How to Measure for Proper Meal Prep

Choosing the correct size of containers for your plan-ahead meals can make all the difference in ensuring you’ve measured the proper portions. You’ll find charts all over the ‘net about how to measure portions for certain diets or to make sure you get the proper nutrition content.

Some charts are easy, such as pointing out that an ounce of meat is the size of a matchbox or an ounce of cheese is the size of four dice. Others teach you how to use your hands to measure certain portions.

After you get used to portion sizes, you won’t have to consult charts – you’ll know correct portion sizes by heart.

If you’re on a diet or fitness regimen, the measurements for portion sizes may vary, but pre-planning will take out the hassle of last minute measuring.

Dividing your meals into correct portions ahead of serving time ensures that you’ll enjoy the ease and taste all week long without gaining unwanted pounds.

You can be as creative as you desire by including nuts and seeds, greens and fruit in your portions for extra nutritional value.

Some pre-planners consider the most challenging part of estimating serving sizes is how to figure fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

There are many calorie counting databases online to help you cut out the guesswork and ease you into the pre-planning meal process.

You’ll also find some fun ways to “guesstimate” your pre-planned portion sizes. For example, it’s easy to remember that a four-ounce portion of fish, meat or poultry resembles the size of your smart phone.

And a one-ounce square of chocolate is equal to a dental floss container. A shot glass is a good way to measure two tablespoons of salad dressing, while a muffin should measure about the size of a hockey puck.

Two handfuls of chips are about a one ounce portion. Measuring tools can be a huge help when you’re cooking and pre-packaging your meals. An inexpensive food scale is a great help.

Digital is more expensive than the spring loaded version. Be careful to measure the high-calorie items such as fats and oils and sugar-laden foods.

The more you plan, the better you’ll be able to eyeball portions in the future without having to take the time to pre-measure.

You’ll also be able to discern which containers to use for certain portions.

Take advantage of pre-planned meals to meet your fitness goals and carefully measure your portions so you can achieve that fit body you’ve always wanted.

It’s important to assess calorie intake in your portion sizes so that you’ll ultimately meet your goals.

Mapping Out a Meal Prep Calendar

There are many meal prep calendar ideas or even printable calendars to help ease your way into the world of eating wiser and saving money besides.

No longer will you have to open the refrigerator or freezer door and try to create a meal from the hodge podge you happen to have available.

Free meal-planning templates are available online to help you plan your meals, purchase the groceries you’ll need and even some that will consider your budget.

By using these convenient ways to plan your meals ahead of time, you’ll be able to enjoy more time doing what you want to do.

Some meal prep calendars go as far as to provide shopping lists and worksheets for you to print out and better organize the menus and grocery shopping for the week.

You’ll even find fun and attractive calendars that you can print out and attach to your refrigerator or some other part of your kitchen so the family will know which meals are coming up next.

Whether you use a computerized meal planning calendar or a hang-up erasable one, you’ll find any type you need for your own lifestyle online.

Some types even help you keep track of coupons and remind of which nights you have events - such as kids’ games or meetings.

If you’re new to meal planning, it may be best to plan just a couple of days ahead. A calendar helps by providing exact details about a meal rather than you having to guess about what you’ll prepare for dinner or any other meal – and which days are best for you to prepare ahead.

Just like you plan your vacation by the help of calendars, you can also build healthy eating habits by using a calendar rather than simply winging it.

You’re more likely to stick to a health or weight-loss plan when you’re prepared in advance.

Trying to lose weight? Pre-planning your meals by using a meal prep calendar leaves the guesswork out of portions and nutrition problems.

You’ll have the exact ingredients you need and know what you’ll be eating each day.

Cravings will become a thing of the past because you’ll know what you’re having and when - without having to think about what you “want” instead.

The stress of shopping for specific diets is one reason why so many people fail in their quest to eat healthier or lose weight.

A meal prep calendar can eliminate the stress and becomes a valuable tool in meeting your goals.

Sometimes the best laid plans are thrown off, so allow for flexibility in planning your meal calendar.

It’s easier to take up where you left off of your diet by glancing at the calendar you’ve pre-planned.

Make sure you vary up the recipes so that you and your family don’t get sick of one particular meal or menu item, like chicken.

Learn more about your health online when you read the rest of our information here about: Mindful eating nutrition guide and also download the free health report available there!

Warren Tattersall has been a full time nutritional consultant for over 35 years and works with people all over the world to help them improve their health, increase their personal energy levels and to use supplements to assist with diet related health issues.

Just send him a note on the form here - Contact Us - to request a personal no obligation one-on-one consultation with Warren

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