Easy Meal Prep Tips for the Busiest People

Meal prep – or preparing meals in advance – is one of the best ways to eat right every day, while also saving time and money. You make meals ahead of time all at once, then put them in serving size containers for the next few days, or freeze for later.  

It reduces the hassle of cooking at every mealtime, and it cuts down on binge eating or grabbing whatever’s most convenient when you’re hungry, rather than eating what’s in your plan. 

But to start, it might seem like a big time commitment, right? A whole hour in the kitchen? Well, I think you’ll find it’s a great investment. Here’s how to manage the time.

1. Choose a day or two each week where you can devote the time and focus. Most people pick Sundays because they’re not working. Some can get it all done at once. Others might want to break it up with, say, a Wednesday. But remember: You don’t have to meal prep for an entire week; it’s up to you!
2. Start simple, with just one recipe. Slow cookers are useful. It’s so easy to make spag bol, chilli or soup in a crock pot and then have it to enjoy all week, along with a big salad you can prepare in advance (and dress when you serve). 
3. Gather recipes and make a shopping list. That way, you’ll be sure to have everything you need in advance.
4. Make sure your supplies include storage containers, preferably glass over plastic.
5. Make big batches of staples like rice, quinoa and roasted veggetables. You can use them throughout the week to mix things up.
6. Start with lunches and dinners. At home, a healthy breakfast can be quick and easy. But if you’re going to work every day, you don’t want to rely on food courts and cafe food. And, after a long day, it’s so good to come home to dinner that’s already done and waiting for you.
7. Stock the freezer with meats and veggies, the pantry with nonperishable staples, and your spice drawer with your favourites.

You’ll find it’s really kind of amazing how much time you’ll save each day during the week. And that hour you spent in the kitchen? Totally worth it! 

Andrea x 

Ps. On October 18th, I'm launching my "21 Day Health Reset". We'll learn more about meal prepping, plus we'll follow an anti-inflammatory diet that will give you a few quick wins with weight loss, increasing energy, and getting rid of brain fog. If you want to know more, join my free Facebook Group, 'The Whole Health Solution with Andrea Robertson', as I'll be sharing there when enrolments are open.