Meal prep, short for meal preparation, involves planning and preparing your meals in advance, typically for a week or a few days, instead of cooking each meal from scratch daily. There are numerous benefits to meal prep, including:

1. Time Efficiency: Meal prep can save you a significant amount of time during the week. By preparing meals in advance, you eliminate the need to cook each meal from scratch, which can be especially valuable on busy weekdays.

2. Healthier Eating: When you plan and prepare your meals ahead of time, you have better control over the ingredients and portion sizes. This makes it easier to maintain a balanced diet and make healthier food choices.

3. Cost Savings: Buying ingredients in bulk for meal prep can often be more cost-effective than purchasing individual meals or eating out regularly. It can also help reduce food waste, as you're less likely to let perishable items go unused.

4. Reduced Stress: Knowing that you have pre-prepared meals ready to go can reduce the stress associated with figuring out what to eat daily. It simplifies the decision-making process and can alleviate mealtime stress.

5. Consistency: Meal prep helps you stick to your dietary and health goals by providing consistent meals. This can be especially beneficial if you're trying to lose weight or build muscle.

Incorporating meal prep into your routine can be a powerful tool for promoting a healthier lifestyle, saving time and money, and reducing stress associated with meal planning and cooking.