The Best Meal Prep Hacks for Busy Moms: Save Time and Energy

Hey, mamas! I know how nuts life can get. Between work, kids, and, well, everything, it's like there's never enough time for anything.

Cooking? It's usually the first thing that gets tossed out the window.

But here's the good news: meal prepping is a lifesaver for busy moms. When you're short on time and energy, it's a lifesaver. Plus, it will most likely help you eat healthier, too.

I have done meal prepping for years and have learned a few tricks along the way.

So let's dive in and see how you can make meal prep work for you!

Choose Recipes That Work for You

Choosing recipes that work for you is the key to meal prep success. You absolutely don't have to get fancy, nor complicated. Choose recipes that are easy to make and that can be prepped ahead of time.

Some of my go-to meals include:

• Sheet pan dinners: These are perfect to make for quick, easy meals. Quite literally, just throw everything on a sheet pan and bake!
• Slow cooker meals: These are great for those busy weeknights. Just throw your ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a delicious meal.
• Salads: These are quite healthy and refreshing options for lunch or even dinner.
• Sandwiches: The sandwiches are another easy meal prep option. You can make them and take them to work or school.

Finally, do not be afraid to experiment and find what works for you!

Batch Cooking is Your Best Friend

Batch cooking saves time and energy while meal prepping. Instead of cooking just one meal for that specific time, cook in bulk and use it over several meals.

For instance, cook a large amount of quinoa or rice, roast a bunch of veggies, or make a big batch of soup.

You can even utilize your leftovers to make other dishes. For instance, you can take roasted veggies and make a salad or a stir-fry with them.

Tip: Remember, date and label your containers! You wouldn't want to have last week's leftovers.

Get Creative With Your Containers

There are all sorts of containers that you can use for meal prep. You can purchase special meal prep containers or use what you might have in your kitchen.

Some of my favorite options include:

• Glass containers: These are a great option because they're both microwave and dishwasher safe.
• Silicone bag: If it is to be portable and leak proof.
• Mason jars: A great all-rounder for salads, soups, or even desserts.

Be sure your containers are leak-proof and microwave-safe. You could even add your own labels for that extra personal touch.

Make It a Family Affair

Meal prepping can be quite the family affair. A family really helps in meal preparation. You can get the kids to help you with washing veggies or measuring ingredients. Put on some music in the background and turn the whole activity into a game.

Tip: You can even go so far as to provide job assignments for older kids, such as picking a salad dressing for the week or assembling lunches.

Meal prepping can be a great way to teach your kids how to eat healthy and prepare them with some practical life skills.

Plan Your Week

Plan your meals in advance for the week so you know what you will be having each day.

This way you won't get into that "What's for dinner?" rut when you are tired and hungry.

The best thing there is to do on a Sunday evening is to take a few minutes and plan my meals for the week. This includes writing out my recipes, making the grocery list, and even packing my lunch for the next day.

Save yourself a great deal of stress and hassle during the week by taking a few minutes to plan your meals.

Time-Saving Tips for Busy Moms

Meal prep does take a lot of work, but that is not necessary. Here are some time-saving tips:

• Double the recipe: Anything like chili or soup, double the recipe and freeze half.
• Pre-cut veggies are your buddy-they save so much time. You can find them in grocery stores within the produce area.
• Shortcuts aren't a sin: If you're ever in a great hurry, there is nothing wrong with taking shortcuts like using store-bought salad dressings, frozen veggies, or store-cooked chicken. This would include getting organized by maintaining a meal prep organizer or using a simple spreadsheet for tracking recipes and ingredients across meals.

Reap the Advantages of Meal Prep

Meal prepping will not only save you from wasting a lot of time and energy but will also help you eat healthier.

When you meal prep, you are way more likely to eat home-cooked meals rather than resorting to takeout or convenience foods which are very unhealthy.

If you know what you are having for the week, then you can plan a meal that encompasses a number of healthy ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

Meal prepping will also save you money because you will not be so apt to waste foods, and you can buy ingredients in bulk, which is usually cheaper.

So, what are you waiting for? Give meal prepping a try. You might just be surprised at how much easier it makes your life!