Why I'd Rather Match My Meals than My Socks: A Rebel's Guide to Meal Prep

Hey, you! Yes, you—the one currently drowning in a sea of kale and quinoa. Let me guess, your meal prep currently looks like a monochrome Pinterest board? Well, stick around, because I'm about to turn that bland to glam, all while keeping it eco-friendly and portion-controlled. Who said eating responsibly has to be as dull as dishwater?

First Things First: What's the Big Deal with Portion Control?

So here’s the scoop—portion control isn’t just about cutting down sizes; it’s about loading up on quality. Think less about reducing quantities and more about maximizing nutrition. It’s not rocket science, but it does involve some smart swaps and a bit of upfront planning.

Why do I care? Well, between juggling business ventures, scribbling down bad poetry, and wrangling three kids (and three dogs), I've learned that a little portion control goes a long way to keep the energy up and the dad bod at bay.

And let’s face it, nobody wants to spend their life counting almonds or crying into a half-empty plate. My approach? Make every calorie count instead of counting every calorie.

Eco-Warrior or Dinner Savior? Why Not Both?

Now, before you think I spend my days hugging trees—though I've been known to be quite affectionate with a sturdy oak—I’m all about that sustainable life, especially when it comes to food. Sustainable meal prep isn't just good for Mother Earth, it's also a champion move for your wallet and health.

Imagine this: less waste, more taste. And yes, it’s totally doable. Opting for local, organic produce isn’t just a bougie trend; it's about supporting small farmers and reducing your carbon footprint. Plus, let’s be honest, fresh just tastes better.

My Not-So-Secret Sauce to Fresh and Organic Meal Prep

Ingredients to Success:

• Local and seasonal produce - fresher, more nutritious, less travel-weary.
• Bulk buying - saves money and reduces packaging waste.
• Reusable containers - because why throw away money on single-use plastics?
• Composting - turn those scraps into garden gold.
• Batch cooking - one word: efficiency.
• Proper storage - keeps everything crisp and avoids the dreaded limp lettuce.
• Spice it up - because no one deserves bland food.
• Creative leftovers - yesterday’s roast chicken is today’s spicy chicken taco.

And there you have it—a blueprint to meal prep that even a scatter-brained entrepreneur can follow. It's all about making small changes for a big impact.

Did Someone Say Fresh Meal Options?

Let’s talk freshness. It’s not just about how crisp your apple is but how creatively you can incorporate that apple into different meals. Ditch the idea that fresh means raw salads all day every day. Think bigger—smoothies, stir-fries, grilled goodies. Trust me, variety is the spice of life and the secret to not getting bored of your own cooking.

And yes, Ashley and I still sometimes disagree on how many gadgets (or dogs) are too many in the house, but when it comes to fresh, vibrant meals, it's the one thing we high-five on daily.

In my experience, the key to sticking with healthy meal prep is to keep it flavorful, varied, and visually appealing.

I once tried to live off protein shakes and bars. It was as sad as a silent disco without the disco. Now, I focus on meals that are as colorful as my daughter’s art projects and as balanced as my yoga poses.