Meal prep for a full week can be a daunting task for anyone, but for those with health conditions like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), it can be especially challenging. POTS and EDS can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, and decreased ability to stand or perform physical activities, making cooking and meal preparation difficult. However, with some simple tips and easy-to-prepare recipes, meal prep can be made a lot easier.
Here are some tips to help make meal prep easier:
TIPS TO MAKE MEAL PREP EASIER
- Plan ahead: Take some time each week to plan out your meals and make a grocery list. This will help you save time and ensure that you have all the ingredients you need for your meals. You can also create a meal plan based on your weekly schedule, so that you can take into account any days when you may have more or less time for meal preparation.
- Keep it simple: Stick to easy-to-prepare recipes that don’t require a lot of cooking or preparation. Recipes that use minimal ingredients and have simple instructions are best for those with POTS or EDS.
- Use leftovers: Cook extra portions when you make meals and use the leftovers for later in the week. This is a great way to save time and also reduce food waste.
- Prep ingredients: Cut up fruits and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator, so that they are ready to be used when you need them. You can also precook some ingredients, like brown rice or quinoa, and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
HERE ARE SOME EASY TO PREPARE MEALS THAT ARE PERFECT FOR MEAL PREP!
Rotisserie chicken is a great way to simplify meal prep. It’s already cooked and ready to eat, so you can quickly shred or dice it and add it to your meal. Rotisserie chicken is a lean protein source, essential for muscle building and repair, as well as keeping you feeling full and satisfied. It’s widely available in grocery stores and often very affordable, making it a practical choice for meal prepping. The juicy and flavorful meat adds taste to your meal without the need for extensive preparation or cooking. By including rotisserie chicken in your meal prep, you can easily add a healthy protein source to your diet, streamlining meal time and helping you achieve your nutritional goals.
6 Easy Meal Prep Recipes
Rotisserie Chicken Mason Jar Salad: To make a mason jar salad, layer your favorite salad ingredients in a jar, starting with the dressing at the bottom and ending with the greens on top. Add diced rotisserie chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and quinoa or brown rice for a protein-packed meal.
Rice and Chicken Bowl: Cook brown rice and mix it with diced rotisserie chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, and avocado. Store in an airtight container and enjoy for lunch or dinner. This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Cook diced rotisserie chicken and broccoli in a pan with a sauce of your choice, like teriyaki or hoisin. Serve over brown rice and store the extra portions in the refrigerator for another meal. This dish is a good source of protein and fiber, making it a filling and nutritious meal.
Chicken Pasta Mason Jar Salad: To make a mason jar pasta salad, cook whole grain pasta and mix it with diced rotisserie chicken, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and a dressing of your choice. Store in a mason jar and enjoy for lunch or dinner. This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.
Quinoa and Veggie Stuffed Peppers with Chicken: Cut the tops off of bell peppers and stuff them with cooked quinoa, diced vegetables, diced rotisserie chicken, and cheese. Bake in the oven and store in the refrigerator for up to five days. This dish is a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, making it a healthy and delicious meal.
Yogurt Parfait Breakfast Bowls: Simply layer plain or flavored Greek yogurt, granola, diced fruit of your choice, and a drizzle of honey or agave nectar in a mason jar or container with a lid. Optional toppings such as nuts or seeds can be added for extra crunch. This dish provides a balanced breakfast with protein from the Greek yogurt and carbohydrates from the fruit and granola.
