10 Common Meal Prep Mistakes You Must Know

Meal prepping is a popular trend that has been gaining traction in recent years as a way to save time and make healthy eating more convenient. By preparing meals in advance, you can avoid the stress of deciding what to eat each day and reduce the likelihood of making unhealthy choices. However, like any new habit, meal prep comes with its own set of challenges and potential pitfalls.

In this article, we will discuss 10 common meal prep mistakes that you should avoid to ensure that your meal prep is effective, efficient, and enjoyable.

Read this article to the end so you can develop a meal prep routine that works for you and helps you achieve your health and fitness goals.

What are the most common meal prep mistakes?

Here are 10 common mistakes that I’ve seen people make when prepping their meals:

1. Not Planning Ahead

Meal prepping your meals on the same day is not effective. You’ll end up finishing them all in one sitting and then you’ll be back to where you started – eating unhealthy, processed foods that are high in calories and low in nutrition.

If you really want to make a lifestyle change and eat healthier, prepare your meals for the entire week (or even for the entire month). This means planning ahead and allowing enough time for shopping, cooking, and storing your food. I recommend that you first make a list of all the meals you would like to prep for the week. Then go shopping accordingly.

2. Not Optimizing Your Space

When it comes to meal prep, optimizing your space is crucial for efficiency and organization. Not doing so can lead to a cluttered and chaotic kitchen, which can make meal prep feel like a daunting task. Here are some tips to help you optimize your space:

• Use clear containers: Clear containers allow you to see what’s inside, making it easier to find what you need quickly.
• Organize your fridge and freezer: Keep similar items together, and make sure to label everything with the date and contents.
• Use stackable containers: Stackable containers save space in your fridge and freezer.
• Utilize your countertop: Keep your most-used tools and ingredients within easy reach on your countertop.
• Use multi-functional tools: Look for kitchen tools that can perform multiple functions, such as a food processor that can chop, puree, and shred.
• Consider using a meal prep service: If you don’t have the space or time to meal prep at home, consider using a meal prep service that delivers pre-made meals to your door.

By optimizing your space, you can make meal prep a breeze and ensure that you have everything you need to create healthy and delicious meals.

3. Using Bad Quality Containers

Using bad-quality containers for meal prep can be a big mistake. Poor-quality containers may leak, crack, or warp over time, making them difficult to use and potentially exposing your food to harmful chemicals. To avoid this, it’s important to invest in high-quality containers that are durable, leak-proof, and safe for use with food.

Look for containers made from BPA-free materials such as glass, stainless steel, or high-quality plastic that is marked as safe for food storage. These materials are more durable, reusable, and can be easily cleaned and sterilized. Additionally, make sure the containers you choose have airtight lids that seal tightly to prevent leaks and spills.

Investing in good quality containers may cost more initially, but it will save you money and time in the long run by preventing food waste and the need to constantly replace containers. By using high-quality containers for your meal prep, you can ensure your food stays fresh, safe, and delicious until you’re ready to enjoy it.

4. Relying Too Much on Convenience Foods

When people first start meal prepping, they tend to rely too much on store-bought convenience foods – things like pre-cooked rice or cauliflower rice, pre-made smoothies and protein shakes, etc. While there’s nothing wrong with using some convenience foods, relying too much on them can sabotage your efforts.

The more convenient your food is, the less likely you are to eat healthy, as you don’t have to work too hard for it. Convenience foods tend to be pre-made and processed – not something that’s going to help you lose weight or get into shape.

For maximum results, try to rely as much as possible on homemade foods – it can be time-consuming at first, but you’ll soon adjust and learn how to optimize your time.

5. Not Keeping Track of Your Food Intake

Not keeping track of your food intake can be a mistake when it comes to meal prep, especially if you’re trying to achieve specific health or fitness goals. By keeping track of what you eat, you can ensure that you’re consuming the right balance of nutrients and calories for your needs.

