As a busy woman and on a mission to change your life, between work, goals, and family, feeding yourself and your meals can be the least of your worries, especially when you can easily order or go to a restaurant. Meal prepping is one thing that will save you. It keeps everything organized, saves time, and reduces stress.

Meal prepping is the act of planning and preparing your ingredients and meals beforehand. You don’t have to be stressed anymore about what you are going to eat or trying to come up with something to eat. It saves you 5-10 hours per week, and you can avoid eating unhealthy foods like junk food and snacks. I am going to give you a step-by-step guide to start meal prepping.

STEP 1: KNOW YOUR PREPPING STYLE: Everyone preps differently, and they prep based on what will suit them and their lifestyle best. You can do full meal prepping, where you make the whole meal and store. This is best for busy schedules and someone with strict routines, Ingredient prepping, for women who like fresh meals but want to save time. You could also batch prep where you cook in large quantities and store in the fridge or deep freezer, like soups, stews, and sauce dishes. And you have the Grab-and-go prep, where you store it in boxes. It is good for women with rushed mornings. You have to choose the best one for your lifestyle and what will suit you best. Everyone is different, so choose the one for you.

STEP 2: MAKE A SIMPLE MEAL PLAN: When meal prepping, you have to pay attention to what you want to prioritize in your meal. However, your meal should consist of one protein, one carbohydrate, one vegetable, and one healthy fat. Making a plan for the week or even for the month that includes all these things in one meal will ensure that you are healthy and well-fed.

STEP 3: MAKE A SMART GROCERY LIST: Focus on the items you usually eat and can use to make multiple meals. Organize your list by categories: Proteins, carbs, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and their spices and herbs. Shopping can be tricky, especially when you don’t know what to get. That is why your plan is important. Follow your plan and know what is best for your meals.

STEP 4: CHOOSE A MEAL PREP DAY: Choose a day to meal prep and set aside 3-4 hours once a week. Start with the long-cooking foods like rice and pasta. Season and cook the proteins to your preferred style, then prep the veggies. You can pack them up and store them separately or together — whatever works best for you. You can store them in the fridge or freezer, depending on the type of food.

Meal prepping helps you stick to a consistent meal routine and ultimately become healthier and better. It is also a way to reduce stress and decision fatigue when planning your meals. With these habits, you can stay focused on your goals and still maintain good health.