How to Meal Prep When You're Exhausted and Unmotivated

Introduction:

Returning from a vacation, especially one that's as rejuvenating as a two-week trip to the Philippines, can be both exhilarating and exhausting. While the memories of the sun-kissed beaches and the flavorful cuisines linger, the jet lag and the post-vacation blues can set in quickly, leaving you depleted of energy and motivation.

The Dilemma:

As I stepped off the plane and back into my daily routine, I was greeted with the familiar pangs of jet lag and the temptation of quick, convenient meals. My body craved the ease of fast food and takeaways, but my mind knew that this would derail my carefully crafted nutrition plan.

The Solution:

In moments like these, when the fatigue is real and the temptation is strong, it's crucial to stick to your goals. Instead of succumbing to the allure of unhealthy, calorie-laden meals, I chose to focus on meal prepping – a simple yet powerful strategy to keep me on track.

Step 1: Keep It Simple:

The first rule of meal prep when you're tired is to keep it simple. I opted for basic protein sources like baked chicken and meatloaf, seasoned with simple spices and lemon juice. These can be cooked in batches and easily incorporated into various dishes throughout the week.

Step 2: Plan Ahead:

Meal prepping when you're exhausted requires a bit of planning. My wife and I decided to prepare enough meatloaf to last the week. We knew that having a ready-made protein source would make our meals quick and hassle-free.

Step 3: Quick and Convenient Sides:

To complement our protein, we turned to quick and convenient sides. We rice threw some rice into the rice cooker and picked up some salad greens mix from the grocery store, which required minimal prep time. We also stocked up on frozen vegetable packs that could be microwaved in minutes.

Step 4: Get Creative:

Even in moments of exhaustion, creativity can thrive. I made the occasional 'meatloaf' sandwich, which not only hit my macros but also added a bit of variety to my meals.

Step 5: Time Management:

Finally, allocate about an hour or two on a Sunday afternoon for meal prep. This dedicated time ensures that you have healthy, balanced meals ready for the week ahead. Plus, it's a small investment that pays off in terms of health and convenience.

Conclusion:

In the end, meal prepping is not about complicated, gourmet meals. It's about staying true to your goals and making choices that align with your health and fitness journey. So, even on days when you're tired and unmotivated, remember that a little bit of planning and preparation can go a long way in helping you stay on track. And who knows, you might even surprise yourself with your creativity and resourcefulness!

By sticking to the basics, planning ahead, and keeping things simple, meal prep can be a manageable and even enjoyable task – even when you're feeling less than motivated.