Choose Your Meals Wisely
Think About Your Week
When I’m planning my meals for the week, the first thing I do is take a good look at my schedule. Seriously, there’s nothing worse than prepping a gourmet meal for a night I’d rather just grab pizza! I try to align my meals with my busy days. For instance, on days I know I’m swamped, I’ll whip up something quick and easy, like stir-fry or a hearty salad.
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This is also where I love to get creative. I’ll check what ingredients I have left from last week and see how I can reuse them. No point in letting those veggies go to waste, right? Flexibility is key. If you find a good sale on protein or veggies, don’t hesitate to change up your plans!
Lastly, I always lean towards recipes that can be made in bulk. Not only does it save time, but it gives me variety throughout the week. This way, I can mix and match throughout the week which keeps things exciting and avoids boredom.
Make a Grocery List
Stick to the Essentials
After I’ve settled on my meals, it’s grocery list time! I can’t stress enough how important it is to stick to the essentials. I used to just wander around the store and pick things up on a whim. Spoiler alert: it never ended well! Now, I make my list based on what I need for each meal and stick to it.
Organization is my friend here. I categorize my list by sections of the store – produce, proteins, dairy, etc. This not only saves time at the grocery store, but it also keeps me from grabbing unnecessary snacks that somehow find their way into my cart! I’ve fallen victim to that a few times!
And hey, if you find a good deal on something that fits into your meal plan, don’t hesitate to snag it! Just be sure it aligns with your meal prep budget and won’t go to waste.
Prep Ahead of Time
Set Aside a Day
One of my favorite tips is to block out a specific day and time for meal prep. For me, that’s usually Sunday afternoons. I treat it like a little ritual. I put on some music, grab my favorite snacks, and start chopping! It’s a lovely way to unwind after a busy week and set myself up for success.
During my prep time, I make sure to cut, chop, and cook as much as I can all at once. This means grilling a batch of chicken, roasting vegetables, and cooking a big pot of grains. Having everything prepped makes it so easy to throw together quick meals during the week.
Oh, and I can’t forget about the magic of storage! I invest in some good quality containers because fresh meals deserve fresh storage. Having pre-portioned meals ready to grab makes it feel like I’ve already done half the work when it’s time to eat.
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Label and Store Properly
Organize Your Fridge
With all my prepped goodies ready, I head to the fridge. But wait, it’s not just about throwing everything in the fridge! I’ve learned the hard way that I need to be organized. I label all my containers with the date and content. Trust me, I’ve forgotten what’s been lurking in there more than once!
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Take a Look for Yourself!
I also designate specific places in the fridge for my meals. That way, I know where to look when I’m ready to eat. The organized fridges of Instagram inspired me to create a clean space that not only looks great but functions even better!
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Additionally, I make sure to store items that need to be eaten first at the front. This keeps food waste down and keeps everything fresh and delicious. It’s all about that system, baby!
Embrace Leftovers
Don’t Waste Good Food
One of my favorite parts about meal prep is that it encourages me to embrace leftovers. Instead of thinking of them as a chore, I view leftover days as an opportunity to create something unique. I often use leftover veggies to throw into omelets or grain bowls. It’s amazing how a little creativity can make leftovers feel brand new!
There’s also nothing wrong with having a designated leftover night! This is the time to polish off the last of whatever I prepped during the week. It brings a nice sense of closure and empties my fridge out just in time for another round of prep.
Lastly, I make sure to portion out leftovers into single servings. This way, if I’m in a pinch or just too lazy to cook, I can grab something healthy and homemade instead of hitting up my favorite takeout place.
FAQs
1. How do I choose meals for my meal prep?
Start by checking your schedule for the week and choose meals that align with it. Pick recipes that can be made in bulk and utilize ingredients you already have to minimize waste.
2. How can I stay organized while grocery shopping?
Make a detailed grocery list based on your meal plan, categorizing items by store sections. Stick to your list to avoid unnecessary purchases that can bust your budget.
3. What storage containers should I use for meal prep?
Invest in good quality, airtight containers. Glass containers are great for long-term storage, while BPA-free plastic ones are also effective and can be lightweight for transport.
4. How do I keep track of what leftovers I have?
Label your leftovers with the contents and date stored. Keep an organized section in your fridge and try consuming the oldest items first to avoid waste.
5. What if I get bored of my meal prep options?
Mix it up! Swap out ingredients or try a new recipe each week. You can also use leftovers creatively by incorporating them into new meals like wraps or salads.
