Meal Prep Hacks to Help You Save Time and Money
Cooking meals at home can be both time-consuming and expensive. But with the right meal prep hacks, you can save both time and money and still enjoy delicious, nutritious meals. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or a professional, meal prepping can help you make the most of your time and money. Here are five easy meal prep hacks to help you save time and money.
Table of Contents
- 1. Plan Your Meals in Advance
- 2. Make Big Batch Recipes
- 3. Buy in Bulk
- 4. Use Freezer-Friendly Containers
- 5. Utilize Leftovers
1. Plan Your Meals in Advance
Meal prepping starts with planning. Before you head to the grocery store, plan out what meals you’re going to make for the week and create a grocery list. This will help you save time and money at the store and make sure you’re only buying what you need. Additionally, planning your meals ahead of time will help you create a grocery list that includes ingredients that can be used in multiple recipes.
2. Make Big Batch Recipes
Making big batch recipes is an easy way to save time and money. Double or triple the recipes you make and store the leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later. This will save you time because you’ll only have to cook once and the leftovers can be used for quick and easy lunches or dinners during the week.
3. Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk is a great way to save money. If you have the storage space, buy items like grains, beans, and nuts in bulk. These items last a long time and can be used in a variety of recipes. Additionally, you can buy frozen fruits and vegetables in bulk and store them in the freezer for an easy and healthy meal prep option.
4. Use Freezer-Friendly Containers
Using freezer-friendly containers is a great way to store your meal preps for the week. These containers are designed to keep food fresh for longer and can be used to store cooked meals in the freezer. This will save you time because you can make multiple meals at once and store them in the freezer for later.
5. Utilize Leftovers
Leftovers are an easy and cost-effective way to meal prep. If you have leftovers from dinner, store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick and easy lunch or dinner during the week. Alternatively, you can use leftovers to create new meals. For example, you can use leftover chicken to make a chicken salad, or leftover vegetables to make a stir-fry.
Meal prepping can help you save time and money. With the right meal prep hacks, you can make the most of your time and money and still enjoy delicious, nutritious meals. Start by planning your meals in advance, making big batch recipes, buying in bulk, using freezer-friendly containers, and utilizing leftovers. With these five easy meal prep hacks, you’ll be on your way to saving time and money in the kitchen.