Meal Prep Tips

After half a year of doing nearly nothing, my life is back to super busy: I work until late afternoon, hit the gym, go home, take a shower , eat and go sleeping... Just imagine I had to prepare my meals for everyday after. This wouldn't make it any easier and even more stressful...By meal prepping I try to eliminate the stress and time factor.

As I always preach: preparation is the key.

The first step is to plan and list up your meals for each day and then get all the things you need, not only food but also lock-lid containers. If you are new to meal prepping, it's better to buy a few more containers , just to make sure you can store all the food.

• Pick one day per week to plan your meals for the whole week (according to your goals and preferences of course)
• Choose two days to prepare your meals. This should be at the beginning and in the middle of the week. I wouldn't prepare meals for more than 2 days as it may risks to get spoiled.
• Make sure to include every nutrient you need (protein, starch and vegetables).
  - Protein: chicken breast, natural ground beef, ground turkey, fish (salmon,tuna,cod,shrimps), eggs, steaks.
  - If you are vegetarian or vegan: beans, tofu, or broccoli.
  - Carbs: quinoa, sweet potato, brown rice, basmati rice, potatoes, quinoa crackers, puffed rice quinoa crackers.
  - Veggies: Spinach, green beans, broccoli, tomatoes, asparagus, carrots, zucchini, cucumber, mushrooms, peppers
• If you have all the ingredients for your meals, start chopping and slicing your vegetables. This can also be useful if you want to snack (it's easier to chose for something healthier when it's ready to be eaten). Do the same with fruits that need cutting or peeling. 
• Cook and prepare your protein and carbs for the following two days. You can also prepare your meals for the whole week if you put them in the freezer. (I prefer preparing for only two days, it's up to you)

I think it's easier if you prepare your meals at two different days as this will prevent you from losing your whole rest-day with preparing and cooking for the next week. Oh...and concerning the storage of your containers when you are on the road, at work or at school, have a look at my older posts about the Renee Tote and Innovator500 by 6PackFitness. I think they are the perfect thing to help you stick to your diet and still look fancy as a fairy.

Have fun prepping my loves.

Innovator 500 by 6 Pack Fitness

Yaaay, my Innovator 500 by 6 Pack Fitness arrived.

I ordered my Innovator 500 at www.extremenutrition.co.uk  because the official 6 Pack Fitness Shop doesn't ship to Europe. Therefor I had was on the look out for a serious retailer, which wasn't that easy. But luckily I have a sister who is a total pro when it comes to checking out if an online retailer is fake or not.
Unfortunately, Extremenutrition doesn't carry all the colors of the different products, but they had the color I was looking for and that's all that counts. I paid around 10£ for the shipping, which is in my opinion 'okay' because it comes from the UK. The Renee Tote also went straight into my cart to avoid any additional  shipping costs. (More of my Renee Tote soon)
The bag already arrived after one week, while the website said 14 days, so thumbs up for their fast delivery service

The bag itself is just awesome. The design is just outstanding as the violet details on the zipper give it an extra touch. At first, I wasn't sure if I should take it in pink or not because I thought it would be a little too much. Thanks heaven I have been mistaken, because it's absolutely fabulous.

The bag comes with an ergonomic shoulder strap, six lock-lid containers, two Ice Packs and it's divided into four different departments. Regarding the lock-lid containers, there is one specifically meant for your supplements. The other five containers, that are also BPA/PVC free, microwaveable, leak prove and dish washer safe, offer you a perfect meal management along with the ice-packs and the insulated interior that keeps your food and drinks cold for about 8 hours. 

Another big plus for this bag is that you can take out the entire plastic stack-arrangement of the main department, just in case you have to carry something bigger. Moreover, the two side pockets provide a perfect storage space for bigger bottles like shakers, water-bottles and even fruits.

I've read so many negative reviews about the quality of this product. But so far I have to say that the quality seems pretty good and the bag gives a robust appearance at first sight. The zippers, just as the insulated interior, seem very resistent and not shabby at all (as a lot of people described).

Luckily, the bag arrived just on time, so that I can test it right away on our trip to Hamburg for the Mr.&Ms. Universe weekend. 

Front view

Back view

5 meal management

Supplement box

Gel Ice Pack

A lot of space in the bag