Food Prep Days for Weight Loss

Last night I posted a picture of all the food I prepped for the week.  I received so many comments and thought I should just give some helpful tips on how to establish a good food prep day.  Preparing meals in advance will increase the likelihood that you will follow a meal plan.  This is a practice performed by all fitness people who are training.  This is also extremely helpful for people trying to lose weight. 

First, purchase reusable containers for food storage.  I like to use the ones with different compartments.  I found some at Bed, Bath, and Beyond.  You will also need a large cooler that you can easily fit 4-5 of these containers in.  You will need 2-3 reusabel ice packs for your cooler.  Purchase a food scale in order to control your portion sizes. 

As for the food, buy in bulk!  I go to costco and purchase my staples.  My list includes fresh salmon, tilapia, chicken breast, lean ground beef, eggs, flank steak, brown rice, romaine lettuce, sweet potatoes, etc.  I usually take about have of the meats and freeze them. 

My diet isn't anything fancy.  Just basic food with no salt and minimal spices.  Prepare enough food for the next 4-5 days.  I have 6 meals a day each with a balance of fats, carbs, and proteins.  My diet is specific to my active lifestyle.  I consume about 1900 calories a day because on top of training, I teach 2-3 Zumba classes a day.  In order to hit this calorie count, I weigh my food.  Once my food is all cooked, I weigh it and portion it out.  I then package each meal into containers and pack my cooler for the next day.  All the other packed containers go in the fridge.  If you want to be fancy, you can label your containers. :) 

Now you have all your meals for the next few days!  Carry them with you in your cooler and you are less likely to cheat!!