How long do meal prep meals last in the fridge?

Depending on the ingredients used, most recipes will usually last up to 5 or 6 days. For instance, if you make a set of rice bowls on a Sunday, they will last you until the end of the work week. Freezer-friendly recipes will usually last for 3-6 months.

Do I have to eat leftovers or the same thing over and over?

No! I'm a big fan of ingredient prep because you can prep components of multiple recipes ahead of time so that you can cook a fresh meal in 15-20 minutes each night. Check out my ingredient prep process - it only takes an hour on the weekend!

What are the best containers to use?

I like using these glass meal prep bowls to store my meals and ingredients for the week. Mason jars are also super handy for salads, sauces and dressings! Check out this post on my favourite meal prep containers .

How many recipes should I make in one week?

I recommend starting with a set of lunches for the week, so choose one recipe and get in the habit of making just one every week. Then you can start to build up to more. Maybe you add a set of breakfasts next.

How can I get faster at meal prep?

It honestly takes practice and patience. This is a lifestyle and self care routine, not a quick fix. Pick the same day every single week around the same time and it will start to become habit.

Is it safe to reheat these recipes?

Definitely! Most of these recipes will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days and will reheat perfectly in the microwave, the oven or on the stovetop. When reheating in the microwave, I'd suggest sprinkling some water over top of any rice or chicken so it doesn't dry out.

Can you freeze these recipes?

Some of these recipes are freezer-friendly. I'd suggest checking the individual posts for any freezing instructions.

75+ Healthy Budget Meal Prep Ideas

Name: 75+ Healthy Budget Meal Prep Ideas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 1/2 cups water; 1 cup white, jasmine or basmati rice; 1 pinch salt; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 4 cloves minced garlic; 1 tbsp minced ginger; 4 cups coleslaw mix or choice of veggies

Save time, money and stress with these easy popular meal prep recipes – most are ready in just 30 minutes!

What is meal prep?

Meal prep can typically mean two things:

Making one or two recipes and portioning everything out for a set of breakfasts and/or lunches to take with you to work
Prepping ingredients such as cooking chicken, rice, making sauces and chopping veggies so that a meal can come together with minimal effort

How to meal prep for beginners

If you're just getting started with meal prep, here are some things to keep in mind:

Be realistic about the meals you need help with. I find it helpful to actually sit down and do a bit of goal setting first. Why are you looking to meal prep in the first place, what is your WHY? Are you looking to stop eating lunch out, or reduce stress around dinnertime? Determine which meal gives you the most trouble and go from there.
Make time to plan, shop and prep. Schedule a meal planning day into your calendar, then determine what day is best for you to meal prep. I typically meal plan on Fridays, grocery shop on Sundays and meal prep on Mondays but your schedule may be different.
Start with just ONE recipe. Once you've determined the meal you most need help with, pick just ONE recipe. If you have trouble choosing recipes, check out my Master List technique to reduce decision fatigue. This will help you cultivate a list of favourites and better organize the recipes you want to try.
Repeat, repeat, repeat! Once you've gotten past the first three steps, it's all about practice! Over time, you'll be able to make more recipes with ease, and really develop meal prep as a self care routine. Consistency is key!

Meal Prep Breakfasts

You'll find my favourite meal prep, make-ahead breakfasts below. They're great to grab on your way out the door, and you can even freeze some of them so that you have plenty of variety for your first meal of the day!

Meal Prep Sausage Egg McMuffin {Copycat}

This Meal Prep Sausage Egg McMuffin is a healthier copycat version of the McDonald's breakfast favourite with fewer calories!

Join our December ✨Feel Good✨ Challenge!

What's in This Post

What is meal prep?

How to meal prep for beginners

Meal Prep Breakfasts

Think My Ingredient Prep System Will Work for You?

Mason Jar Recipes

Join our December ✨Feel Good✨ Challenge!

Meal Prep Tools

Meal Prep Bowls and Bento Boxes

Salads and Wraps

Skip the Ads and Get Right to the Recipes!

Sheet Pan Dinners

Wanna Learn How To Meal Prep?

Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep Ideas

One Pan/One Pot Recipes

Stir Fry and Skillet Recipes