Work, school, family care and other responsibilities can make finding time to cook every day tough. Learning how to meal prep effectively can be a remarkable life hack. With a bit of planning and a few smart strategies, you can turn a few weekend hours into breakfasts, lunches and dinners that keep you (and your loved ones) fueled up all week. Meal prepping not only saves you time, but it can help you eat better while staying on budget. Here are five meal prep tips. Dig in!
Start With a Simple Plan
Meal prepping isn’t just cooking multiple meals at once so you don’t have to do it later. It involves the strategic use of resources. Choose recipes with shared ingredients to save money and fridge space. For example, shredded chicken can be used in soups, pastas, tacos and sandwiches. A flexible plan also makes it easier to stick with meal prepping long-term and avoids wasted food if plans change.
Maximize Your Space
You’re not operating in a commercial kitchen, so a little organization goes a long way. Clear one section of a counter or table to use as a prep station. Stackable food containers take up less room. An over-the-sink cutting board creates extra workspace. Slow cookers and air fryers can reduce dishwashing and cleanup time.
Prep Ingredients—Not Just Meals
Getting ingredients ready ahead of time can be just as helpful as making full meals. Wash and chop vegetables, cook rice or pasta and grill chicken or fish to use throughout the week. Store ingredients in clear containers so they’re easy to spot. Preparing in advance allows you to quickly assemble complete meals, like salads, bowls or stir fries.
Consider the Best Leftovers
Consider how the prepared ingredients or meals will hold up after a day or two in the fridge. Soups, pastas, stews and grain-based bowls tend to reheat evenly and taste just as delicious the next day. Foods that can get soggy—for instance salads and sandwiches—might be best left deconstructed until they’re ready to eat. Reminder: Prepared meals can remain refrigerated for two to five days or frozen three to four months, depending on the ingredients and freshness.
Make it Routine
A key in mastering how to meal prep is maintaining consistency. Some people may prefer a Sunday marathon, while others may choose to spread tasks out over a few days. But even a short amount of prep—like washing, chopping or pre-cooking—can make weeknights easier. Find a routine that works for you, throw on your favorite album or podcast and get to preppin’.
A Little Prep Makes a Big Difference
Getting meals prepped in advance doesn’t require a huge kitchen or major time commitment. Use these meal prep tips to start small, stay flexible and enjoy the convenience of food that’s ready when you are.
