It never fails: After a wretched day at work, you come home exhausted. Your stomach is grumbling, and so are the kids -- everyone wants to know what’s for dinner. But if you learn how to meal prep for the week, you'll get everyone fed in a flash.
Maybe you’re trying to stick to an eating plan. You might be trying to save some money. Americans eat out five to six times a week. And depending on where you live, it could cost $2,000 to $3,500 every year. Wouldn't you rather put that in a college fund or a money market account? (Or even on something way cooler than a cheeseburger?)
Why Learn How to Meal Prep for the Week?
Some dieters stick to their plans by prepping every meal. Nearly every diet and food fad seem to involve learning how to meal prep for the week. It makes it a lot easier to stick to your plan. But you can food prep for other reasons than just dieting.
Savings
Time
Nutrition
Different Methods for How to Meal Prep for the Week
There are several ways you can make your meals ahead of time for the week. You can try one or all of these approaches after you know how to meal prep for the week.
Individual portions
Batch it up
Build a meal
Ingredient prep
How to Meal Prep for the Week: Step by Step
Planning
Containers
Menus
Deals
Recipes
Shop from the cupboard
Spoiled for choice
Shopping
Finding time
How to Meal Prep Safely
There are important rules that ensure that the delicious food you’ve made will remain safe to eat. Luckily, the basics are pretty simple:
If you have any questions about food safety, you can use the FoodKeeper App from the USDA.
Most pre-cooked soups, stews, and casseroles freeze well up to three months if you wrap them tightly.
If you store your prepped meals in the fridge, you’ll have less leeway. Most pre-cooked soups, stews, and casseroles are good for three to four days in the fridge.
Prepped for Prepping
There are important rules that ensure that the delicious food you’ve made will remain safe to eat. Luckily, the basics are pretty simple:
Now that you know how to meal plan for the week, you’ll find yourself expanding your horizons and learning new skills. Once you get organized and have a good collection of favorite recipes, it just gets easier.
What are your favorite recipes for meal prepping? Share your tricks and tips in the comments.