The Guide to Make Ahead Meals for Sailing
Do you love sailing but dread the thought of having to cook while on vacation? If so, meal prepping is the answer for you! With some planning, you can enjoy delicious, healthy meals onboard without having to lift a finger. This way, you’re getting the nutrients you need to fuel your body for all those hours on the open sea.
There are a few handy tips to keep in mind when meal prepping for sailing. First, think about what kinds of foods will store well onboard. Consider tasteful and fresh meal preps to get on board so they last. Canned and dried goods are always a good bet, as they won’t go bad if the power goes out or the fridge breaks down. Second, consider how you will prepare and cook your meals. Will you need to heat water for coffee or tea? Do you have access to an oven or stovetop? If not, no worries – there are plenty of recipes for no-cook meals that are just as delicious and satisfying.
Finally, think about what you’ll need to pack to make your meals as easy and enjoyable as possible. Be sure to bring along any Tupperware or storage containers you’ll need. As well as can openers, knives, cutting boards, and any other cooking utensils. And don’t forget the spices! A sprinkle of flavor can go a long way in making a simple meal taste amazing.
With these useful tips in mind, you’re ready to start prepping meals for sailing.
Benefits of Prepping Meals on a Cruise
Meal preps can help you save money, eat healthier, and reduce food waste on the board. When you meal prep, you have more control over the ingredients in your food. This means you can pick healthy, whole foods that will give you the energy you need to enjoy your vacation. And because you’re not eating out all the time, you’ll save money on food expenses.
Meal prepping can also help lower food waste on a cruise. When you cook in bulk and bring your own food onboard, you can avoid the temptation to overeat or order more than you can eat. This means less food will go to waste, and you’ll be doing your part to help the environment.
How to Make Meals Ahead for Sailing – Useful Tips to Consider
Now that you know the outstanding benefits of meal prepping, it’s time to learn how to do it. Here are a few evergreen tips to get you started.
1. Pick easy recipes that can be made ahead of time
No-stress recipes that can be made ahead of time are ideal for meal prepping. This way, you can do all the cooking and prep work before you even step foot on the sailboat. That way, you can unwind and enjoy your vacation without having to worry about cooking every day.
2. Consider your onboard cooking options
Check if you have any cooking appliances installed on the boat. Your meal food options may differ once you get what tools you have at hand and what you don’t have.
3. Think about what you’ll need to pack
Be sure to bring along any kitchenware or storage containers you’ll need. Grab your can openers, knives, cutting boards, and any other cooking utensils you may find useful. And bring your fave seasonings to get the most taste out of the meal preps.
4. Make a plan
Decide what recipes you’re going to make, and make a shopping list of all the ingredients you’ll need. Then, set aside some time to do the cooking and prep work. If you’re short on time, you can always do some of the work ahead of time and finish up when you’re on the boat.
5. Relax and enjoy
Remember, the whole point of batch cooking is to make your life easier. So don’t stress if everything isn’t perfect – just relax and enjoy your delicious, healthy meals. Perhaps the cruise trip is a perfect time to try new meals and treat yourself to uncommon yummies.
What Foods Are Good for Batch Cooking?
There’s a myriad of opportunities when it comes to batch cooking, but some foods are better suited for meal prepping on the boat than others. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. Grains. Quinoa, rice, and other grains can be cooked in bulk and easily stored in the fridge or freezer. They’re ideal for adding to soups, stews, and salads or for serving as a simple side dish.
2. Beans. Like grains, beans can be cooked in advance and stored for later. They’re a great source of protein and fiber and can be used in a variety of recipes.
3. Vegetables. Roasted vegetables are a top-notch option for meal prepping. They can be enjoyed as-is or added to other dishes like soups, pasta, or grain bowls.
4. Meat. Cooked meat can be easily stored in the fridge or freezer as well as used in a variety of recipes. Try cooking extra chicken breasts when you make dinner, then using them in salads or sandwiches for lunch the next day.
5. Sauces. Making your own sauces is an ace way to save money and avoid processed ingredients. Plus, you can store your fave dressings in the fridge or freezer and use them when needed.
What Foods to Avoid When Prepping Meals in Advance
There are some foods that don’t batch cook well, either because they don’t hold up well in the fridge or freezer or because they’re better when fresh. Here are a few things to avoid when batch cooking for sailing:
1. Eggs. Hard-boiled eggs can be easily stored in the fridge, but they won’t taste as good as fresh eggs. If you consider eggs in your meal prep plan, make a frittata or quiche that can be reheated later.
2. Dairy. Milk, cheese, and other dairy products can go bad quickly when stored in the fridge. If you want to include dairy in your meal prep, opt for yogurt or cottage cheese, which will last longer.
3. Salad greens. Greens will wilt and get soggy when stored in the fridge. If you want to include them in your meals, add them just before eating.
4. Fresh fruit. Fruit is best enjoyed fresh, so it’s not ideal for meal preps. If you want to add some fruits, add them just before eating.
5. Bread. Bread gets stale quickly, so it’s not a good option for prepping meals. If you want to add bread to your meal plan, toast it or slice it just before eating.
Conclusion
Meal prepping is a top-notch way to eat healthy while on a cruise. By following these tips, you can make delicious, healthy meals that will make your vacation even more enjoyable.