Hungry, but no time to cook? That’s where meal prep comes in! If the thought of meal prepping stresses you out, don’t fret. We’ve got some killer tips and hacks to help you breeze through meal prep and have a hassle-free week in the kitchen! 🍴💃

1. Plan Your Meals in Advance

The most important of all meal prep tips is to plan in advance. Planning your meals ahead of time saves you from scrambling around the kitchen, trying to figure out what to cook. 📆📝

Take some time to look through cookbooks or search for recipes online. Once you know what you’re cooking, make a grocery list and head to the store. Planning your meals helps you stick to a budget and ensures you have everything you need for the upcoming week.

A planner and a pen on a table

2. Keep It Simple

With meal prep, simple is better. Don’t try any fancy recipes that take hours to prep – you’ll end up exhausted and frustrated. Instead, stick to recipes that can be put together easily and quickly. 🍝🥦

For example, if you want to make chicken, roast a bunch at once and store it in containers. You can then use it for a variety of meals throughout the week. The same goes for veggies - roast them in bulk and add them to salads, sandwiches, and bowls.

A bowl of veggies and chicken on a table

3. Invest in Quality Containers

The key to successful meal prep lies in good quality containers. Buy containers that are microwave-safe, freezer-proof, and leak-proof. 🍱💼

Mason jars, glass, and stainless-steel containers are great choices. Use containers that suit your needs - small ones for snacks or dips, larger ones for meals, etc. If you want to get fancy, buy compartmentalized containers that keep your food separate.

A set of colorful containers on a kitchen counter

4. Cut Down Prep Time with Pre-Cut Vegetables

Pre-cut vegetables are your best friends when it comes to meal prep. They save you time and effort and are often fresher than the ones you cut yourself. 🥗👩‍🍳

Most grocery stores and supermarkets carry pre-cut veggies like carrots, celery, onions, and mixed stir-fry packs. Just grab them off the shelf, rinse if necessary, and you’re ready to go.

A pile of pre-cut vegetables in a basket

5. Cook in Batches

Cooking in batches saves you time and energy. If you’re making soup, stew, or chili, cook a larger batch and store it in the fridge or freezer. You can then reheat and enjoy multiple times throughout the week. 🍲👍

Batch cooking also helps you reduce your overall cooking time. You won’t have to wash pots and pans or chop vegetables every day. Plus, having leftovers means you won’t have to cook as much or go out to eat - saving you money and keeping you on track with your healthy eating goals.

A pot of soup on a stove

6. Freeze Meals for Later

If you don’t want to eat the same meal every day, freeze some of your cooked meals for later. Freeze dishes like lasagna, casseroles, and stews in portions that serve one or two people. 🥘❄️

To reheat frozen food, simply remove from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat in the oven or microwave.

A freezer with frozen meals and ingredients

With these meal prep hacks and tips, you’re sure to have a hassle-free week in the kitchen. So, what are you waiting for? Get meal prepping and enjoy delicious, healthy meals all week long! 🤤👌

A person cooking in a kitchen