If health and fitness is one of your priorities, doubtless you have encountered the batch cooking trend when speaking to friends or browsing online. A favourite of gym-goers in particular, batch cooking is the process of creating all of your main meals for the week in advance. Although it may sound like a sacrifice of your Sunday afternoon, there are many benefits to batch cooking that make it well worth your while.
The benefits of batch cooking
Firstly, and most obviously, batch cooking is a great time saver during the week. Say goodbye to the morning breakfast rush or having to get your lunch ready the night before – all of your meals are in the fridge at your fingertips, ready to eat whenever you need them. You will also have more free time in the evenings which you can spend exercising, socialising, or relaxing rather than cooking.
Another benefit of batch cooking is that it will help you to stick to any diet that you have in mind. Whether this is introducing more protein, cutting down on sugar, or prioritising plant-based meals, having all of your meals prepared in advance makes it easier to stay on track with your goals and helps you to avoid giving in to spontaneous cravings.
Last – and most certainly not least, considering that UK prices have risen to a 40-year high – batch cooking is a great money saver. Not only does it prevent you from wasting money on unnecessary food purchases, such as buying snacks from the work canteen or ordering last-minute takeaways, but batch cooking also congregates your ingredients which brings down the total spend of your weekly shop. This is especially true if you are consciously savvy when shopping and take advantage of bulk deals such as 2 for 1 offers and prioritise seasonal produce rather than expensive exports.
How to get started with batch cooking
Before you head out to the shops, initially you need to sit down and plan your meals. Consider any diet restrictions or nutrition goals you have, and choose a breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipe that match your requirements. Make sure to choose recipes that will last well in the fridge throughout the week or are safe to freeze temporarily. Remember that although the bulk of each meal will be the same, you can make simple substitutes to keep things interesting – for example, switch up the carbs or vegetables that you have alongside a chilli or a curry, or adorn your breakfast with different fresh fruit each day.
As well as the right ingredients, you will need the right equipment. If you have been relying on restaurant delivery or simple microwave meals, you may find that you need to purchase new saucepans for dishes cooked on the hob and oven-proof trays and casserole dishes for baked goods. You will also need Tupperware to store your creations – you can either choose larger models and portion your meals out as you go, or a set of smaller boxes which hold the right amount for one meal. The smaller options are ideal for eating on the go and transporting to work or the gym.
Once you have all of the equipment and ingredients that you need, devote some time on the weekend to creating and assembling your meals. You will be surprised how quickly you can put together your menu, and it will leave you in a great mindset heading into the working week.
