Produce Prep 101

It has been scientifically proven that having "ready to eat" fruits and vegetables helps you lose weight and maintain a healthier diet, because when you reach for something to snack on those products are easy to reach for and quick to eat. All is takes is a little produce preparation!

  

Food Prep

Take one day or evening to slice your fruits and vegetables and make them "ready to eat". Transitions through time have shown that meal prep increases the likelihood of healthier eating habits. 

Cheaper By The Dozen

As much as I encourage trying new restaurants and food hubs; preparing you own food is an important part of maintaining your relationship with fruits and vegetables. Plus, in the long run it saves you money. Sometimes I get lazy and buy a small container of fruit when I am grocery shopping. It cost me $2 to $3 depending on the weight; but I could get twice the amount in the produce section for approximately the same price. 

Fridge Nightmare

Before you spree to the grocery store take a quick glance at your fridge and see what you already have that could be used now and what you need to toss. Not only is it just disgusting, but keeping bad food in your fridge can make all the other food go bad faster because of the mold (once it starts it doesn't stop).  

Containers Galore 

If your bottom cupboard looks like mine it is filled with containers of all sizes that I hardly ever use and  fall out every time I open the door. Always having pre-cut, and pre-washed fruits and vegetables on hand is the best way to utilize these and will make your refrigerator look like the emerald city of Tupperware.  

Chop, Chop, Chop

Now its time for some fun! Have your biggest cutting board out, sharpest knife, and a wet cloth to wipe off the knife and cutting board. have all the plastic containers out before you start slicing and dicing to keep everything organized. I watched a few videos online for the best way to cut everyday vegetables and I ended up liking this good old fashioned Betty Crocker on. It is based around stir fry vegetables but whether these cuts are eaten fresh or cooked they are beautiful!

   

So now you have the basics to produce some ready to eat produce! (pun intended)