What I Wish I knew About Meal Prep Before I Started
Meal prep has become such a convince to my family. We love the ease of never having to wonder “What’s for dinner tonight?” But it wasn’t the easiest to start off, we made plenty of mistakes. Here is a couple we struggled with so maybe you wont have to!
-Enjoy!♥
Only do one week at a time
unless you are doing make ahead crockpot meals places meal prep in the freezer did not work for us. Our rice got crunchy… gross. And probably should have guessed this, but meal prep containers don’t help keep out frost. We wasted a couple of delicious meals this way.
Get a variety of sizes of meal prep containers
Salads need bigger 1 sections containers, while other times you need a container with multiple sections. I like having more sections for meals such as protein boxes. It is also nice to have smaller containers to make side dishes, or snacks for the day.
Get creative, you will want a variety of foods
You will get sick of eating the same thing again and again. Space out eating the same meals. For instance if you make Turkey Meatloaf Muffins, eat them Monday Wednesday and Friday. This way you are less likely to get sick of the dish. Get creative with your side dishes and meals. You don’t always have to have the same side with the same dish. For the main dish challenge yourself to not use the same meal in two meal plans in the same month. Check out my Favorite Meal Prep Recipes.
Find a small group to meal prep with
This was a HUGE game changer for us. At first I was meaning prepping for just me and my husband. This meant we were eating the same meal 3 even four times a week at first. This changed when my sister-in-law decided to join in, then my sister as well! This way were were able to split up the grocery bill, the cooking, and the best part was only having to eat the meal once or twice a week at most! Find a small group of friends to meal prep with! Maybe even drink a few glasses of wine during the cooking process 😉
Don’t prep bread products in the fire that can get soggy
This last tip has ruined about three different meals for me. Do not prep bread products that can get soggy. Crackers do not belong in the fridge! Mine were completely bendable after they sat in the fridge for a few days. The first week of meal prep I prepped some pesto wraps that the tortilla was much by the time it was that meals day. No one likes soggy bread.
I am definitely going to see if some of my friends would do this. It sounds awesome!
These are great tips. Meal prep is not for the faint of heart!!
no it is not it takes ALOT of planning!
Meal prepping is so great! Saves time and money! Thanks for these tips!
Courtney recently posted…The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift Ideas For Mom
Meal planning has been a game changer for me! For sure helps me stay on track!!
Us too! Its so nice to have everything planned out for the week and not have to wonder whats for dinner tonight?
I’m a pro at meal planning, but have never mastered meal prep. I know it would make my life and work week so much easier, I just haven’t gotten into it. These tips are really making me want to give it another try though. I love the idea of planning with others and sharing meals!
Sam | Away She Went recently posted…ORC Week 5: Refreshed Nightstands