Meal Prep Hacks and Tips

Mealtime can indeed be a challenging time for many busy moms. The constant pressure of having to come up with nutritious and delicious meals every day can be overwhelming. The dreaded question of "What's for supper?" seems to haunt us, appearing like clockwork every afternoon, sometimes even multiple times a day. The mental load of meal planning and preparation can take a toll on our well-being and add unnecessary stress to our already hectic schedules.

However, there is a solution that can make this daily struggle a bit more manageable: meal planning and prepping. By taking the time to plan out meals for the week ahead, you can alleviate some of the stress associated with mealtime. Meal planning allows you to carefully consider your family's dietary needs, preferences, and schedule, ensuring that you have everything you need on hand to prepare a healthy and satisfying meal each day.

Moreover, meal prepping can save you time and energy during the busy week. Spending a few hours on the weekend to chop vegetables, marinate proteins, and prepare some components of your meals in advance can significantly streamline the cooking process on hectic weekdays. This not only reduces the time spent in the kitchen but also minimizes the chances of resorting to unhealthy takeout or convenience foods due to lack of time or energy.

Incorporating meal planning and prepping into your routine can bring a sense of control and organization to your mealtime, allowing you to approach each day with a clear plan in mind. By investing a little time upfront, you can transform mealtime from a source of stress to a more enjoyable and manageable part of your day.

Having a structured theme for each day of the week can greatly enhance the organization and enjoyment of your family meals. By designating specific themes, such as "Movie Night Monday" or "Taco Tuesday," you not only create a sense of anticipation and excitement but also streamline your meal planning process.

"Movie Night Monday" offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere where the family can gather to enjoy a film together. Choosing foods that are easy to eat while watching a movie adds to the fun and convenience of the evening. This could include finger foods, appetizers, or even a DIY popcorn bar with various toppings to suit everyone's tastes.

"Taco Tuesday" is a beloved tradition in many households, offering endless possibilities for creativity and variety. From traditional beef tacos to vegetarian options or even fish tacos, there are numerous ways to keep this theme fresh and exciting each week. It's a great opportunity to involve the whole family in meal preparation and explore different flavors and ingredients.

Wednesday nights, known as sandwich nights in your household, provide a simple yet satisfying option during busy weekdays. Experimenting with different types of sandwiches, wraps, or pockets can add a sense of adventure to an otherwise routine evening. Encouraging creativity in sandwich-making can also be a fun way to engage children in the kitchen.

Incorporating a leftovers night into your meal plan is not only practical but also a sustainable way to minimize food waste. It allows you to repurpose and enjoy any remaining dishes from earlier in the week, reducing the need for additional cooking or grocery shopping. This practice promotes mindfulness around food consumption and encourages resourcefulness in utilizing ingredients effectively.

By embracing these themed days and meal ideas, you can infuse your family dinners with variety, creativity, and togetherness. Planning ahead and incorporating these fun traditions can transform mealtime into a cherished and memorable experience for your loved ones.

After choosing my themes, meal planning became simpler and even enjoyable! I either search for recipes that fit the theme or prepare a family favorite dish. Following this, I create my shopping list. Before heading to the grocery store, I first "shop my pantry" by checking my cabinets and freezer for items I already have, which helps save both money and time. I prefer organizing my list based on the store where I will buy each item and the order in which I will add them to my cart. Whenever possible, I opt for pick-up services, which also saves time and money by reducing impulse purchases. Surprisingly, I don't take advantage of sales as I found it to be more time-consuming and costly in terms of fuel. Instead, I prefer shopping regularly at a few stores to become familiar with their layouts and prices, making budgeting easier by knowing the approximate cost in advance. TIP: Most people shop on the weekends. If you can, shop earlier in the week, stores are less crowded.  

Once I arrive home with all of my groceries, my routine for preparing them begins with washing my produce using the incredible Young Living Thieves Fruit and Veggie soak. This product has truly revolutionized the way I clean my fruits and vegetables, ensuring they are not only spotless but also safe to eat. Young Living offers a wide range of exceptional products that cater to various needs, making it a brand worth exploring.

After washing my produce, I divide any bulk meats or other items as necessary, organizing them for refrigeration or freezing based on my meal plans for the upcoming week. This extra preparation ensures that I have everything ready when needed, streamlining the cooking process.

Once the produce has finished soaking, I carefully rinse it and lay it out on drying mats to air dry. This step is crucial to ensure that excess moisture is removed, preserving the freshness of the fruits and vegetables. Subsequently, I either store the produce in the refrigerator or start preparing them for the meals scheduled for the week ahead.

A helpful tip that I swear by is using glass mason jars for storage in the refrigerator. Not only do they optimize vertical space, but they are versatile for various storage needs in the pantry as well. The jars are not only practical but also add a touch of organization and elegance to the storage space, making them a must-have in any kitchen.

If you want more tips on how to use Mason Jars for storage or meal prep, check out my list here.

My final task is to display the weekly meal plan on the dry erase magnet attached to the front of the fridge. This practice helps to avoid the common question of "What's for dinner?" Each day, I gather the necessary ingredients from my pantry and place them on the kitchen table. If needed, I take out meat from the freezer. When I am ready to start cooking, I retrieve any required items from the refrigerator. Planning in advance significantly reduces the stress typically associated with the daily anticipation of mealtime. This allows me to fully enjoy the cooking process and share the meal with my family. Research indicates that regularly dining together brings various benefits to all family members.

I hope you found these tips helpful! My desire is that mealtime with your family becomes a time where you all connect, laugh, discuss, and spend quality time with each other as you "break bread" around the table, in your living room, or backyard. Bon Appétit!

Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere during mealtime can truly enhance the experience for everyone involved. Consider incorporating elements like soft lighting, soothing background music, or even a bouquet of fresh flowers to set the mood. These small touches can elevate the ambiance and make your family meals feel even more special.

Furthermore, mealtime rituals can add a sense of structure and comfort to your gatherings. Whether it's saying a prayer before eating, sharing a favorite family story, or expressing gratitude for the food on your table, establishing these traditions can help strengthen the bond between family members and create lasting memories.

Don't be afraid to get creative with your meals as well. Trying out new recipes, experimenting with different cuisines, or involving your family in the cooking process can make mealtimes exciting and engaging. Encourage everyone to participate in meal planning, preparation, and cleanup to foster a sense of teamwork and togetherness.

Remember, the most important aspect of family mealtime is the connection and quality time spent together. Put away distractions like phones and electronic devices, and focus on engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing laughter, and building relationships. These moments of connection around the table are what truly nourish the soul and strengthen the bonds that hold families together. Enjoy every bite and cherish these precious moments with your loved ones. Bon Appétit!