4 Simple Ways to Start Meal Prep and Planning

Meal prepping can be intimidating to start, but fear not, here are 4 simple ways to start meal prep and planning!

MAKE DOUBLE - PREP ONE FREEZE ONE

If you think that doing make ahead meals is too time consuming or you don’t have time to do this, start by making extra during the times you are already cooking.

Build the habit of “eat one – freeze one” during the times you are already dedicating to cooking.

JUST CHOP - DON'T COOK

If the thought of prepping multiple meals is overwhelming, then just start with chopping up the ingredients you buy.

Don’t actually cook or assemble anything.

This actually makes a huge difference in decreasing prep time during weeknights. You would be surprised at how much more readily you use your fridge contents if they are ready to go.

Even if you don’t have a plan that day for the items, if they are there ready to use you are more likely to use them.

START YOUR MEAL PLAN WITH WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE

This strategy is also a money saving tip (more meal prep money saving tips here).

Take a look in your freezer, look at what you already have an prep and plan with those items!

MAKE A LIST OF TRIED AND TRUE RECIPES

It can be really exhausting deciding what to put on a meal plan for the week.

Make a list of your family's tried and true recipes and when you are feeling stumped take a look at this list of tried and true. Heck, even have a kid pick something off the list.

Bonus points if you can use up something from your freezer!