Embarking on a new diet can be an exciting time. Not only are you opening the doors to a range of new recipes, but there’s also the promise of improved health to keep you motivated. However, for many people, this initial excitement can dwindle all too quickly when we’re faced with the reality of a restricted eating plan, which prohibits us from eating some of our favorite snacks or whipping up our go-to quick and easy recipes. Suddenly, our new diet can feel too difficult, and falling off the wagon is all but inevitable.
It is because of this diet fatigue that meal planning is an absolute must. Choosing to plan out your meals for the week in advance and then prep them all on Sunday (or whichever day works best for your schedule) is key to keeping you on track, as knowing you have a delicious meal ready and waiting for you in the fridge at home will ensure you ignore the urge to order in take out. Meal prepping also helps you to stay in control of your portions, and allows you to plan a weekly menu that guarantees you’re getting all your necessary nutrients. It also ensures you aren’t falling into a rut of eating the same easy but boring stir fry over and over again, which is guaranteed to have you running to the nearest pizza shop.
With the keto diet being incredibly in vogue at the moment, we have compiled a selection of meal prep ideas to ensure your new diet is exciting, tasty and around for the long haul!
Your Keto Fridge Staples
Many keto converts experience what is known as the “keto flu” in the early stages of adopting this diet, as the body experiences withdrawal-like symptoms after switching from burning glucose to fat for energy. To avoid this uncomfortable phenomenon, keeping a number of healthy Keto snacks on hand is key to keeping your body satisfied.
A few minimal-effort keto staples you’ll benefit from having on-hand at all times include hard-boiled eggs, string cheese, avocados and nuts (such as cashews, walnuts and pistachios). Snacks like these are super easy to store in small tupperware containers or zip-lock bags and throw in your handbag or desk drawer for when that vending machine is looking all too inviting.
On top of these handy and healthy snacks, it’s important to have your keto-friendly dinners ready and waiting for you at home. With that in mind, below are some of our favorite pescetarian-friendly recipes that are ideal for prepping ahead of time.
Naked Fish Tacos
This colorful fish taco recipe boasts such an exciting host of textures and flavors that you won’t even miss the taco shell. You can prep most of the ingredients ahead of time, but the Tilapia is of course best cooked fresh. If making the coleslaw yourself, be sure not to add the dressing until you are ready to serve as this will ensure the ingredients retain their crunch.
Try the recipe: Naked Fish Tacos from Taste of Home.
Cauliflower Hash Browns
In lieu of carb-heavy toast or oatmeal for breakfast, prepare these convenient cauliflower hash browns to quickly reheat in the microwave on busy mornings. Containing just three basic ingredients (cauliflower, shredded cheddar cheese and egg), cauliflower hash browns are easy to make and will ensure you start your day the right way with a balanced, keto-friendly breakfast of protein, vegetables and fat.
Try the recipe: Cauliflower Hash Browns from Keto Connect.
Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
Spiralizing zucchini is easier than you might think and is super convenient to make in bulk to suit your meal-prepping needs. Layer to-go containers with this delicious zoodle recipe, made from zucchini noodles and savory blackened Tilapia fillets, add a fresh pesto sauce, and enjoy for either lunch or dinner throughout the week.
While you’re prepping this meal, saute an extra batch of zucchini strips and mix-and-match separate portioned containers with different protein, vegetable and fat-based ingredient pairings, like sesame tofu, avocado dressing or mushroom marinara sauce. This way, you have even more tasty meals on hand for when you need a healthy lunch in a pinch.
Try the recipe: Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles from Taste of Home.
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Keeping some homemade soup in the freezer is a great way to maintain any new dietary goal. Soups are filling and can be readily packed with vegetables, healthy fats and protein as needed. Not to mention, one prepared pot of soup can easily last a week, or even longer once frozen. Portion out garlicky, minimal-ingredient broccoli soup for lunches and dinners throughout the week, and enjoy an easy keto-friendly meal with zero hassle.
Try the recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup from Wholesome Yum.
Getting proactive with your meal prep is essential to adopting any new diet. When that inevitable midweek slump strikes, there’s nothing better than knowing you have dinner ready and waiting for you at home. As such, keto-friendly recipes like these are just what you need to stay motivated without feeling like you’re missing out.
Check out Meal Planning 101: The Staples to Include on Your Grocery List before heading out to the store to prepare for meal planning.
Eager to try these recipes at home? Consult our store locator to find your nearest Tilapia retailer.
Photo Credits: Nata Bene / Shutterstock Inc., Taste of Home, Liliia Bielopolska / Shutterstock Inc., Taste of Home, SergeBertasiusPhotography / Shutterstock Inc.