Meal Prepping Made Easy
By Donna Stark
You make hundreds of decisions every day but the ones that should definitely be put on the top of your priority list are the ones regarding what you feed your family. Sure, there is a lot to consider when you are deciding what to make for your breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks, but fortunately, it is easier than you think to make smart, healthy choices! It just takes a little time and planning on your part. Take a look at some simple tips that will make your weekly meal prepping a breeze!
Small Goals
Sometimes, it is hard to figure out what you want to make for one dinner, right? Well, multiply that by seven and you could suddenly feel very overwhelmed! If you are new to the meal prepping world, you may want to start with baby steps. Try to plan for two days of meals instead of for the entire week. Or focus on the days that you know you will be busy. In no time at all, you will be able to handle as many days as you want.
Set a Time
Prepping your meals for the week is just like making a hair appointment or taking your kids to soccer practice. You have to put it on your calendar. So, go ahead and block out enough time for the shopping, peeling, chopping, and cooking. It sounds like a lot of work, but the more you prep, the better you will get at streamlining this process and saving time.
Buy Containers
The type of container you use to hold your prepped food doesn't really matter but you will want to make sure you have plenty to choose from. There is nothing worse than spending the time to chop and cook before realizing you don't have enough dishes or bags. To make things simple, look for different sizes of containers and have a few on hand that can be used in the freezer and microwave.
Shop Like a Pro
Save time and money by creating a shopping list before you head to the store! Write down everything you will need, try to double-up on ingredients so you can buy in bulk, and don't forget to include any possible leftovers in your meal planning. Serving spaghetti and meatballs for dinner one night? Make a few extra and have meatball subs the next! You get the idea.
Smart Decisions, Great Meals
It doesn't take a lot to make a great family meal that everyone will enjoy. All you need is smart decisions, some time for planning, and the right kitchen tools! So make the decision to start today. With just a little bit of practice, you can easily become a meal planning master!
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