Some Solid Meal Prep Ideas Will Make Your Meal Prep Times Easier and More Delicious

Everyone needs to eat. Good food is essential in order to remain healthy and deal with daily challenges. At the same time, it can be very hard to make sure you're eating properly. One of the best ways to overcome this problem is by engaging in meal preparation. Good meal prep makes it a lot easier to have what you need on hand when you need it most. Getting everything together before you begin the week also makes it easier to stick to a diet, lose weight and save money on your food budget. It also makes it easier to avoid junk food. If you are thinking about meal prep, it helps to have ideas on hand that you can use quickly. It also helps to have to have ideas that you know work well. Here are some meal prep ideas that will help you stay on track and be ready for anything.

1 - Cold Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is easy to take with you anywhere you want to go. Chilling the pasta lets it serve as a base for anything you have in mind. This one is easy to customize to your specific tastes. Pack the kind of additions you like best. Make it vegan with chopped vegetables. Vegetarians can add a cheese like feta for a bit of a salty kick. If you want something heartier, you can add protein. Shrimp and chicken are portable and merge well with the flavors of the chilled pasta. Add salt, pepper and some oil and you're ready for a nice meal.

2 - Chickpea Curry

Chickpeas should be part of your kitchen staples. That's because they're versatile, easy to work with and packed with fiber. Buy the dried kind or choose the canned variety. Dress them up with a curry sauce full of brightly flavored herbs. Make a big batch at the start of the week and put it in the fridge for the rest of the week. Place fresh herbs on top of it when you're transporting it somewhere else. Add a container of basmati rice or brown rice on the side to bring in the additional carbs you need for the rest of the day.

3 - Chicken Fajitas

Chicken fajitas are a good option when you're looking for something that is easy to make well in advance and deeply satisfying. Use sheet pans to roast lots of veggies at the beginning of the week. Add in roasted chicken strips that you bought or cut up chicken and make your own. You can easily adjust the results to your specific taste. Lemon and olive oil brighten up the flavors and help them merge. Bring in avocado and some bread. Pack up the whole thing in a box and serve cold or reheated.

4 - Sesame Noodle Bowls

Sesame noodles are delicious and full of the flavors you really love. If you're looking for a dish that has it all and more, this is one you'll want to keep on hand right now. Start with a base of noodles. Sesame sauce is easy to add or make on your own. Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame sauce and a dash of sugar. Oyster sauce can also add a desirable umami hint. Then place in the fridge along with additions like sliced carrots, chopped scallions and extra sauce. Up the energy count by bringing along cold chicken slices.

5 - Beef Tacos

Tacos are fast, easy and fun. They're also very easy to add to your meal prep plans. Choose your taco base. Prepackaged taco shells can be divided up into separate portions. Choose the kind of fillings you like best. Chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese and seasonings can go in one part of your meal prep container. Reserve the other for the beef. Bring in your favorite seasons to make it to your specific specifications. Many people like oregano and cilantro to give it a kick. Slip in a portable lunch bag and bring with you for a fast and delicious prepared lunch.