5 Essential Tools for Easy Meal Planning: Simplify Your Weekly Meal Prep

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" I want to lose weight."

versus

"I am going to lose 60 pounds."

Meal planning helps resolve the differences in these two statements.  The second statement is more specific and, therefore, more realistic.  The number of kitchen gadgets can be kept to a minimum to get started.

1. Portion Plate

Portions® Master Plate 

When it comes to meal planning and subsequent weight loss, a plan is pivotal in achieving your goal.  The Portions® Master Plate shows you exactly what to include in your meal, from which you can plan meals to include others in your household.

Use coupon code portionscontrol10 to get 10% off The Adjustable Portion Plate.

Even if you do not use The Portions® Master Plate, you can use the concept.  About half of your plate should be vegetables; one-quarter includes carbs, and one-quarter includes protein.  Obviously, if you have different dietary needs, then apply those to this, and check with your medical team to make sure that you are getting all of your dietary needs met.

2. Cutting Board

Virginia Boys cutting board and 

Good Ranchers meat subscription

A cutting board becomes your work surface to prep your meals.  Get the largest board that you can store in your kitchen.  This also avoids food from falling all over the place because the pieces are accumulating inches from your chopping space.

Virginia Boys makes their boards from 100% sustainable walnut wood grown in the USA - a wood which won't dull your knives.  The boards also come pre-seasoned so you can use them as soon as you receive them.

Having a meat subscription helps you decide in advance the amount of food that you will need for your meals.  Set it and forget it.  Good Ranchers offers beef that is 100% born, raised, and harvested in the USA.

3. Knife

RADA Chef Knife

To prepare meals and stay within healthy serving sizes, a good quality knife will be your best friend, and your cutting board's trusty partner.  Being able to chop, dice, and mince quickly adds to the bonus of meal prepping.  

RADA's chef knife blade measures 8-1/2", and 13" overall, and is made from surgical-grade stainless steel.  Practice makes progress.

 

4. Containers

Pyrex Bento Glass Food Storage Container

Pyrex makes these divided glass containers for easy planning and measuring.  Choosing foods that are colorful will also encourage you to eat healthier.  The key is to flavor your food and make it look beautiful.  After all, we eat with our eyes first.  

5. Measuring cups and spoons

Crosby and Taylor measuring cups and spoons

Especially if you are meal prepping for weight loss, measuring spoons and cups will become essential.  These tools help you become familiar with the proper serving size to stay within your goal.  Crosby and Taylor makes their set with a post so the pieces are conveniently located and aesthetically pleasing.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect tools for easy meal planning - that are also made in the USA - may pose a challenge, but with challenge comes change.  

Always remember: Nobody loves you and your business more than the people behind the made in the USA name!