Why Meal Prep?

Meal prepping is more than just a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice that offers numerous benefits:

• Time-saving: Spend less time in the kitchen during busy weekdays.
• Cost-effective: Reduce food waste and save money by buying in bulk.
• Healthier meals: Control ingredients and portion sizes, promoting balanced diets.
• Stress reduction: Avoid last-minute meal decisions and the temptation of takeout.

Getting Started: Meal Prep Basics

1. Planning Your Meals

Begin by drafting a meal plan for the week. Consider the following tips:

• Include a variety of proteins, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Plan for leftovers to save time on cooking.
• Incorporate family favorites and try one new recipe each week.

2. Grocery Shopping

With your meal plan in hand, create a shopping list to ensure you have all necessary ingredients.

• Stick to the list to avoid impulse buys.
• Buy in bulk for staples like rice, pasta, and frozen vegetables.
• Check your pantry before heading to the store to avoid duplicates.

3. Prepping Your Ingredients

Set aside a few hours on the weekend to prepare your meals. Here are some tips:

1. Wash and chop vegetables: Store them in airtight containers.
2. Cook grains: Prepare rice, quinoa, or pasta in bulk.
3. Portion proteins: Cook and freeze chicken, beef, or plant-based proteins.
4. Assemble meals: Combine ingredients in containers for grab-and-go convenience.

Kid-Friendly Meal Prep Recipes

Simple Stir-Fry

A quick and nutritious meal that can be customized to suit your family’s tastes.

• Ingredients: Chicken breast, broccoli, bell peppers, soy sauce, garlic, ginger.
• Instructions: Sauté chicken until golden, add vegetables, and stir in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Serve over rice.

Greek Yogurt Parfaits

A delicious and healthy breakfast or snack option.

• Ingredients: Greek yogurt, mixed berries, granola, honey.
• Instructions: Layer yogurt, berries, and granola in jars. Drizzle with honey before serving.

Mini Quiches

Perfect for breakfast or a light lunch, these mini quiches are easy to make and store.

• Ingredients: Eggs, spinach, cheese, cherry tomatoes, muffin tin.
• Instructions: Whisk eggs, add chopped spinach, cheese, and tomatoes. Pour into muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Maintaining Freshness

Preserving the freshness of your prepped meals is crucial. Here’s how:

• Use airtight containers: Prevents food from spoiling and maintains flavor.
• Label and date meals: Helps keep track of what to eat first.
• Freeze meals: For dishes that won’t be consumed within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions