Meal prepping has become a popular way of making healthy eating both easier and more affordable. Whether you’re looking to save time throughout the week or want to make sure that you’re eating right, batch cooking and planning can help you to stay on track all week long.

What is Batch Cooking?

Batch cooking involves preparing and cooking enough ingredients to make multiple meals. It’s an efficient way to cook and organize meals for the whole week. This can be done during a designated cook day or over the weekend, when you have more time available. To make batch cooking easier, break down your recipes into individual components that you can mix and match, making it simple to customize different meals.

The Benefits of Meal Planning

Meal planning gives you greater control over your food budget and helps you to stay well-fed. Planning ahead allows you to manage your meals as well as create a food shopping list for the week ahead. Also, planning allows you to be mindful of both the nutritional needs of your body and any special dietary restrictions you may have.

Creating a Meal Plan

Creating a plan for the week starts by listing out the days of the week to which you can add specific meals. Try to have a balanced mix of breakfast dishes, snacks, and main dishes. Opt for nutrient-rich dishes and snacks with plenty of vegetables and protein. Make sure to also consider how much time you have for cooking each day as well as for food preparation.

Tips for Making Meal Prep Easier

• • Make freezer-friendly batches. Prepare meals in advance and freeze them for a future meal. This way, you can enjoy your cooked meals in a matter of minutes.

• • Organize your fridge. To help you find your meals easily in the fridge, organize them in separate containers according to day. This makes it easier to grab your meals on the go.

• • Make it a family affair. Get everyone involved in the meal prepping process for more creative meal ideas and faster cooking times.

• • Pre-cook complex items. When storing complex dishes such as risotto or casseroles, pre-cook the meal almost entirely and finish it up when you’re ready to eat.

Meal prepping takes effort and planning. However, with batch cooking and meal planning, you can simplify healthy eating and make meal times much more enjoyable.