She Strengthens

Mastering Meal Prep: A Game-Changer for Your Budget and Health

As someone who doesn’t exactly relish the idea of cooking, I’ve had to find ways to make meal prep a breeze. After all, dining out can be a significant drain on your finances. By planning ahead, shopping smart, and prepping ingredients in advance, I’ve managed to reduce food waste, save money, and even improve my cooking skills.

The Power of Meal Prep

What motivates me to cook at home? The answer lies in meal prep. By slicing, dicing, and seasoning ingredients before the week begins, I’ve made cooking a whole lot easier and less intimidating. All I need to do is dump a Tupperware into a skillet or a bag from the freezer into my slow-cooker. It’s quicker, less daunting, and requires minimal effort.

Getting Started with Meal Prep

To make meal prep a habit, you’ll need to schedule it, just like any other important task. Set aside around four hours to plan, shop, and prep your meals for the week. Trust me, the time you invest upfront will pay off in the long run.

Inventory and Meal Planning

Before you start planning your meals, take stock of what you already have in your fridge. Using up existing ingredients will reduce food waste and save you money. Browse Pinterest or other recipe platforms to find inspiration for your meals. Consider what’s on sale, what you already have, and what you can prep in advance.

Essential Tools for Meal Prep

Make sure you have the right tools for the job:

• Gallon and Quart-Sized Plastic Bags
• Glass Containers
• Plastic Containers
• Cutting Board
• Parchment Paper
• Rimmed Baking Trays

Shopping with Purpose

When you hit the grocery store, go in with a plan and a list. Stick to your list, avoid distractions, and opt for store brands to save money. Eat a snack before you go, and try to avoid aisles that don’t have anything on your list.

Meal Prep in Action

Once you’re home with your groceries, it’s time to prep your ingredients. Here’s how:

• Sort ingredients by recipe
• Chop what you can (most veggies can be pre-chopped)
• Store ingredients in containers that can be used for leftovers
• Freeze what you can (especially sticky produce like bananas and mangoes)

Tips for Freezing Food

• Use gallon and Quart-sized freezer bags for easy labeling and storage
• Cut sticky produce into smaller pieces and line them on parchment paper before freezing
• Seal freezer bags most of the way and use a straw to remove excess air
• Consider freezing ingredients you don’t use up in a recipe for future meals

Still Hesitant? Start Small

If you’re new to meal prep, start with foods that keep well and are easy to prep. Check out lists of 19 foods that keep well and 17 meals that make great leftovers. These resources will help you get started on your meal prep journey.

By following these tips and making meal prep a habit, you’ll be well on your way to saving money, reducing food waste, and cooking like a pro!