MEAL PREP FOR BUSY PEOPLE
Meal prep saves you time, money and hassle, and it's the way I've been cooking for years now. It's also a big part of the reason I've been able to keep up my personal fitness along with a crazy work schedule and still squeeze in some time for fun on weekends. Since I get asked so often, I thought I'd share my foolproof method for easy meal prep and planning, including free printables!
Access my free meal prep challenge!
Access free meal prep challenge & bonus resources.
Over five printable PDF downloads to help you stay on track with your health & fitness goals like a weekly meal planner, printable shopping list, and more will be sent during the challenge!
MEAL PREP Tips:
Keep it simple
If you just don't think you can plan out three meals a day, that's okay. Try planning dinner for each meal of the week, and make enough so that there are leftovers for lunches all week long. From there, you can keep a good inventory of snacks and simple breakfast ideas until you find recipes you're comfortable with and know you love.
Use the same ingredients more than once
This is hands down the best way to reduce food waste. Use those carrots for two or three different recipes; and no, you probably don't need to include eggplant in that recipe when you like red peppers or zucchini better, so make ingredient swaps work for you where you can. Buy fresh ingredients you know you'll use in a variety of recipes.
Prepare ingredients ahead of time
Know that you're making quinoa bowls later in the week? Make the quinoa or other grains ahead of time, or cook chicken in the oven or boil it to make pulled chicken for later in the work week. It helps to have some components of a recipe prepared ahead of time.
Keep a well-stocked pantry and spice drawer
This is another huge one for me. I ALWAYS make sure I have a ton of spices on hand so I can just add a little bit here and there, and I also make sure my pantry/fridge is stocked with staples like butter, olive oil, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, bouillon cubes, coconut milk, pickles, hot sauce, mustard, vinegars…you name it, I've got it. It makes life so much easier when you go to make a recipe and see you've already got most items on hand.
Keep a well-stocked freezer
This brings me to my second point: have a ton of meat in your freezer. I personally like to buy in bulk when meat goes on sale, and I have a ton of variety on hand, everything from turkey sausages to ground beef, shrimp and scallops. And of course, a bottomless supply of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. It may be expensive to stock up all at once but if you have all of these items on hand you're less likely to buy food out because you KNOW you have a ton of options to satisfy any cravings you have! And that can be cheaper in the long run!
Go easy on yourself
Sometimes life happens, and that's okay. Your meal plan is meant to help you stay organized and take a look at your week at a glance, not to rigidly lock you in – there will be some days you just don't want to cook, and that's okay. Being prepared helps get you back on track again the next day though!
Healthy Breakfast Ideas
Healthy Lunch Ideas
Healthy Dinner Ideas
My Favorite Meal Prep Tools
Latest Meal prep Recipes
Chicken Stir Fry {Simple + Easy}
This easy chicken stir fry is perfect for busy weeknights or for meal prep lunches – and the sauce is made from pantry staples! Ingredients
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes {3 Ways!}
Learn the best ways to cook sweet potatoes with these 3 delicious and easy recipes! Try them mashed, fully loaded or baked in the oven.
Meal Prep Individual Taco Pizza
This Meal Prep Individual Taco Pizza is a healthy, fun twist on pizza – you can meal prep and freeze them for future meals too!
Grab and Go Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Jars
These Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Jars are a high-protein meal prep idea that come together in less than 30 minutes. How to make minestrone soup Ingredients
Easy Chicken Falafel Bowls {Perfect for Meal Prep!}
These Chicken Falafel Bowls are a healthy version of your favorite street food loaded with veggies, hummus and homemade garlic sauce. Ingredients and substitutions How
Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes {Low Carb}
These Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes are super buttery and a delicious low carb alternative to your favourite mashed potatoes. How to make cauliflower mashed potatoes
30-Minute Sheet Pan Rosemary Chicken
This Sheet Pan Rosemary Chicken is a healthy low-carb meal that's ready in just 30 minutes – plus, it's great for meal prep! How to
Steak Quinoa Burrito Bowl
This Steak and Quinoa Burrito Bowl with pico de gallo and corn salsa is a delicious lunch idea you can meal prep, and is inspired
Instant Pot Chana Masala {Canned Chickpeas}
Chana Masala is a delicious vegan chickpea curry made from pantry staples. Make it in the Instant Pot, slow cooker or stovetop. How to make
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
These Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep Bowls are a delicious make ahead lunch idea that comes together in one pot. How to make
Top Recipes for August {Recipe Roundup}
Enjoy August to the fullest with some of the best lunch and dinners! Keep reading to check out the top recipes you should try out
One Pot Chicken Teriyaki Bowls
These One Pot Chicken Teriyaki Bowls with veggies and rice are the perfect weeknight dinner – they're made in one pan for minimal clean up!