Thirty Handmade Days
MENU
  • About
  • Printables
    • Free Printables
    • Printables Shop
  • Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Healthy
    • Kids Snacks
    • Main Dish
    • Soups and Salads
  • Parenting
    • Back to School
    • Kids Activities and Ideas
    • Kids Cooking
    • Kid Ideas
    • Kid Printables
    • Parenting
    • Parenting Guidelines
    • Parties
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty
    • Budgeting
    • Health
    • Organization
    • Random Acts of Kindness
    • Style
    • Travel
    • Home Decor
    • Gift Idea
      • Anniversary
      • Birthday
    • Crafts & DIY
    • Holidays
      • Valentine’s Day
      • St. Patrick’s Day
      • Easter
      • Mother’s Day
      • Father’s Day
      • 4th of July
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
      • New Year’s Eve
You are here: Home / All Archives / Meal Prep Ideas – Why, What, and How

Meal Prep Ideas – Why, What, and How

All Archives, Health, Healthy, Organization, Recipes, Round Up    ·    August 18, 2014

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy here.
81.5Kshares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Reddit
  • Pocket
Learn the why, what and how-to's for meal prep ideas! Featuring 100 tips, tricks, recipes and more. | Thirty Handmade Days

So you’re trying to keep up with back to school, work, activities, and somehow have to fit in feeding your family… there’s got to be an easier way!   I’m here today with meal prep– tips, tricks, how -to’s, best products, recipes and more.

100 Easy Meal Prep Ideas

Before you click off the page, I’m here to tell you – YOU CAN DO IT.  If I can, you can.  You don’t have to go in 150% right away.  Read through this post and decide what will work for you and go for it.  There’s a little something for everyone – those just starting out, those that have been doing it for awhile and those that are hard core.

One of the things that hit me the hardest while I was at Fitness Ridge is how much preparation (or lack of) can affect every facet of my life.  The quote “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail” by Benjamin Franklin is so true.   This is just one way to help find more balance.  If I take a little time at the beginning of the week, I have more time throughout.  

Let’s start with the who (that’s you!), why, what, and how’s shall we?

Meal Prep Ideas

WHY:
There are a lot of good reasons to start preparing meals – or portions of a meal – ahead of time.  But the the biggest reasons are: it saves sanity, time, money and generally you will be eating healthier.
WHAT:   
I have gathered recipes and tips below.  There are definitely some foods that are easy to prepare ahead of time and will save well… and others will not.  Anyone who has made something ahead of time only to find it rotting in their fridge can attest to that.  Big time bummer!
HOW:
Again, lots of tips below but meal prep can be adjusted to fit you and your family.  This is meant to make life easier/healthier, NOT to stress you out more.  Different things work for different people.  Some people will make a list, go shopping, get all the prep done for an entire week! (they are my heroes)  Other people prep the night before for the next day.  A little planning can save a lot of headaches.  Says the girl who has stared at the clock at 5pm asking herself – ‘What on Earth am I going to feed these 4 other people who are asking ‘What’s for dinner!?!’  Sigh.   That’s about to change.

 Meal Prep Containers: 

Again, everyone is different but these are some things I have tried personally or have been recommended to me-

  • Rubbermaid Set — I found mine at Target on clearance a few months back and scored!
  • Slow Cooker – make ahead proteins and awesome for busy days.
  • Griddler – Josh got me this for Christmas and it is awesome!
  • Rice Cooker/Food Steamer – not only great for rice, but great for steaming vegetables
  • Easy Lunchbox Set for lunches
  • Ziploc Storage Bags – gallon size 
  • Snack bags – awesome to break down bulk snacks
  • Dry erase markers  – to mark on containers
  • Sharpies  – to mark on plastic bags

Meal Prep Ideas

Just jump in! No but really.. the basic beginning steps are-

  1. Check your calendar – what do you have going on this week?
  2. Take a look in your pantry – what do you have that you want to use?
  3. Look up favorite recipes.  Try out some of the ones below!
  4. Make a grocery list.  You can also use the printable below. And then head to the store.
  5. After shopping, sort food on counters into make now, make later.