One way to keep track of your food intake is by using a food journal or app. This allows you to easily record what you eat and drink throughout the day, as well as the portion sizes and calorie counts. Tracking your food intake can also help you identify any patterns or triggers that may be affecting your eating habits and allow you to make adjustments accordingly.

Another way to keep track of your food intake is by prepping your meals in advance and portioning them out into individual containers. This not only makes it easier to control your portions but also allows you to know exactly what ingredients and nutrients are in each meal.

6. Cooking Too Much Food

Cooking too much food during meal prep can lead to waste, which not only impacts your budget but also the environment. To avoid cooking too much food, it’s important to plan ahead and estimate the correct amount of food you’ll need for the week.

One way to do this is by making a meal plan and shopping list before you start cooking. This will help you determine the quantities of ingredients you need and prevent you from buying too much or too little food. You can also use recipes that yield the appropriate number of servings for your needs.

Another way to avoid cooking too much food is by using portion control. Portioning out your meals into individual containers can help you control the amount of food you eat and prevent overeating. Additionally, you can freeze any excess food for later use, rather than letting it go to waste.

7. Using the Wrong Cooking Techniques and Spices

Some people like to cook their food in olive oil or avocado oil, while others prefer to use butter.

Regardless of what cooking fats you choose, it’s important that you keep track of your calorie intake and macros. For example, if you’re using a lot of butter (e.g. in your mashed potatoes), you’ll want to find a lower-calorie substitute like broth, cream, or ghee.

Spices are another important consideration when cooking your meals for the week. It’s a good idea to make a list of all the spices you need and then go shopping accordingly so that you can cook your food exactly the way you want it.

8. Preparing Too Many Carbs

Preparing too many carbohydrates during meal prep can be a common mistake, especially if you’re trying to maintain a low-carb or keto diet. While carbs are an important source of energy, consuming too many can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

To avoid preparing too many carbs during meal prep, it’s important to plan your meals in advance and choose lower-carb options. For example, you can replace high-carb ingredients like pasta or rice with alternatives like zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or quinoa. You can also incorporate more protein and healthy fats into your meals, such as chicken, fish, eggs, avocado, or nuts.

Additionally, it’s important to pay attention to portion sizes when preparing carbohydrates. A serving of carbohydrates is typically around 1/2 to 1 cup, depending on the type of carb. By measuring out your portions, you can ensure that you’re not over-consuming carbs during meal prep.

9. Preparing Too Many Proteins

Preparing too many proteins during meal prep can also be a mistake, as consuming too much protein can be detrimental to your health and fitness goals. While protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, excess protein can be converted to glucose and stored as fat in the body.

To avoid preparing too many proteins during meal prep, it’s important to plan your meals in advance and choose a variety of protein sources. You can include lean proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, and tofu, as well as plant-based protein sources like beans, lentils, and quinoa.

It’s also important to pay attention to portion sizes when preparing proteins. A serving of protein is typically around 3-4 ounces, or about the size of a deck of cards. By measuring out your portions, you can ensure that you’re consuming the appropriate amount of protein for your needs.

10. Not Adding Seasoning and Spices

Not adding seasoning and spices during meal prep can be a mistake, as it can make your meals bland and unappetizing. Seasoning and spices not only add flavor to your meals but also provide a variety of health benefits.

For example, herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Garlic and onion are also known to have antibacterial and antiviral properties.

To avoid this mistake, it’s important to experiment with different seasonings and spices during meal prep. You can use pre-made spice blends or create your own using a variety of herbs and spices. Adding fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint can also add a burst of flavor to your meals.

Another way to add flavor to your meals is by using low-calorie flavor enhancers like lemon juice, vinegar, or hot sauce. These ingredients can add a tangy or spicy flavor to your meals without adding extra calories.

Final thoughts

Please remember that these are general rules of thumb and are not set in stone. You’ll have to find a balance between them all that works for you personally.

Luckily, as your experience increases and you become comfortable with the process of meal prepping, cooking, and storing food for the week, you’ll get a better idea of how long it takes to cook everything and whether or not you have the time.