Meal prepping is one of the best ways to get healthy food on the table, even when life gets busy. By planning and preparing ahead, you save time, reduce stress, and avoid relying on last-minute takeout. But safe food handling is just as important as the prep itself. Knowing how to store, cool, freeze, and reheat food properly helps keep you and your family healthy.
Follow these five simple safety tips:
1. Store Groceries Right Away
When you get home from the store, put perishable items like milk, cheese, tofu, raw fish, and meat straight into the fridge. Leaving them on the counter gives bacteria a chance to grow.
2. Defrost Meat Safely
Never thaw meat on the counter. Instead, place it in the fridge the night before you need it. If it’s still frozen, you can finish thawing under cool, running water.
3. Cool Food Properly
Cooked meals and leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours. To help food cool faster, divide large portions into smaller containers before storing.
4. Know Storage Times
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Most cooked food: 3–4 days in the fridge
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Fish and salads: Up to 3 days
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Freezer storage: Up to 2 months (if sealed properly)
Label containers with the date so you know when to use them.
5. Reheat the Right Way
Always reheat food to 165°F. Soups and stews can be reheated on the stove, smaller portions in the microwave, and baked items in the oven.
The Bottom Line:
Meal prep is a great way to stay on track with healthy eating. By following safe storage, cooling, freezing, and reheating practices, you’ll have meals ready to go—without worrying about foodborne illness.This article was written and approved by a Registered Dietitian.
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