Hey there! 👋 It’s your favorite busy bee here to share some tips on meal prep shortcuts for those of us who are always on the go. As someone who is constantly running from one thing to the next, I know how hard it can be to find the time to prep meals in advance. But, with a little bit of planning and some easy shortcuts, anyone can make meal prep a breeze.

So, without further ado, let’s jump right in!

Invest in Time-Saving Appliances 🏭

One of the best shortcuts for meal prep is to invest in time-saving appliances. Appliances like a slow cooker, an air fryer, or an electric pressure cooker can make meal prep a lot easier and save you a ton of time. You can make large batches of food that will last you for days, and all you have to do is set it and forget it.

A slow cooker with a pot roast inside.

Utilize Your Freezer 🧊

Another great shortcut for meal prep is to utilize your freezer. Freezing meals ahead of time can save you tons of time and energy. You can cook large batches of food and then portion them out into individual containers and freeze them. This way, you’ll always have a healthy meal ready to go.

A freezer filled with prepped meals that are labeled with what they are.

Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time 📝

Planning ahead is crucial when it comes to meal prep. Take some time at the beginning of each week to plan out your meals. This will help you stay on track and prevent you from reaching for unhealthy options when you’re in a time crunch. Plan out what you’re going to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.

A weekly meal planner with meals planned out for each day.

Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time 🍽️

Prepping ingredients ahead of time can save you a lot of time when it comes to meal prep. Chop up veggies, cook grains, and prep any sauces or dressings ahead of time. This will make it easier to throw everything together when it’s time to cook.

A cutting board with chopped veggies and a measuring cup with grains.

Keep It Simple ⚡

When it comes to meal prep, keeping it simple is key. You don’t need to make fancy, elaborate meals. Stick to simple recipes that can be prepared in bulk. This will save you time and keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

Two bowls of stir fry and rice that are simple and easy to make.

Take Advantage of Pre-Cut Produce 🥦

If you’re short on time, taking advantage of pre-cut produce can be a great shortcut. Most grocery stores sell pre-cut veggies and fruit that you can use in your meal prep. While this may be slightly more expensive, it can save you a lot of time and effort.

A container of pre-cut veggies and fruit that are ready to use.

Meal prep doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these shortcuts, you can make meal prep a breeze and still eat healthy, delicious meals. Give them a try and see how much time and effort you can save! 💪

A person holding a container of prepped meals with a big smile on their face.