Would you consider yourself more of an organized planner or a last-minute, go-with-the-flow type of person? I am definitely an organized planner and like to be prepared for the things I can. One reason why I like to be prepared is because I really dislike being hangry! I always have staple foods in my freezer, fridge, pantry, vehicle, work drawer, and purse. Yes, purse. I get hungry frequently and am prepared to combat the low blood sugar and hanger with a quick snack. Meal prepping is another thing my husband and I do to be prepared. With meal prep, our breakfasts and lunches are ready to go for the work day and dinner is either prepped and ready to heat up or cut up and ready to throw on the grill or in the oven. This saves us so much time and we are able to enjoy other things during the week.
Here are some meal prep hacks to help you feel more prepared for the work week/weekend and maximize your time doing the things you enjoy.
- Make a grocery list and look up a couple recipes if you are craving a specific type of meal
- Cook foods in bulk. Think protein sources, rice, potatoes, roasted veggies, egg bakes, oatmeal, etc.
- Invest in a crock pot or instant pot if you don’t already have one or the other. Prepping made easy and fast
- Get some good storage containers that fit in your fridge and in your lunch bag
- Prep for ~3-4 days at a time. Food will stay fresh and you will have more time to relax and enjoy other things around meal times
- Always have staples in your pantry, fridge, and freezer (jasmine rice, eggs, whole grain pasta, frozen veggies, nut butters, olive oil, potatoes, canned tuna, frozen chicken breast or sausage, oatmeal, frozen fruit, protein bars)
- Keep plenty of spices and healthier sauces on hand to add some flavor to your meals
- Balance your meals. Think a protein source, carbohydrate source, veggie, and healthy fat source. This will keep your blood sugar stable and your meals tasty
- Put a few days worth of meals together in containers and label them. Ready to grab and go
- Make it a date. Schedule your meal prep time and put it in your calendar. Sometimes it takes 30 minutes and sometimes 2 hours. Regardless, it will save you more time during the week
With these hacks, meal prep will be easy and a huge time saver. Your mornings will go smooth and you won’t have to think about what to have for breakfast, lunch, or dinner because you will be prepared. Throw on your favorite tunes or tv show in the background and get cooking!
Be well,
Coach Janna