I can honestly say I am not a fan of meal prep. But it is a MUST for this mom.
From making the weeks menu, to creating a grocery list, it can be A LOT of planning!
But mamas, you can eat right and you can prep ahead!
It may not be easy, I had Ulric running in and out of the kitchen, holding Sawyer half the time, dogs under my feet, asking Ben to help me take stuff off burners and out of the oven.
But when I prep food for the week, I feel like it even makes me a better mama.
I am one to get so busy during the day I forget to eat, making myself have lower blood sugar and become short tempered with the kiddos.
Having snacks and meals planned ahead and divided into baggies or containers makes it easier for me to chase these toddlers feeling more nourished and less likely to get hangry!
I really hope these meal prepping tips can help you crush your nutrition goals and make the task of prep a little less stressful!
I just started using a grocery list notepad by Inkwell Press and it seriously was a life saver this grocery trip, especially since we had both the kiddos in tow.
First, as soon as you get home from your grocery run -- wash those fruits and vegetables. Cut them up and put them in containers or snack bags for on the go.
I know its time consuming but this step is SUPER important, ever find rotten fruit and veggies in the back of your fridge a week later? Yup, me too! Thrown out a whole bag of spinach before? Been there.
We always have fresh strawberries in the house, our kids love them, Ully actually helped me wash these!
I buy pre-cut apple slices because again our kids eat a lot of them and they are easy to take on the go. I like to sprinkle some cinnamon on them for a late night snack!
Carrots, celery, and cucumbers always make our grocery list!
Grape tomatoes go fast in our house too!
I will have them out on the island so I can grab a few while picking up the toys or putting laundry in the washer.
I also purchase a lot of frozen veggies to use as sides for our dinners.
Next, the protein.
I seriously recommend buying a rotisserie chicken or making shredded chicken in a crockpot.
This can be used through out the whole week. I put it on salads with spinach and broccoli slaw {love that stuff} or you can use it in wraps!
I usually bake the rest of the chicken in the oven with some extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and seasonings.
Our favorites include basil, oregano, Old Bay, lemon pepper & pesto, and I always add a dash of salt and pepper!
If you follow me on Instagram, you know my favorite go to dish is sliced turkey sausage with zucchini and squash. Pop it in the oven with some EVOO and seasons to enjoy all week! Let me know if you'd be interested in the recipe! I actually eat this for breakfast! Throw in some egg whites and YUM!
I usually make fish one night a week, Ben and I really love tilapia {it is super high in protein} and it is SO easy and quick to make. Buy a frozen bag and thaw a couple the day of, broil in the oven for a few minutes, throw it over some rice and add a veggie = easy mid-week dinner!
Turkey burgers are another great option!
I make them on a skillet but you can also use a George Foreman if you are a grill master! {I hate the clean up haha}
Eat with or without cheese, with or without a bun {depending on your diet} and add some spicy mustard for taste!
I ran out of time this meal prep but always good to brown some ground turkey to have in the fridge. Easy to make tacos for a family dinner or I love a salsa bowl for lunch. Throw in the ground turkey and add spinach, green peppers, salsa and shredded cheese! Even my Taco Bell loving husband thinks its a hit!
Lastly, my favorite -- the CARBS!
Brown rice, whole wheat pasta, sweet potatoes, oh my!
I must confess I usually microwave my brown rice. Guilty! But this mama is already short on time. I do sometimes use a rice cooker when I am really on top of my planning game!
Quinoa is another winner in the Lee house. And there is so many different kinds now with flavors and seasonings already in the packaging.
Whole wheat pasta is great to reheat and have as side or a post-workout snack. We usually go for bow tie or rotini style.
I will have cold bow tie pasta {think like a pasta salad} with some oil and vinegar, spinach and add some mozzarella cheese!
I LOVE sweet potatoes {Sawyer does too!} I microwave them or slice them up and throw them in the oven for more of a chip like consistency. Either way top with cinnamon!
And...
done!
Your whole weeks meals are ready!
Nutrition is SO important!
It may seem like so much work but in order to succeed on your health journey it is super valuable to put in the meal planning and prep time!
Choose a day of the week that works best, maybe start out doing it during the kids naps or after they are in bed, and play some Pandora music!
The more you do it and get comfortable you will find your own rhythm, short cuts, and meals that work for you and your family!
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| And you get a pretty colorful fridge like this! |
*You can use any tubberware containers you have, we have a crazy assortment of old ones but while doing this blog post Ben and I could not find half of them! They always seem to disappear! So, we ordered a few more of these divided compartment ones for Ben to take to work and for me to use running errands with the kids.
I would love to hear any of your meal prep tips or a recipe you swear by!
Happy meal prepping!!!
xoxo
Labels: Fitness
