When you’re getting ready to cook healthy meals in advance, there are some common mistakes that can mess things up and make you feel frustrated. Here are some key things to avoid:

1. Too Little Variety: Eating the same meals over and over can get really boring. If you always eat the same thing, you might lose interest and not want to keep cooking.

   • Solution: Try using different ingredients or find new recipes every week to keep your meals fun and exciting.

2. Not Knowing Portion Sizes: Some people guess how much food they need, which can lead to bad eating habits.

   • Solution: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to make sure you’re getting the right amounts of food that fit your health goals.

3. Bad Storage Practices: If meals aren’t stored properly, they can spoil quickly. This can waste your hard work. If food isn't sealed well, it can taste bad or lose its good nutrients.

   • Solution: Use airtight containers and label them with dates so you can keep track of how fresh they are.

4. Ignoring Food Safety: If you don’t cool food down quickly or heat it correctly, you might get sick from food that’s not safe to eat.

   • Solution: Cool cooked foods fast by putting them in smaller containers and make sure to heat them back up to at least 165°F to stay safe.

5. Not Planning for the Week: If you don’t have a plan, it’s easy to forget your meal prep goals.

   • Solution: Take some time each week to plan your meals, make shopping lists, and decide when you’ll do your cooking. This will help you stay on track!