Active Low-Carber Forums - I hope this is a Helpful Tip

For the last couple of weeks, I've been choosing a day and devoting a chunk of time to food. I've designated Monday as my day to shop, try new recipes I've found, and generally get my meals prepped for the week.

It's making a HUGE difference for me. I live alone and have an extrememly busy life - these two factors resulted in a lot of frustration when I began this woe. I was still trying to figure out what to buy and how much - there were quite a few things tossed in the trash (spoiled) early on.

Now I keep a running list throughout the week and do my shopping on Mondays, when the shops aren't so packed. I stock up of veg and meat and prepare a variety of marinades (all lc) for chicken and beef. It is so much easier to grab a chicken breast out of the fridge that has already been soaking in ginger, garlic, and olive oil for a day or two and stick it on the grill!

I've also been shredding blocks of cheddar cheese and storing them in ziploc bags - again, it cuts down on meal prep time. I'm a confessed food snob and cannot deal with the pre-shredded stuff sold in stores.

Other things I find really helpful: having a good assortment of washed and prepped herbs on hand (caution: short shelf life), a container of chopped garlic, ice cubes sweetened with SF syrup for afternoon soda water treats, and plenty of pre-washed lettuce on hand.

It makes everything so easy and really takes the guesswork out of what to have to eat. My new favorite menu item: homemade chicken salad, made from one of those roasted chickens available in the deli (my favorite grocery cooks them rotisserie style with an herb rub, no sugar). Chop it up and add mayo, celery, s&p, a trace of sour cream, maybe a boiled egg or some slivered almonds and you've got a quick and easy meal ready to go and it will last all week!

Just wanted to share. It really has made a difference and has enabled me to have delicious meals with not so much prep time. Although I still tend to eat a lot of the same things (see my journal for menus), they are delicious and easy to prepare. I hope this helps someone! :)