Step Into Meal Prep: Tackling a Meal (Part 2)

Meal Prep Made Simple: Planning Your Family’s Meals

So you’ve figured out what meal prep means for you and your family, and now you’re ready to tackle the essentials: planning, shopping, and cooking. While this sounds dreamy, it can also feel overwhelming. As promised in this series, we’re going to ease into meal prep instead of diving in head first. This week, we’ll discuss how to select a meal and explore simple ways to get it done quickly.

Why Choose One Meal?

Focusing on just one meal is a confidence booster. It allows you to experiment and figure out what truly works for your family. Everyone has different schedules, tastes, values, and budgets, so starting small can help you identify what fits seamlessly into your routine.

Planning Your Meal Prep

Start by reflecting on your family’s needs for the upcoming week. Are you focusing on breakfast, lunch, dinner, or do you just need a game plan for snacks?

When unsure, I recommend reviewing your full week’s schedule. Take note of who has practices, meetings, or other commitments and when they occur.

• If most activities are in the afternoon, ensure that lunch is prepared and ready to go.

• Busy mornings? Prioritize a quick and nutritious breakfast.

• If you have a hectic evening schedule, opt for a few dinners that can be reheated easily.

Meal Ideas to Consider

One of the biggest challenges for many is figuring out what to make. Fortunately, this is my specialty! My husband often jokes that if the world ends, I could still whip up a delicious meal with little to nothing. Here are a few meal ideas to get you started:

• Breakfast Options: Overnight oats, smoothie packs in the freezer, or egg muffins. These can be prepped in advance and grab-and-go.

• Lunch Solutions: Make a big batch of quinoa or brown rice, and pair it with different proteins (like canned tuna or grilled chicken) and veggies for a varied lunch throughout the week.

• Dinner Dishes: Consider recipes like stir fries, casseroles, or one-pot meals that can be prepared ahead of time and reheat well.

• Snack Ideas: Cut up fruits and veggies in advance, prepare energy bites, or have yogurt with granola ready to serve.

Embrace the process, and remember that meal prep is all about finding what works for your family’s unique needs. By starting small and gradually building your confidence, you’ll discover meal prep not only simplifies your week but also enhances your family’s overall eating habits. Happy meal prepping!