It can be difficult to get through the afternoon slump without reaching for snack options that aren’t always the healthiest. At Catered Fit, we know that the most tempting times to give into cravings are in between meals. That’s why we offer nutritious, premade snacks that can be added to any Daily or Weekly Delivery meal plan.
Snack meal prep is a great way to ensure that you have healthy and satisfying snacks on hand throughout the week. By planning and prepping your snacks in advance, you can save time, money, and energy while also promoting a healthier and more balanced diet. In this blog, we’ll discuss the benefits of snack meal prep and provide some easy and delicious recipes to get you started.
Health Benefits
Snack meal prep can promote a healthier and more balanced diet by providing nutritious snacks throughout the day. By choosing whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, you can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Cost-Effective
Snack meal prep can also be a cost-effective option. By buying in bulk and preparing snacks in advance, you can save money on your grocery bill and reduce food waste.
Time-Saving
Snack meal prep can save you time during the week. By preparing snacks in advance, you can avoid spending time cooking and cleaning up every day. This time-saving benefit makes it easier to stick to a healthy and balanced diet, even when you’re short on time.
Customizable
Snack meal prep is highly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, those with food allergies or sensitivities, or family members with specific dietary goals, you can tailor your snack meal prep to meet everyone’s needs.
Portion Control
Snack meal prep can also help with portion control. By pre-portioning snacks into individual containers or bags, you can avoid overeating and ensure that you’re getting the right amount of nutrients throughout the day.
Easy Snack Meal Prep Recipes
- Energy Bites – Mix together oats, nut butter, honey, and add-ins such as chia seeds, flaxseed, or chocolate chips. Roll into balls and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Hummus and Veggie Cups – Divide hummus into small containers and serve with sliced veggies such as carrots, celery, and cucumber.
- Yogurt Parfaits – Layer Greek yogurt, fruit, and granola in small jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Fruit Salad – Cut up a variety of fruits and store in a large container in the refrigerator. Serve with a side of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
- Trail Mix – Mix together nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and dark chocolate chips in a large container. Portion out into individual bags for easy grab-and-go snacks.
Tips for Snack Meal Prep
- Plan Your Snacks – Before you start snack meal prepping, plan out your snacks for the week. This will help you determine how much food you need and what ingredients to buy.
- Use Different Types of Snacks – Mix up your snack meal prep by using different types of snacks, such as energy bites, hummus and veggie cups, yogurt parfaits, fruit salad, and trail mix.
- Use Different Cooking Methods – Mix up your snack meal prep by using different cooking methods, such as baking, roasting, or blending.
- Involve Your Family – Involve your family in the snack meal prep process. Assign tasks to each family member, such as chopping fruit or measuring ingredients, to make the process more efficient and enjoyable.
- Keep it Simple – Snack meal prep doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple snacks, such as fruit salad and trail mix, can be delicious and easy to prepare. Focus on using fresh, whole ingredients and seasoning them with herbs and spices to add flavor and variety.
- Storage Tips – Proper storage is important for snack meal prep. Use glass containers or BPA-free plastic containers to store your prepared snacks. Label each container with the name of the snack and the date it was made. Store snacks in the refrigerator for up to five days, or in the freezer for up to three months.
- Variety – To prevent boredom, switch up your snack meal prep recipes each week. Incorporate different types of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and experiment with different flavors and textures.
Conclusion
Snack meal prep is a great way to promote a healthier and more balanced diet by providing nutritious snacks throughout the day. With benefits such as improved health, cost savings, time-saving, customization, portion control, and variety, snack meal prep can be a fun and enjoyable activity for anyone looking to eat healthier. When planning your snack meal prep, be sure to plan your snacks, use different types of snacks and cooking methods, involve your family, keep it simple, and switch up your recipes each week. By incorporating easy and delicious recipes such as energy bites, hummus and veggie cups, yogurt parfaits, fruit salad, and trail mix, you can enjoy the benefits of snack meal prep and take control of your diet and health