Step by Step Meal Planning Guide

Here are some meal prep tools that can help streamline the process and keep you organized:

1. High-Quality Knives: Having a good set of kitchen knives can make your meal prep faster and more enjoyable.

2. Cutting Boards: Opt for durable materials and ensure you have different boards for different food types to avoid cross-contamination.

3. Mixing Bowls: A set of mixing bowls in various sizes can be handy for preparing different parts of your meal.

4. Meal Prep Containers: These are perfect for portioning out meals for the week. Look for ones that are microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe for added convenience.

5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for getting precise measurements, especially if you're following a recipe.

6. Food Processor: Useful for chopping, shredding, or pureeing ingredients quickly.

7. Slow Cooker/Pressure Cooker: These can be a great time-saver, allowing you to prepare large batches of meals with minimal effort.

8. Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware/ Cast Iron Pan: This helps to reduce the amount of oil you use and makes cleanup easier.

9. Scale: For those who are tracking their macros or just like to be precise with their portions.

10. Spice Organizers: Helps to keep all your spices in order and easy to find.

Remember, you don't need to have all these tools to start meal prepping. Start with what you have and build your collection as needed.

The best meal prep tools will vary depending on your specific needs, diet, and cooking preferences. That said, here are some of the top-rated options in various categories:

1. Knives: Cuisinart Colored Metallic Knife Set (5-pc Stainless) Highly rated for its durability, sharpness, and balance.

2. Cutting Boards: OXO Good Grips Utility Cutting Board - Non-slip edges and juice grooves make this a practical choice I love using a Bamboo cutting board.

3. Mixing Bowls: Cuisinart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls with Lids - The lids make it easy to store leftovers.

4. Meal Prep Containers: Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers - These are microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe.

5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: OXO Good Grip Measuring Cups - Accurate and durable, with clear markings.

6. Food Processor: Cuisinart 14-Cup Food Processor - Great for larger recipes, with a range of attachments.

7. Slow Cooker/Pressure Cooker: Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 - Functions as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer.

8. Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware and Cast iron: - DaTerra Cucina Professional 13 Inch Wok with Glass Lid Lodge Cast Iron

9. Scale: OXO Good Grips Pull-Out Display Food Scale - Known for its accuracy and an easy-to-read display.

10. Spice Organizers: YouCopia SpiceStack Adjustable Organizer - Adjustable to fit various spice bottle sizes.

Remember to read reviews and consider your own needs before purchasing!