Before you get started on meal planning, there are some tools you will need. Some of these are simply for prepping ingredients to store them in your pantry or refrigerator, while other tools are for when your meal planning turns into actually coking and preparing meals, then freezing them.
Here are some different tools and accessories to try to get for meal planning:
Food Scale
Meal planning on its own doesn’t always require a food scale, but when you are prepping meals and ingredients for health purposes, it is definitely recommended. This makes it easier to measure out your food and be able to track the macros, such as calories, fat, carbs, and protein.
For example, you may think you know what 3 ounces of steak looks like, but until you can actually weigh it, it can be quite surprising. Food scales are not expensive and come in digital forms so there is no guesswork at all.
Containers
Naturally, you need plenty of containers for the ingredients, prepped, and cooked meals during healthy meal planning. Start with enough leftover containers for when you don’t finish a meal and want it to save it in your refrigerator.
You should also have containers and bags for the freezer, both for prepped ingredients and complete meals you are making ahead of time. In addition, have some containers to leave in the pantry or on the counter, such as mason jars and various containers for holding rice, pasta, and other ingredients.
Utensils
You also want to have enough utensils in your kitchen for meal prepping and planning. A lot of cutting is going to be done at one time with veggies, fruits, and sometimes meats, so you want good, high-quality knives. Make sure they are sharp and in good condition. You aren’t just chopping a carrot to add to soup for one night, but doing a lot of chopping at one time.
This is why it is important to go for the highest quality if you can. You will also need some good spatulas for cooking, and preferably silicon-coated tools that don’t stick to pans or melt under the heat. Additionally, have extra measuring spoons and cups for everything.
Spiralizer
This is huge right now because so many people are not only trying to be healthier, but cut their carbs as well. When you use veggies as your pasta, such as zucchini, you are able to stick to a low-carb diet while still having your favorite pasta dishes. It also helps for people who can’t have pasta because they are vegan or gluten-free.
