Meal prep isn’t just for fitness influencers or people with hours to spend in the kitchen — it’s for YOU, too! Let’s debunk some myths that might be holding you back:
1. Meal Prep Takes All Day
The only time meal prep takes me all day is when my slow cooker is doing the work. Meal prep doesn’t have to consume your entire day. With a bit of planning and organization, you can efficiently prepare meals in just a couple of hours. By investing this time upfront, you’ll save precious minutes throughout the week — time you can spend cheering from the sidelines, tackling your to-do list, or simply relaxing. Think of meal prep as a small commitment for a big payoff: smoother, stress-free mealtimes.
2. You Have to Eat the Same Thing Every Day
Boredom in your meals? Not on my watch! Variety is the spice of life, and meal prep doesn’t mean repeating the same meal seven days a week. Incorporate variety by trying new recipes, experimenting with different cuisines, or swapping out ingredients for seasonal produce. You’d be surprised how a new spice or cooking method can transform even your favorite standby meals. Mix-and-match meal components like proteins, veggies, and grains to keep things exciting. Think teriyaki chicken bowls on Monday and chicken tacos on Tuesday — all from the same prep session!
3. It’s Way Too Expensive
One of the biggest myths out there is that meal prep will drain your wallet. The truth? Meal prep is one of the most budget-friendly habits you can develop. Prepping meals at home saves money by reducing the temptation to eat out and preventing food waste. With a little strategy like buying in bulk, shopping sales, and planning meals around affordable ingredients you can stretch your dollars further than ever. And with meals ready to go, you’ll avoid those last-minute takeout orders that add up fast.
4. Kids Won’t Eat Prepped Meals
Think kids won’t touch prepped meals? Think again! When you involve your children in the process, meal prep becomes a family activity. Kids love having a say in what’s on their plates. Let them help assemble their favorite ingredients or create their own “mini” versions of meals. This hands-on involvement not only makes mealtime more fun but also encourages them to explore new flavors and take pride in what they’ve helped make. From pizza night kits to build-your-own taco bowls, there’s plenty of room for creativity.
5. It’s Only for Weight Loss
Meal prep is often associated with weight loss, but it’s so much more than that. It’s about convenience, health, and taking control of your family’s nutrition. Whether your goal is to lose weight, build muscle, fuel your young athlete’s busy schedule, or simply ensure your family is eating well, meal prep is the key. By planning and preparing meals in advance, you’ll be able to cater to everyone’s needs without the daily scramble to figure out dinner.
Let’s Bust Those Myths Together
Most of what we see on Instagram are 20-something influencers whipping up all their meals in an hour or less. While that can be inspiring, as a busy mom with kids keeping you all over town (or out of town!), you might have some preconceived notions about meal prep. I’m here to unpack those and show you that meal prep isn’t just possible for moms like us—it’s life-changing.
Let me show you how simple, efficient, and family-friendly meal prep can be. Ready to get started? You’ve got this!
January 22, 2025
Great insights! Meal prep doesn’t have to be massive, either. Just planning for a larger meal that will create leftovers for lunch the next day or a second dinner counts, and makes life easier from day to day.