The Beginner’s Guide to Meal Prepping

Want to start meal prepping, but you’re not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered!

January 14, 2022

By: Jessica Butler

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Photo By: Anna Puzatykh

Meal Prep Essentials

Proactively preparing meals for the week is a great way to stay organized and plan out your portions. One you get the hang of it, you’ll never have to worry about missing a meal or overindulging on not-so-healthy foods. Before you dive in and start your health journey, you’re going to need all of the essentials. We’ve rounded up our favorite gear that’ll make your meal prepping experience so much easier!

Bentgo Prep 2-Compartment Containers

First, you’ll need a place to store all of your delicious meals. This pack from Bentgo includes 10 containers and lids, available in blush pink, burgundy, and rose gold. Each one holds up to three cups of food. Best of all, the BPA-free containers are reusable, freezer safe, and dishwasher safe.

BUY IT: Amazon, $11.99 (10-Pack)

FineDine Superior Glass Meal Prep Containers

If you prefer glass containers, opt for this set from FineDine. These clear, BPA-free containers are leak-proof, freezer safe, and oven safe (for a quick reheating). Each one measures in at seven inches long by five inches wide, with two-inch depth. Prepare your meals all at once and enjoy your perfectly portioned breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

BUY IT: Walmart, $29.99 (6-Pack)

ThinkFit Insulated Meal Prep Lunch Box

If you’re on the go and need to bring your meals with you, this insulated bag will do the trick. The high-quality bag contains six leak-proof containers, two extra large ice packs to keep everything cold, a pill organizer, and a bottle with a shaker inside. Your prepared meals will be ready to eat, even on your most hectic days.

BUY IT: Amazon, $44.95

Crockpot Cook & Carry Slow Cooker

Make your meals hassle-free by letting this slow cooker do all the work! Now, a home-cooked meal can be low effort and just as scrumptious. We recommend getting your hands on a slow cooker recipe book for some inspiration!

BUY IT: Bed Bath & Beyond, $49.99

The Ultimate Meal Prep Cookbook

Speaking of recipe inspiration, you’ll definitely want this cookbook as well. It features 25 weekly plans for preparing and portioning out yummy meals. According to this book, your active cooking time will be less than 45 minutes for each prep session!

BUY IT: Amazon, $17.99 - $35.17

Paperage Lined Hard Cover Journal

Organize your meal plans inside a cute notebook. Whether you’re configuring your own recipes or jotting down next week’s grocery list, having a place to write down all of your ideas will go a long way.

BUY IT: Amazon, $9.95

Nicewell Food Scale

If you want super precise portions, you can measure out each dish with a food scale. This one is made from stainless steel and tempered glass, and it weighs items up to 22 pounds.

BUY IT: Amazon, $19.54

Hello Fresh Meal Plan

Short on time and looking for some extra help? Pick out a few meals from Hello Fresh and prepare them at your leisure. You can choose plans for two or four people, choose up to six days' worth of meals at a time, and pick your favorite styles of cuisine. Plus, each week, you can curate a personalized menu!

BUY IT: Hello Fresh (Price Per Plan Varies)

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