smarter, put your money further and that you can eat healthier. Ask any professional food preparer and they will tell you that the most important part of meal preparation is planning. Allyson Spungin, Certified Personal Traine


Whether you want to save money by bringing lunch to the office or you just never have enough time during the week to cook dinner, meal prep can save you time, help you shop smarter, put your money further and that you can eat healthier.

Ask any professional food preparer and they will tell you that the most important part of meal preparation is planning. Allyson Spungin, Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, and Nationally Qualified NPC Competitor, says, "Have a plan! Plan your meal and snack ideas before shopping for groceries or ordering online." Jessica Woo, who calls herself Bento Box Lunch Queen, agrees. "Routine is everything," he says.

Part of having that plan and creating a routine that works for you is investing in a set of food storage meal prep containers that works for your needs.

We spoke with food prep experts about your favorite meal prep containers, along with other tips and tricks to turn you into a meal prep pro.

Glass Meal Prep Containers

C Crest Glass 10-pack glass containers

 MX $ 1,489 and 

 USD $ 39.99 at Amazon

Glass containers like these are useful if you prefer to quickly see what's inside.

These are not divided, however, so they are best suited for things like pasta or stews that are served individually.

When storing prepared foods, Woo says you should "keep hot and cold items in separate containers so they are easier to reheat."

Prep Naturals Glass Meal Containers

 MX $ 1,126 and 

 USD $ 34.99 at Amazon

Experts agree on the importance of planning, but there are different approaches to meal preparation and emphasize that it is not a one-size-fits-all proposition.

"I encourage people to think of meal preparation as an act of self-care versus a means of sticking to rigid eating rules," says Cara Harbstreet, a dietitian who focuses on intuitive eating.

"One useful trick I learned was to think of my meals as an assembly line rather than individual, fully prepared meals," says Harbstreet.

The assembly line approach provides more choice and flexibility.

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Set of four Ball brand glass jars

 MX $ 461 and 

 USD $ 19.98 at Amazon

"Jars are one of my favorite containers for storing food in the refrigerator," says Kristen Hong, who documents her beautifully arranged and food-ready refrigerators on her Instagram account. "The clear glass helps you easily see what's available in the fridge, and the jars are stackable to maximize vertical space." She uses the 16-ounce size to store homemade dips and sauces, fresh herbs, and chopped produce to use in what she calls her "fridge-free salad bar."

Another thing about Mason jars that Hong loves is that they come in a variety of sizes, so you can build a collection that works for many different food storage needs.

She uses 32-ounce Mason jars to store homemade soups and prepared salads, as well as pantry storage.

"This jar size also works great for dry pan storage for dry beans and grains," Hong says.

Plastic Meal Prep Containers

Vremi Brand Silicone Collapsible Food Storage Containers, Pack of Four

 MX $ 974 and 

 $ 17.59 at Amazon

Collapsible meal prep containers come in handy when you're done with your meal, but you don't want the bowl to take up too much space on the way home or in your fridge.

These leak proof containers are freezer safe and a good option for people with limited space.

Rubbermaid FreshWorks;

two container pack

 MX $ 503 and 

 $ 24.99 at Amazon

Products that go bad in the refrigerator are a frustrating part of meal prep;

These produce storage containers help keep fruits and vegetables fresher for longer.

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Signora Ware Condiment CupsContainers

 $ 6.99 at Amazon

These leak-proof, BPA-free plastic condiment containers are perfect for storing salad dressings and sauces separate from your food until ready to eat.

Reusable silicone bag

 MX $ 489 and 

 USD $ 35.99 at Amazon

It is important to have nutritious snacks on hand, which can help prevent poor food choices made by hunger.

Buying snacks in bulk and storing individual servings in these eco-friendly Stasher silicone storage bags will save you money and reduce packaging waste.

Divided containers for meal prep

Ez Prep Meal Containers

 MX $ 449 and 

 $ 22.99 at Amazon

These three compartment plastic containers are ideal for someone who will heat their food in the microwave and then wants to toss the container in the dishwasher after they are done.

The package includes 20 containers.

Stainless Steel Bento Lunch Box

 MX $ 1,031 and 

 USD $ 31.89 at Amazon

A stainless steel bento box like this is good for your wallet and the environment.

The eco-friendly food storage container comes with three removable compartments that you can exchange your food exactly the way you want it.

Bentgo Fresh plastic lunch box

 MX $ 1,032 and 

 USD $ 29.99 at Amazon

We have our sights set on this BPA-free plastic set from Bentgo, not only because the containers are adorable, but they also include an optional divider to create a fourth compartment.

Personalization is key for meal prep containers that will last you week to week.

Other accessories for food preparation

ThermoPro TM02 Digital Kitchen Timer

 MX $ 355 and 

 $ 12.99 at Amazon

Woo encourages new food preparers to start small.

When you're just starting out, she says it's a good idea to plan once a week "so you don't get overwhelmed."

Similarly, he says that new cooks should stick with easy recipes.

"Get comfortable doing the basics," he says.

"Start with easy recipes that you are comfortable cooking, and it will get easier over time."

Time can be a struggle for those new to the kitchen or not used to preparing many items at once, but a kitchen timer can solve both problems.

KitchenAid Cordless Chopper

 MX $ 3,950 at Amazon

All the experts we spoke to love small appliances to make meal prep easy for them.

One way Woo makes things easier for himself is by using a food chopper to chop up a lot of veggies at once, so they can be cooked or stored raw.

Instant Pot Duo Plus

 MX $ 2,878 and 

 USD $ 117 at Amazon

The kitchen also has to do with our appliances.

"I couldn't live without my Instant Pot Duo Plus."

As an air fryer, which they say saves a lot of time.

"The Instant Pot is ideal for cooking bulk foods such as soup, chili, stew, etc. and can simmer while you go through another part of the preparation."

Amazon Echo Dot

 MX $ 1,549 and 

 USD $ 49.68 at Amazon

Curry emphasizes the importance of learning to multitask in the kitchen.

"When I'm preparing food, I have three, four, or sometimes five things on the go. I'm sweating. I'm hopping around the kitchen like I'm Remy from 'Ratatouille.'

Preparing this way, he says, not only saves a lot of time, but it also makes meal prep a more engaging and enjoyable activity.

Turning on your favorite music or podcast while you get ready can help time go by faster and make it more fun.

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For more recommendations, deals and reviews read CNN Underscored in Spanish.

Source: cnnespanol

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