In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of meal prepping has gained immense popularity. The idea of preparing a week’s worth of meals in one day, storing them in containers for easy access, reheating, and consumption seems like a practical solution to our busy lifestyles. However, the question arises: are we truly too busy to cook fresh meals every day? In this essay, I argue that ingredient prepping offers a more enjoyable and flexible approach to eating than traditional meal prep.
Meal prepping is undoubtedly efficient, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. Many individuals, like myself, find it monotonous to eat the same dishes repeatedly. We have a genuine passion for cooking and savor the sensory experiences associated with it, such as the aroma of food being prepared. The enticing scents emanating from a neighbor’s BBQ or a nearby restaurant stimulate our senses and enhance our overall satisfaction with food.
In contrast to traditional meal prep, I prefer ingredient prepping. This approach involves preparing a variety of protein options and side dishes each week, which can be used in various combinations. Whether I’m craving a wrap, stir-fry, cottage cheese bowl, or salad, I can create endless culinary variations using the ingredients I’ve prepped. Ingredient prepping allows me to indulge my love for cooking and experience food as more than mere sustenance.
Eating is a social activity that involves making cherished memories with loved ones. I choose to spend my dining experiences away from the microwave, even though I live alone. I prefer to cook at least partially each evening, sometimes preparing extra for leftovers at lunch the next day. This approach allows me to enjoy a freshly cooked meal and avoid the monotony of consuming the same dish repeatedly.
Additionally, I’ve found that traditional meal prepping can lead to a significant amount of food waste. Over the course of a week, the initial excitement of prepped meals can quickly turn into monotony, resulting in the disposal of uneaten food. It’s important to recognize that my approach to ingredient prepping may not work for everyone, but it highlights the significance of listening to ourselves and exploring different methods to discover what best suits our individual preferences.
In conclusion, ingredient prepping offers a more versatile and enjoyable approach to food preparation and consumption compared to traditional meal prep. While the latter is undeniably convenient for those with hectic schedules, it might not be the best fit for everyone’s culinary preferences. In the end, the key to a successful approach to meal preparation lies in our willingness to explore new ideas and adapt them to our own unique needs and desires.