Meal Planning vs. Meal Prep

Meal planning and meal prep are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different aspects of managing your food and meals.

While both can be helpful for saving time, money, and improving your health, understanding the differences between the two can help you determine which approach is best for you.

What is Meal Planning?

Meal planning involves creating a plan for the meals you will eat during a certain period of time, such as a week or a month. This can include deciding on specific recipes, making a grocery list, and considering any dietary restrictions or preferences.

The goal of meal planning is to have a clear idea of what you will be eating in advance, which can help you avoid making last-minute, unhealthy choices and save money by only buying the ingredients you need.

What is Meal Prep?

Meal prep, on the other hand, is the act of preparing food in advance, typically for the week ahead. This can include cooking and portioning out individual meals, or prepping ingredients so that they are ready to be cooked or assembled quickly during the week.

The goal of meal prep is to have a variety of healthy, ready-to-eat meals at your disposal, which can save time and reduce the temptation to order takeout or grab unhealthy snacks.

The Difference Between Meal Planning and Meal Prepping

While meal planning and meal prep often go hand in hand, they are not the same thing. Meal planning is focused on creating a plan for what you will eat, while meal prep is focused on the actual process of preparing the food.

You can do one without the other, but combining the two can provide the most benefits. For example, you can plan out your meals for the week, and then prep the ingredients or cook the meals in advance to save time and make healthy eating easier.

In conclusion, meal planning and meal prep are two different, but related, aspects of managing your food and meals. Understanding the differences between the two can help you determine which approach, or combination is best for you.

Whether you decide to meal plan, meal prep, or do both, the benefits of having a plan for your meals can include saving time, money, and improving your health.