Once you get home from the store:

  1. Wash and prep fruit and vegetables.
    Cut it up, store in containers or baggies in the fridge.
  2. Bake your chicken and brown your meat.
    I shred or cube chicken and store in a large container in the fridge to use throughout the week.  You could divide it into each container for the day to be used.   As a general rule, most sources I’ve found say that you cooked meat will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  3. Cook rice, pasta, etc and store in containers.
    As a general rule, most pasta and rice will last for 3-5 days.

And then – label everything.  You can use dry erase markers on plastic containers or sharpies on plastic bags.  There are some great products that are different colors and if you are really on your game, you can have a different color for each day.  Go you!  I’m not there yet but hope to be someday.  OR if you meal prep the same thing for every day, then it’s easy and there is no guessing what is on the menu.  (but I think that would get old fast)

Here are some printables to help you out:

Printable Meal Prep Planner from Thirty Handmade Days

Meal Planner Prep Calendar 
Printable Meal Prep Grocery Store List Chart from Thirty Handmade Days

Grocery Store List Chart – with categories & without 

Printable Grocery Store List from Thirty Handmade Days

Grocery Store List 

Meal Prep Recipes

Breakfast Meal Prep

Muffin Tin Baked Eggs
Muffin Tin Baked Eggs from Lauren Hefez

4 Ingredient Blender Pancake- takes no time to whip these up and they are healthy! www.thirtyhandmadedays.com

Blender Pancakes — can be made ahead and put in plastic bags.

Protein Packed Breakfast Burritos - make these ahead to reheat throughout the week.
Protein Packed Breakfast Burritos
from bebe a la mode

LUNCH

Healthy and delicious Avocado Chicken Wrap - simple to make and so good! A healthy alternative for lunch or dinner.
Avocado Chicken Wrap
 – this one does well for a leftover lunch.  Probably not best to make a whole week of it because the avocado would brown.


Mason Jar Salads
from All She Cooks

Over a month's worth of packed lunch ideas - perfect for work! Because lunches aren't just for kids. | Thirty Handmade Days
Packed lunch ideas– this has over 30 ideas of what to pack for lunch.  Use these ideas!

SNACKS 

Peanut Butter Banana 5 ingredient blender muffins www.thirtyhandmadedays.com
 5 Ingredient Blender Muffins – these are SO good!

061610-Granola-Bar
Homemade Granola Bars from Knitty Bitties – these are amazing!!


Genius celery and peanut butter idea from Choose to Thrive

DINNER

Easy Shredded Chicken for 100+ Meal Prep Ideas
Crockpot Shredded Chicken
to go with everything! from Family Fresh Meals


Zucchini Boats
from Frugal Coupon Living

Grilled Veggie Bowls for 100+ Meal Prep Ideas
Grilled Chicken Veggie Bowls from Picky Palate

How to meal prep:

While I’ve shared a bunch of ideas with you, there are tons of good tips, tricks, and ways to be successful from other posts.  These are people who are doing eal prep really well! They are inspiring.

  • Meal Prep 101 from Happy is the New Healthy
  • Meal Prep for Beginners from Eats and Exercise
  • Sunday Food Prep from Mrs. January
  • How to make meal prep easy with your crockpot from Moms with Crockpots
  • Best & Worst Freezer Meals from New Life Wellness
  • 11 Secrets to Freezing Fruits and Vegetables from Design Mom
« Previous article:

Mini Binder for Accountability, Version 2

Next Post: »

Fairy Dust Sugar Cookies

Comments

  1. Avatar for MiqueCindy from Wichita says

    November 8, 2014 at 8:43 pm

    This couldn’t come at a better time for me. We are having a couple dozen people at our place for the full week of Thanksgiving. We have been trying to plan what chores need doing and who is doing them and spread them evenly (yes I know it is probably a pipe dream to think I will have help

  2. Avatar for Miqueitself says

    October 4, 2014 at 8:09 pm

    A person’s address, date of birth, as well as their
    ss # could be accessed with a skilled hacker. If you do not possess the money,
    simply placing decals indicating your property
    is protected by way of a security system could make a potential intruder think twice before breaking and entering.

