Hi! Happy May! I don’t know about you guys, but I have been so overwhelmed with kids’ schedules, work, and traveling to see the twins in college. I lost a bit of control of our meal planning. Meal prepping can save you time, money, and stress, especially when done with a bit of organization! Here are some meal prep organization tips I hope you will find valuable and get you through the month of May!
- Plan Your Menu for the Week
Seasonal Ingredients: May is a great month to take advantage of seasonal produce like strawberries, asparagus, peas, and spinach. Plan meals that incorporate these fresh ingredients for flavor and nutrition.
Mix Up Your Meals: Ensure your plan includes a variety of proteins (chicken, tofu, fish, beans, etc.) and carbs (quinoa, brown rice, sweet potatoes) to keep meals interesting.
Balance: Try to create a good balance of macronutrients—protein, fats, and carbohydrates—in each meal.
Menu Planner: I love using my Sorted Out® Meal Planner, it helps keep me accountable.
- Batch Cooking
Cook in Bulk: Cook large batches of grains (rice, quinoa, pasta) and proteins (chicken, ground beef, or lentils) all at once. These ingredients can be used throughout the week, in different meals. I cook my lunches for the week on Sundays, and I love buying my chicken in bulk at Organic Prairie.
One-Pot Meals: Consider recipes that allow you to throw everything into one pot or baking sheet for easy clean-up.
- Use Clear Containers
Glass Containers: For easy visibility and freshness, use clear glass containers to store your prepped meals. They’re also microwave-safe and help reduce plastic use.
Label Everything: Label each container with the meal name and date so you can keep track of when to eat it by. You can use reusable labels to make it more eco-friendly!
- Prep Components Instead of Full Meals
Modular Prep: Instead of prepping full meals, try prepping individual components. For example, cook chicken, rice, veggies, and sauces separately. That way, you can mix and match for different meal combinations throughout the week.
Pre-portion: If you like grab-and-go options, pre-portion your meals into individual servings. This will save time during busy weekdays and reduce the temptation to snack on unhealthy items.
- Utilize Freezer-Friendly Options
Freezer Meals: If you’re planning ahead, think about what can be frozen for later. Chili, soups, stews, and casseroles all freeze well. Prepare larger portions and freeze half for future use.
Frozen Veggies: If you can’t always access fresh produce, stock up on frozen veggies, which are convenient and have a longer shelf life.
- Keep Snacks on Hand
Pre-portion Snacks: In addition to meals, prep snacks like sliced fruit, nuts, yogurt, or protein bars. This way, you’ll have healthy options when hunger strikes.
Healthy Grab-and-Go: Having some easy-to-grab snacks in your fridge or pantry means you’re less likely to fall back on processed snacks. Lucas’ favorite snack is The Only Bars, I had to put them on auto-ship.
- Invest in Proper Tools
Sharp Knives: A good set of sharp knives can make chopping vegetables, slicing proteins, and preparing meals so much easier.
Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: These appliances are fantastic for meal prepping. They allow you to cook large portions of food while you’re doing other things, saving time and effort.
Meal Prep Containers: Invest in meal prep containers that stack neatly, are easy to open and close, and can be used in the microwave or oven.
- Grocery List Organization
Organize by Aisle: When writing out your grocery list, organize it by section (produce, dairy, meat, canned goods) to make your shopping trip quicker and more efficient.
Shop in Bulk: If you use certain items regularly, buy in bulk to save money and reduce trips to the store. I even have a “Costco” closet so I can house all my extra supplies.
- Time-Saving Tricks
Double Up Recipes: When you cook, make enough for dinner plus leftovers. This can cut down on your cooking time and provide ready-made lunches.
Pre-chop: Spend a bit of extra time chopping and prepping all your vegetables for the week. Pre-chopped veggies are a game-changer for quick stir-fries, salads, or adding to eggs. I like to pre-chop on Sundays, so I am not scrambling in the evenings.
- Stay Flexible
Be Open to Changes: Sometimes life gets in the way, and you might need to swap meals or change your plan. Don’t stress if everything doesn’t go exactly as planned—meal prepping is about saving time and stress, not creating additional pressure.
Bonus Tip: Let Pure Plate Catering Help!
If meal prepping still feels overwhelming or time-consuming, don’t worry—you don’t have to do it all yourself! Pure Plate Catering offers delicious, healthy, and fully prepped meal options that are perfect for busy weeks when you just need a little extra help. With rotating menus, balanced nutrition, and fresh ingredients, their meal prep service takes the guesswork out of eating well.
Whether you’re aiming to save time, stick to specific dietary goals, or just avoid another night of takeout, Pure Plate Catering has got your back. Huge help for me this week! 😊
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