Meal prepping can be a great way for busy people to eat healthy and when it’s done right, can help save food, money, and the environment in the process.
However, it’s not always done right.
"It often leads to wasted food — and all of the money, water and energy it takes to get it to our plates — because it can be difficult to get portions and storage right," Elizabeth Balkan, the food waste director at the Natural Resources Defense Council, told Business Insider. "And by the end of the week, sometimes we’re just plain sick of eating the same thing."
She suggests using apps and digital tools like Meal Prep Mate to get portioning, shopping lists, storage, and recipes on point.
In tandem with that, know your weak moments.
“Whether it’s 4 p.m. or 11 p.m., know the moments of the day when you crave things that you know aren’t good for you and plan ahead,” Claire Olshan, founder of the health-food company DADA Daily. "Everyone is always so obsessed with meal plans, but it’s important to also be obsessed with snack plans."