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But there are some tried-and-true things you might do to master mealtime.
These meal prep hacks areguaranteedto make your life easier.
Cook your eggs ahead of time
Eggs are a versatile, protein-packed must-have for your kitchen.
And they’re not just for breakfast, either.
Cohn continued, “Eggs are truly an anytime meal.
Serve with a homemade frozen fruit smoothie for optimal nutrition.”
Make a dozen in one go by baking your eggs in muffin tins for just 30 minutes.
You’ll get a perfectly hard-boiled batch and can refrigerate for the week and eat as you better!"
That way, you’ll always have healthy snacks and meal proteins handy.
But that’s why I have a food processor, which is such a time-saver when prepping meals.
So what does she recommend?
Plus you could often skip any fats and oils that you might ordinarily need if you’re frying.
What other kind of things can you make in them besides animal proteins?
And don’t forget to spice it up to double-check your food packs lots of flavor.
Bowers continued, “Adding a few jalapenos, garlic cloves and cumin makes them perfect.”
you might also do this with grains.
Buy seasonal produce
I’ve lived in different regions of the US as well as abroad.
I’ll make a lot of citrus vinaigrette during those months, and season with a lot of lemon.
When I lived in Jordan, I was all about cucumbers and tomatoes on everything.
Dr. Bowers also buys seasonal produce, and had some tips on maximizing your bounty.
I freeze the berries and mangoes for smoothies or baking.
Freezing asparagus for use in frittatas later works great, and on-sale asparagus is typically a fantastic economical deal.
Shredded zucchini freezes well for future zucchini bread and muffins.
This will save you money, too.
I keep them indoors but by the window for good light.
It’s easy, and it’s fun to grow your own food!"
I also, like so many people, get great deals on frozen proteins at big box discount stores.
you might also do this with a crowd favorite: cheese.
Re-purpose your leftovers
Re-purposing leftovers is, for many home cooks, a tried and true practice.
Hope Pedraza told me that you could “re-purpose main course items (like protein) into something new.
Enjoy as part of a tasty weekend brunch or use for a quick, heat-and-eat weekday breakfast.
My favorite part about this hack is that it helps to cut down on food waste!”
Pack your salads in ice
Packing lunches for yourself and your loved ones can be a challenge.
It’s easier than you might think.
Makesaladsmore convenient by buying bags ofsaladthat are already pre-made, and bringing them to work with a container."
No access to refrigeration at your job?
That way you won’t have to struggle for fridge space on the job.
Grobman told me, “My meal prep day is scheduled in my calendar just like a doctors appointment.
I allot a specific day and time frame for it to be done.
That way, there are no excuses and no lunches left unmade.”
Tailor your prep times accordingly, and schedule it just as you do your daily exercise or leisure time.
You’ll save money, time, and groceries, with the foresight to make it a priority.
Use your freezer
Last but certainly not least, utilize your freezer.
It’s probably my number one time and money saving method.
Finally, don’t underestimate frozen fruits and vegetables.
They’re cheap to buy, and they have a long shelf life in your freezer.
Pop a steamer bag of broccoli in your microwave, and you have a green vegetable ready to go.
