Fitting Meal Prep Into Your Lifestyle

Being a parent means that time, cost and health become that much more important and it feels like meal prep can’t fit into your lifestyle. You have to consider the meal preferences of multiple people, with especially kids don’t always align. There’s practices, recitals, games and a million other activities, most of the time on top of your work schedule. So here are a few ways to start integrating meal prep into your daily routine.

Take inventory of what you have at home: The most common frustration I hear from parents trying to prepare food is, “I don’t even know what we have that can be used” yet the pantries are full of things! Knowing where you’re starting gives you a base to fill in the gaps more easily. This includes the pantry, fridge and freezer.

Always have snacks covered: There is nothing worse than not having snacks on hand, especially with kids. In my book, this goes right along with having a first aid kit in my car and purse. Having a busier lifestyle means being on the go or running around the house more often, and snacks can fill the gap to get you home for a main meal or help make less dire choices if you do need to stop for a meal.

Have regular items you buy and shop for on sales: Breakfasts are a great meal to practice this with! If you know your kids love waffles and yogurt sticks, just make those a repeat item on the shopping list and stock up when there is a sale. Same can go for pantry staples like pasta and sauce, microwave rice packets, seasonings, etc. Knowing you have these on hand can make those times you don’t plan less stressful – and yes there will be days you can’t plan perfectly, so plan for that.

Find 5 Minutes a Day to Check your schedule: This simple action is probably the most valuable. Knowing what’s ahead helps to visualize the day before it happens and allows you to figure out what you need to prepare for.

In the end, fostering a routine that prioritizes physical, mental, and emotional well-being is essential for families navigating the demands of an active lifestyle. By integrating structured planning, open communication, and shared responsibilities, you can create an environment that encourages health and harmony.

As you embark on this journey, remember that small, consistent changes can lead to profound transformations, paving the way for a balanced and fulfilling family life.