Prep Meal Becomes Trend, Doctor Reminds How To Save Food To Prevent Poisoning

JAKARTA - Recently, the lifestyle of meal preparations or preparing large quantities of food for weekly stocks has become increasingly popular on social media. This practice is considered practical, time-saving, as well as helping to maintain a more regular diet.

However, behind this trend, nutritionists warn that an inappropriate way of storing can actually be risky for health.

"The meal preparation is okay, as long as the way the storage is done properly," said dr. Thousands of Consistania, Sp.GK, AIFO-K, FINEM, nutrition specialist at the University of Indonesia, in a speech in Jakarta as quoted by ANTARA.

According to him, one of the most common errors was disbursing large amounts of frozen food and then storing the rest back into the freezer.

"If we have disbursed a route containing several portions, then only take one portion that wants to be cooked today, then freeze the rest back, that's what's not allowed," said Consistania.

He explained that the repeated frozen-liquid process can reduce the quality of food, especially animal proteins such as meat, chicken, and fish. In addition to reduced nutritional value, the biggest risk is the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

To avoid this, Consistania suggested that food ingredients should be separated from the start in a portion of one cook before being frozen. "Immediately separate each portion. So if you need one, just relax and cook one, without destroying the rest," he added.

Even so, he admits that meal preparation can still be a healthy solution for those who have busy activities. As long as it is done with the correct storage technique, the benefits of meal preparation are not only to maintain nutritional intake, but also to help prevent disease due to damaged or contaminated food.