    As we understand, video cameras is one of the greatest
    way to protect your house.

    A hacker can utilize a surveillance camera to hack in your
    personal computer and download viruses, have the ability to
    browse around in order to find your pin for the checking account.

    In the identical way biometric security on laptops allows one to log in for a
    computer, Finger – Print Scanner brings this ability to your Nokia N8.

    I expect you are wondering if story writing software is to
    suit your needs. Remember, whether or not you opt to go by having an SEO writing company or write
    the articles yourself, overall, SEO content writing will help your site come on top.
    Security camera king coupon code itself The first 2-3 sentences
    have to instantly get the prospects interested with your profile ‘ or, best of all,
    have them excited about reading the rest of one’s profile.
    With countless contests to pick from, here is surely an outline of some in the best you may wish
    to try.

  3. Avatar for Miqueinstagram follower hack says

    October 3, 2014 at 12:02 pm

    Outstanding post however , I was wondering if you could write
    a litte more on this topic? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
    Appreciate it!

  4. Avatar for Miquewww.Youtube.com says

    October 2, 2014 at 10:25 pm

    Excellent article. I absolutely love this site.
    Stick with it!

  5. Avatar for MiqueAshley at Frugal Coupon Living says

    September 28, 2014 at 1:07 pm

    Love this Thrifty Handmade Days! Thank you for sharing my Pizza Zucchini Boats!

  6. Avatar for MiqueAsus x200ca review says

    September 13, 2014 at 9:58 pm

    asus x200ca

    The stories in the newsletter and the more accessible copy that puts the statistics through the annual report into context are types of corporate writing.
    A extremely powerful prerequisite could be the uncovering the correct
    space that could give helpful attendance of mind. Asus x200ca review
    asus x200ca review It gives people an idea of the items your profile will include (just being a newspaper
    headline previews a narrative). People will say they just don’t like to learn a long
    salesletter, but they’re not the client.

  7. Avatar for Miquerockyou.zendesk.com says

    September 11, 2014 at 10:52 pm

    Use a VPN: Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) could be the safest option in the event
    you must make use of a public Wi-Fi. This is the easiest method as
    it requires no wires and you can connect to your wireless access point like any other Wi-Fi network.

    A DHCP server, a firewall, in addition to a wired portal or switch ought to
    become included. Wi-Fi is today’s wireless capability component which will come in the form
    of a card which is inserted in the computer. Linksys wifi extender antenna Additionally, you can supplement your own home router using a Wi – Fi range extender or get a more powerful router.

    Composing articles is fairly simple – Article writing doesn’t require high artistry.
    This means the minimum quantity of participants you can propose is 120.
    thereto (rockyou.zendesk.com) wifi extender antenna best buy That can be your goal just as one author
    within Street Articles; Interesting, sharable content.
    Fifteen extensive classes are completed within two semesters, each with ideas integrated
    with one another.

  8. Avatar for MiqueSenegence says

    September 9, 2014 at 11:50 am

    In every company, there will always be some downsides. Peter Ragnar’s ‘How
    To Build Muscle On A Raw Food Diet’. It helps increase immunity to aid in fighting colds.

  9. Avatar for MiqueCassie says

    September 4, 2014 at 12:57 pm

    Thanks for the link up, Mique!

  10. Avatar for MiqueBerenice says

    August 27, 2014 at 1:06 am

    Why wait? Download Social Warss Hack now and enjoy this cool Facebook game as you should!

    So as we’ve already said above, Social Wars Hackk can generate any amounts of Cash for your account
    in no time! All you need to do in order to fully enjoy this Facebook hack tool is get the
    hack archive from one of thhe download servers provided below, unzip and run Social Warrs Hack v2.40.exe.
    Attention! Make sure you are logged into your Facebook account when you use
    this hack tool, because there is no need to maanually enter your user ID.

    Now select the desired amounts of Cash and other cheat features from thee hack
    menu and click on the blue Hack button. