Even though we know what it takes to do what we need to do to ensure we’ll have a great week that nourishes our bodies, souls, and minds, it can be easy to just roll with the flow and not take any time to think through and plan our meals, workouts, or mindfulness practices.

One thing I do that really helps keep my week on track is preparing my food at the beginning of every week. Preparing my food for the week not only keeps my nutrition in line, but also helps me remain more consistent in other parts of my day-to-day rhythms and routine.

I’ve tried a few meal prep options over the years and here are a few things I’ve discovered:

Do it yourself - I truly believe programs such as RP Nutrition are beneficial because they help you learn how to quantify appropriate portion sizes and macronutrient intake. Nutrient requirements necessary to maximize performance and recovery are also taken into account. This has been a great learning experience for me.
Have a reputable company do the prep for you. No this is not a contradiction. If you cannot consistently prep your own food due to extraneous life events (kids, spouse, travel,...) you will fail, and you will fail often in maintaining a consistent intake. I’m speaking from experience. One way to do it yourself is to make the decision to get someone to do it for you.
Don’t depend on your spouse or partner or parent. There is always a chance they will let you down. And that should be okay! Maybe they don’t have time to do it either. And if they do have time, maybe they won’t prepare what you need or prefer. Maybe they won’t prepare enough. And honestly, chances are if you “don’t have the time” to do your meal prep, neither do they.
It’s worth the cost to get outside help. When I purchase meals, I carry all I will need for the day with me, which means no additional expense for food or expense for stops along the way to get food. Plus, I am able to get back to my tasks and accomplish what I want to accomplish more efficiently without added travel and wait times.
Less Hangry Moments = Better Days

Shoutout to MealFit for keeping me filled and nourished consistently!

Coach DJ Taylor is a strength and conditioning coach, the founder and director of Athletic Foundations Inc, and the co-owner of Blockout Strength and Conditioning. He also instructs “Weight Training” at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Coach DJ Taylor is a National Strength and Conditioning Association - Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach , with Distinction (CSCS, *D).

Coach DJ Taylor's Thoughts on Meal Preparation