Hello Friends!! I was so excited that Ashlee invited me to chat with her little lovelies about MEAL PREP! Meal prep is something I have been trying to master over the last several years, and let me tell you, there is no such thing as a master meal prepper! Meal prep is tricky because when you feel like you finally have a good routine, your season of life with quickly change and you will need to adapt.
I know meal prep can be scary; however, with a little organization, list-making and grocery shopping it can be tackled with ease! I highly suggest that you take baby steps. Start with prepping a few days in advance and add more days as you get comfortable. The key to meal prepping is to find what works for you and your family. I like to plan out most of my meals over the weekend. I say most because I allow my family a few meals to satisfy a fun craving or simply pick up something yummy on the way home from work.
Here is an example of one of my latest meal plans:
The first thing I do is whip out my calendar and map out our week. Some evenings we have plans which don’t allow a meal at home; therefore, no grocery shopping for that day (YAH!). My meal plan will revolve around what my family has planned for the week. After I map out our week I do freezer and pantry inventory. This step has been a game changer to my budget! I like to add the meat and canned items that weren’t used the prior week and incorporate it into my meals during the beginning of the week. Often times our plans change and I have to throw something into the freezer before it goes bad… not to worry, I usually incorporate it the following week!
Several months ago my next step would be to head to the store. But thankfully the town I live in now offers online shopping!! This is another tip for all you money savers out there: ORDER ONLINE! Many of us are guilty of going grocery shopping with a sweet tooth and end up buying a ridiculous amount of food and snacks that we don’t need. I’ve used Walmart pickup and ShopStreetSide, but right now I have been loving Instacart due to the fact I can get free same day delivery. Use code: DPHILLIPS2441C9 to receive $10 off your first purchase.
Photographs taken by: Deneal Wallace Photography
Prepping meals in advance doesn’t have to be boring or time consuming. I meal prep during the “pockets of my day” on Saturday and Sunday, rather than spending hours on Sunday and missing time with my sweet family. As soon as I unload the groceries, I will wash + dry + chop + and store the produce. I suggest storing any lettuce with a paper towel in a sealed bag and your chopped fruits and veggies in airtight containers. Just remember: moisture is NOT your friend. I am less likely to reach for the prepackaged pantry snacks if everything is washed and easily accessible at the beginning of the week.
Prep Tip: store any lettuce with a paper towel in a sealed bag and your chopped fruits and veggies in airtight containers. Just remember: moisture is NOT your friend!
Next, I make hard boiled eggs for the week. I love to have a couple eggs, paired with my favorite seasonal fruit, for quick breakfast or snack at the office. I always throw a whole carton of eggs in the oven. Sounds funny right? Since I am meal prepping throughout the day, using the oven is a great alternative and more convenient for me! Here’s how I cook my eggs:
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F {if your oven runs hot, reduce the temperature to 325 degrees}
Place 1 egg in each of 12 muffin cups
Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes {it is very important that the oven is preheated}
Submerge eggs in ice water until completely cooled {usually takes about 10 mins}
Viola! You have a dozen hard boiled eggs without worrying about water boiling over.
My favorite item to prep is KODIAK CAKES! These protein packed pancakes are a staple in my home. They are so versatile. We eat them for breakfast, snack or even a dessert. I also get Kenadee involved in this fun process. She likes to load them up with an ample amount of blueberries. Meal prep is more fun and less stressful when you get your kids involved. Not only are you teaching them healthy habits, but you are making memories you will cherish forever!
The final thing I like to do is prepare chicken for the week. The crockpot is your best friend! If you don’t have one, I recommend getting one with a timer {similar to this one}… oh and using the liners for EASY cleanup. This shredded chicken is so versatile! We make tacos, salads, stuffed sweet potatoes, quesadillas, chili and nachos. You can also substitute the chicken for ground turkey or lean ground beef {hubby’s favorite!}
Mexican Crockpot Chicken
SERVINGS : A LOT!
2lbs boneless chicken breasts
1 packet taco seasoning {I use Mrs. Dash}
1 cup diced onion
1 can (14.5 ounce) Rotel
Optional: 1 can (4.5 ounce) diced green chilies & chopped fresh cilantro
Directions
Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the lined slow cooker. Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the chicken. Top with diced onion, tomatoes, and green chilies. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours {this is when your timer comes in handy!}
Remove lid from slow cooker and shred the chicken with MIXER!!!! Yes, you read that correctly… try it, I promise you won’t be disappointed! Add cilantro and mix to combine. Serve.
Since I tend to eat intuitively, I portion my meals//snacks on a daily basis. I never know what I am going to be in the mood for the next day and the same ol’ hummus and peppers can get boring! It only adds about 3-5 mins to my evening routine {along with washing bottles} and it works best for me. I will divide pretzel thins, hummus, cottage cheese, my washed and sliced veggies {in bulk} and pack to take to the office the next day!
That’s it friends! Meal prep doesn’t have to be overwhelming and complicated. The key is to have everything planned, washed and on hand! This will keep you from “not having anything thawed out” for dinner each night.
Do you love what you saw? I’d love to connect more over on Instagram where I share my life, meals and workouts!
