Why I’ve chosen to embrace meal prepping – tips and ideas

I’ll admit it – meal prepping used to feel like a waste of time. I always thought the food wouldn’t taste fresh after a few days, and the idea of eating reheated meals over and over again just didn’t sit well with me. But after giving it a real shot, I think I’ve completely changed my mind.

Meal prepping has actually become one of my favourite ways to stay on top of mine and my husband’s meals for the week and yes, the food still tastes amazing and fresh after a few days.

I recently batch-cooked a few different dishes that made my week so much easier. I whipped up some chicken noodles, green beans, fried potatoes, rice, salmon, broccoli, and mixed veggies… and trust me, there’s something about having everything ready to go that makes life feel a little less chaotic. These ingredients are versatile, and you can mix and match them into a variety of meals without getting bored.

The beauty of meal prepping is that you can play around with your combos, creating packed lunches for work or just easy meals to grab at home. Don’t feel like eating chicken again today? Swap it out for the salmon. Pair your rice with the mixed veggies one day and broccoli the next. This way, it feels like you’re eating something different every time, even though it all came from the same batch.

Here are some tips if you’re thinking about getting into meal prepping or trying to make it easier:

1. Cook ingredients that complement each other. Think of items that can easily mix and match without clashing, like I did with chicken, salmon, and veggies.

2. Keep it simple but flavourful. Season your proteins and veggies well so that even on day three, they’re still delicious.

3. Prep enough for the week but if necessary, freeze a portion. If you don’t think you’ll get to a meal in a few days, freeze it and pull it out later.

With meal prepping, not only am I saving time, but I’m also making healthier choices and avoiding the temptation of ordering takeaway or eating out during my work lunch break. If you haven’t tried it yet or feel like it won’t work for you, I encourage you to give it another shot. You might be surprised at how fresh and tasty your meals stay, and how much time you’ll save in the process.