Finding time to prepare your own meals can be a challenge during the work week. To make it a bit easier, I’ve found ways to help streamline food prep and cut down on cleanup. Here are four things that have worked for my husband and me.
1. Plan your meals for the week
On Sunday I try to plan meals for the first part of the week. On Wednesday I plan for the rest of the week. Having a plan and having the items you need on hand will help you from being caught off guard or deciding to forgo cooking and eating out. Also plan for meals that can be used not only for dinner, but lunches or dinners later in the week. I always prep about 4-6 chicken breasts a couple of times a week as well as lots of vegetables to have on hand for handy meals and also to grab when I find myself unexpectedly hungry. The protein in the chicken (or other protein source) and the fiber from the vegetables help to make me feel fuller and helps keep me out of the pantry looking for snacks.
2. Meal Prep!
Prepare as much healthy food ahead of time as you can. Chop up veggies and store in a zip lock or clear container so you can see it for quick snacks and last-minute salads. Fruit-wise, at least around here, the raspberries from Costco have been amazing the last few weeks. I use these in my oatmeal in the mornings.
3. Find Your Go-To Meals
I love to cook and experiment with new recipes, but during the week I tend to stick with basic recipes. Chicken and fish are staples for dinner at our house as well as sweet potatoes, broccoli, and other vegetables.
4. Make It a Group Effort
Ask around the group for other member’s go-to meals during the week. You may find something as simple as I did the other day, but never thought of – simply cooking chicken in your favorite salsa (sugar free) in the crockpot.
Oh my gosh!! How simple, splitting food prep into two days instead of one for whole week!! This feels so much less overwhelming, and fresher food!!