In the past and while growing up I struggled with depression, and in 2010 I had a break down. This set me in motion to look at my life and I started with my diet. I stopped eating meat and have since made it my top priority to give myself one day a week to prepare my food. Eating healthy takes time and energy. So I use my Mondays religiously to focus on health and food prep. 

For me food prep means – creating a meal plan, going to the grocery store, coming home and cutting up all our veggies for the week. This act has given me a structure for my week.

Since implementing this discipline of Monday’s food prep, I have significantly noticed the benefits. 

1. I can say without a doubt that my depression episodes have been reduced. As an HSP (highly sensitive person), I can still get overwhelmed by the world. But since 2010, I have been on a journey of better understanding and respecting my own body. 
2. I have more free time. Since I mostly plan our meals ahead of time, dinner prep is more streamlined, and I have more time to enjoy my evenings.
3. We spend less money on eating out. On an average we eat out about 1 to 2 times a month, which is usually for something special. And honestly, I enjoy my cooking more than eating out. My body always feels better after home meals. 
4. At any moment I can creatively put together a meal without stressing out.
5. And lastly, my food prep in itself has become a sacred day for me. Cutting up veggies becomes my prayer and this prep work is spent as a time for giving thanks and acknowledging this process as a co-creation with God. I am thankful that my family and friends know this is important for my health, and they respect the day I set aside. And now Mondays have become my favorite day of the week. 

Things I do on Food Prep Monday mostly include…

Meal plan. 

Shopping. 

Cutting up veggies.

Making beans for the month.

Making hummus.

Making granola.

Making cashew milk.

Making pico de gallo.

Trying a new recipe.

I know not everyone can use their Monday’s for food prep, but any free day in the week works. Maybe it’s just an evening, as long as there is a dedicated time. Not everyone’s food prep will look the same, so have fun and get creative!

I am a firm believer that most of our health issues in America can be improved by slowing down and focusing on diet.