Maintaining a healthy diet can be a challenging task for many people these days. Our busy schedules and the convenience of fast food, it can be easy to fall off track. However, one way to ensure that you stay on track with your diet is to have prepared meals readily available.
According to a study by the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, people who pre-plan their meals are more likely to stick to their diet and lose weight. The study found that those who pre-planned their meals were able to lose an average of 6.5 pounds, while those who didn’t pre-plan lost only 1.7 pounds.
Another study by the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that people who pre-packaged their meals had better dietary adherence and were more likely to reach their weight loss goals.
The benefits of having prepared meals are numerous.
1. You save time.
2. You save money.
3. You can control the ingredients.
Preparing meals in advance means so you don’t have to spend time in the kitchen when you’re tired or short on time. Additionally, prepared meals can also help you avoid impulse eating and make healthier choices.
Prepared meals also make it easy to portion control. Many people tend to overeat when they’re cooking for themselves but now the portion sizes are already weighed for you. This can help prevent overeating and ensure that you’re getting the right amount of nutrients.
Furthermore, prepared meals can also help you save money. Buying ingredients in bulk and prepping them in advance can save you money in the long run, as well as reduce food waste.
In conclusion, having prepared meals is a great way to stick to your diet and achieve your weight loss goals. With the convenience, portion control, and cost-effectiveness that prepared meals offer, it’s no wonder that they are becoming increasingly popular among those trying to maintain a healthy diet.
However, it’s important to note that not all pre-prepared meals are healthy, it’s always a good idea to check the ingredients, portion sizes and nutritional information of a pre-prepared meal before buying or consuming it.
A failure rate of diets is quite high, according to a study by the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, around 80% of people who go on a diet will regain the weight they lost within a year, and almost all will regain it within five years. This is where prepared meals can be a game-changer, as they can help you stay on track with your diet and achieve long-term weight loss success.