Keto Meal Prep Ideas to Save Time and Money
Embarking on a ketogenic diet? It’s a fantastic journey towards a healthier lifestyle, but let’s face it – it can be time-consuming and sometimes heavy on the wallet. That’s where meal prepping comes into play, a strategy that can save you both time and money while keeping your diet on track. If you’ve been scratching your head, wondering how to go about this without eating into your schedule or savings, read on for some simple and budget-friendly keto meal prep ideas.
The Basics of Keto Meal Prep
First things first, understand what meal prepping involves. It’s about planning your meals ahead, shopping for the ingredients you need, and cooking them all in one go. This doesn’t only help you stick to your keto diet by having ready-to-eat meals but also prevents last-minute expensive grocery runs or the temptation of ordering out.
Meal Prep Ideas to Kickstart Your Keto Journey
-
The Versatile Egg
Eggs are the quintessential keto food – affordable, rich in protein, and extremely versatile. Whip up a batch of hard-boiled eggs during your meal prep session. You can enjoy them as a quick snack, mash them for a salad, or slice into your morning avocado toast. Frittatas are another excellent option. Mix eggs with some heavy cream and your choice of low-carb veggies and cheese, pour into a baking dish, and you’ve got breakfast ready for the week! -
Cauliflower All The Way
Cauliflower – the low-carb stand-in for starches – can become anything you want it to be. Rice it in a food processor and freeze in portions. Sauté when ready to eat with some olive oil, garlic, and a splash of lime for a delightful side. Cauliflower can also be turned into a mash or used as a base for keto-friendly pizzas and wraps. -
The Magic of Slow Cookers and Instant Pots
Invest in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. These kitchen gadgets are time savers and perfect for making keto-friendly meals in bulk. Think juicy pulled pork, tender beef stew, or creamy chicken soup. The best part? Just set it and forget it until it’s time to eat. Divide into portions and store in the fridge or freezer for later. -
Salad Jars – A Fresh Idea
Layering salads in jars not only looks pretty but keeps ingredients fresh. Start with a dressing base, then add heavier items like chicken or boiled eggs, followed by veggies, nuts or seeds, and leafy greens at the top. Sealed tightly, these can last for up to 5 days in the fridge. Just shake and enjoy a crisp, refreshing salad anytime. -
Snacks on the Go
Avoid the temptation of non-keto snacks by preparing your own. Cheese crisps can be made in batches – just bake small piles of shredded cheese on a parchment-lined tray until crisp. Nuts, olives, and avocados are other snack-friendly items that are easy to portion out and keep handy.
Money-Saving Tips for Keto Meal Prepping
-
Bulk Buying
Buy in bulk whenever possible. Items like meats, cheese, and certain veggies can be cheaper when bought in larger quantities. Just make sure to portion and store them properly to prevent waste. -
In-Season Veggies
Focus on in-season vegetables. They’re not only fresher and tastier but also more affordable. Freeze extra portions for later use. -
Plan and List
Always plan your meals and make a shopping list before hitting the grocery store. This will prevent impulse buys that can add up and potentially derail your diet. -
Cook from Scratch
Pre-made and processed keto foods can be expensive. Cooking from scratch is healthier and more wallet-friendly. Plus, it allows you to control exactly what goes into your meals.
Meal prepping on a ketogenic diet doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. With these simple meal ideas and strategies, you can save time and money while enjoying a variety of delicious, keto-friendly meals throughout the week. Happy prepping!
