Simplify your Weekly Meal Prepping: Secrets from a Working Mom
Being a working mom can feel like you're constantly running a sprint. Whether it's getting the kids ready for school, prepping for an important work meeting, or squeezing in the much-needed 'me' time, everything seems to be a race against the clock. Amidst all this, finding the time for healthy meal prep can seem like an insurmountable task. But worry not! It's completely possible to ace meal prepping and make it a fun and enjoyable part of your week. With just a handful of easy hacks, you can change your weekday evenings from chaotic to calm. Here's how you can master weekly meal prep, save time, and still keep it healthy. Oh, and turn it into family time too!Pick a Day to do the Basics
Start by picking a day when you're least busy. For most moms, it's usually the weekend – Saturday or Sunday. Once you have decided the day, focus on prepping the basics like chopping veggies, marinating proteins, or cooking a few big-batch meals. The trick is to prepare for the week ahead, but not too much that you’re left with wasted food. Here's how you can break it down:- Chopping Veggies: Chop all your veggies and store them in airtight containers. You can refrigerate them, and they remain fresh for almost a week.
- Marinating Proteins: Marinate chicken or any other protein you prefer, according to your recipe. Once marinated, they can be stored in the freezer and used over the week.
- Cooking Big-batch Meals: Consider cooking some flexible base recipes like tomato sauce, grilled chicken, or a big pot of quinoa. These meals can be used in different ways throughout the week.
Prep Your Snacks
Believe it or not, one of the most challenging aspects of keeping your diet healthy is figuring out what to snack on. Prep some easy-to-grab snacks while preparing for the week.- Washed Fruit: Wash a variety of fruits and store them in the refrigerator. Whenever you or your kids need a snack, grab some fruit.
- Yogurt Cups: Divide some yogurt into individual portions and keep them ready in the refrigerator. You can add some chopped fruit or granola to it for a quick snack.
