Meal prepping is a perfect way to ensure that you have healthy meals all week long, especially if you’re busy. It can also help you save money on groceries. It can be helpful for gatherings, too. Here are some meal prep ideas for you.
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Meal Prep Tips For Beginners
Meal prepping shouldn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. By following these tips, you can save money and still enjoy delicious and healthy meals all week long!
Planning Ahead Is Key
Decide what meals you want to make and write out a grocery list accordingly. Meal planning can help you save money on groceries, as you’ll be less likely to impulse buy unhealthy foods.
Cook Once, Eat Twice (Or More)
Planning to make a big dinner? Cook extra and portion it out into individual containers for lunch or future dinners. This will save you time in the kitchen later on.
Choose Simple Recipes
When meal prepping, it’s best to stick to simple recipes that don’t require a lot of ingredients or steps. That way, you won’t get overwhelmed in the kitchen.
Utilize Your Freezer
Freezing meals is a great way to have healthy, home-cooked meals on hand without having to spend time in the kitchen. Some of my favorite freezer-friendly recipes are slow cooker meals and one-pot dishes.
Prep Fruits And Vegetables Ahead Of Time
Chopping and roasting vegetables ahead of time can make it easier to throw together a healthy meal on busy nights.
Chop up some vegetables or fruit and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This will make it easier to throw together a healthy meal.
Make A Grocery List And Stick To It
This will help you save money and avoid buying unhealthy foods. You’ve got to be smart about your grocery shopping. You’ll save money if you make a list and stick to it instead of buying random things while you’re in the store. I usually check the deals before going for groceries and make a list accordingly.
Get Organized In The Kitchen
Keeping your kitchen organized can help make meal prep easier. Meal prepping can be a lot less stressful if you have everything you need at hand.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start meal prepping like a pro!
Meal Prep On A Budget
Meal prepping is an ideal way to save both money and time. By preparing your meals in advance, you can avoid spending money on expensive take-out or last-minute grocery runs. In addition, meal prepping can help you stick to a healthy diet by ensuring that you have all the ingredients you need on hand for nutritious and delicious meals.
When it comes to meal prepping on a budget, one of the most important things to remember is to shop smart. Save your money by taking advantage of sales and discounts at your local grocery store. In addition, it’s a good idea to buy meat, produce, and other ingredients in sale whenever possible.
I check out the weekly flyers, buy the chicken and/or beef, whatever is available at a low price, marinate it and freeze it. I also like to buy frozen fruits and veggies since they tend to be cheaper than fresh, and they’re still healthy.
Another great way to save money on your meals is to cook in bulk. You can do this by cooking a large batch of one type of food, such as rice or quinoa, and then dividing it into smaller portions to be used throughout the week. Readying meals ahead of time is a great way to make sure you always have something quick and easy to eat on hand.
Meal Prep Ideas for Gluten-Free and/or Dairy-Free Diets
If you follow a gluten-free or dairy-free diet, it can be tricky to meal prep. But with a little bit of creativity, you can still enjoy delicious and healthy meals all week long!
Cook Grains And Beans In Advance
Cooking grains and beans in advance is a great way to ensure you always have something quick and easy to eat on hand. You can cook them in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.
Freeze Meals
Many gluten-free and dairy-free recipes can be frozen, so this is a great option if you don’t have time to cook during the week. Some of my favorites are slow cooker meals, one-pot dishes, and frittatas.
What Can You Cook Ahead And Portion Out
No one likes to spend their time in the kitchen cooking when they could be out enjoying themselves. That’s why preparing meals ahead of time is a great solution for those who want to save time and have a home-cooked meal waiting for them at the end of the day. There are plenty of dishes that can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to eat them.
Some great make-ahead meal ideas include:
Soups And Stews
Soups and stews are good because you can make them ahead of time. You can cook it, put it in a container, then place the container in the fridge. Then when you’re hungry, you can take it out of the fridge and eat!
Casseroles
Casseroles are another great option for a make-ahead meal. They can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, you can just reheat them in the oven or microwave.
Grilled/Pan-fried Meats
Another great option to consider is grilled or pan-fried meats. You can cook them ahead of time and then store them in the fridge or freezer. When you’re ready to eat, you can just reheat them in the oven or microwave. I always have loose meat, brisket, popcorn chicken, Jamaican chicken, and chicken tenders ready in my refrigerator or freezer that I use to make sandwiches, wraps, or other meals. It’s a quick and easy meal to eat on the go. Sometimes I serve grilled chicken or beef with rice or quinoa.
Pasta
I usually make pasta and store it in the fridge. I usually pair it up with stir-fried frozen veggies and grilled chicken.
Quinoa
You can also make the quinoa ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It’s a great option for those who are looking for a healthy meal option. Mix it up with your salad, and you have a complete meal.
Rice
I keep cooked rice in my fridge. I’ll make a big batch of rice, then store it in the refrigerator. This way, I have rice on hand whenever I need it. Top your rice with stews, grilled meats, or even just a simple stir-fry.
Beans
Another great option for a make-ahead meal is beans. You can cook them ahead of time and store them in the freezer. They’re a great source of protein, and they can be added to all sorts of dishes. I usually portion them in small sandwich bags and then freeze them.
Vegetable
I usually have frozen veggies on hand, so I’ll just cook them up in a pan and serve them along with pasta, rice, or grilled meat. My local grocery store has frozen broccoli, cauliflower, peas, spinach, mixed veggies like carrot, corn, peas, and green beans. This is a great way to add some veggies to your meal.
Final Words
Meal prepping is a good way to save time and have a home-cooked meal waiting for you at the end of the day.
There are plenty of dishes that can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to eat them. The key is to find recipes that you enjoy, and that fit your lifestyle.
So next time, you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal plan ahead for the whole week! Another great benefit of meal prepping is that you can have something for everyone.
Your picky eater can choose from the pre-made meals that you have in your fridge, and you can always make a dish without gluten or dairy if needed.
Meal prepping is the best way to make sure you have something healthy to eat, even when life gets busy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Meal Prep with Leftovers?
Yes, you can definitely meal Prep with leftovers. In fact, this is a great way to save time and money. Meal prepping with leftovers is a great way to make sure you have a healthy meal waiting for you at the end of the day.
What are some good meals for Meal Prep?
There are plenty of good meals that you can Meal Prep. Great options include soups, stews, casseroles, grilled meats, pasta, rice, beans, and vegetables.
How long do Meal Prepped meals last?
Meal Prepped meals will last in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. I usually avoid freezing rice and potatoes dishes.