We all lead busy lives, especially nurses. It can be difficult to come home after a long day and prepare a nutritious meal from scratch. However, if you don’t do your nurse meal prep properly, you may end up sabotaging yourself with unhealthy options and ending up hungry before lunchtime. Here are some mistakes to avoid when prepping your meals for the day.

Not planning ahead

Planning is the key to success in many areas of life, which is no different in your diet. If you don’t plan out what you’ll eat for each meal, you risk grabbing whatever food is closest or easiest – which may not be healthy. The best way to avoid this problem is to plan meals, so you have time to shop for the ingredients and cook them properly. If you’re short on time and money, consider eating at home more often and bringing healthy snacks when you go out. 

Not preparing enough food 

Planning doesn’t just mean knowing what foods will be on your plate at each mealtime. It also means having the right amount of food ready for consumption. Eating too much can contribute to weight gain and make you feel sluggish. While not eating enough could leave you feeling hungry and irritable. The best way to avoid these problems is to plan for leftovers when you do your nurse meal prep so that you have enough food for everyone.

Not focusing on taste

While the quality of your food is important, you also need to focus on taste. Eating bland meals can cause you to lose interest in eating, making it difficult for you to stick to a healthy diet. If you’re worried about how many calories are in certain foods, try making a few substitutions. This will lower their calories but still leave them tasty. For example, try using low-fat cheese instead of full-fat cheese. You can also use low-fat sour cream and mayonnaise instead of full-fat versions. Substituting lean meats such as ground turkey or chicken breast for fatty meats like sausage or bacon will also lower the number of calories you eat in one day.

Not including fruits and vegetables 

Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients your body needs to function properly. They also have fewer calories than other foods, making them an important part of a healthy diet. You could miss out on some of their benefits if you don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables. Not including fruits and vegetables in your diet can also contribute to weight gain. Fruits and vegetables are high in fibre, which helps you feel full without adding many calories. 

Not tracking your water intake

Drinking water is important for your overall health. It helps keep your body hydrated and prevents dehydration, which can cause headaches and fatigue. Water also helps you digest food more efficiently, improves metabolism and digestion, helps flush toxins from your body (including those from alcohol), regulates blood pressure levels, and promotes healthy skin.

Overthinking what you eat

It’s easy to get caught up in the details of what you eat, especially for health experts like yourself. However, focusing on all food groups or nutrients that make up a meal can be overwhelming. Instead, focus on eating a variety of foods with every meal. This will ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs to function properly and keep its systems running smoothly. Also, remember simplicity is key when it comes to mindful eating.

Takeaway

Prepping your meals ahead does not have to be a manageable task. You can easily get it right by avoiding simple mistakes that get you off track. If you have any questions or comments about this post, please feel free to leave them below.

Adam Mulligan did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.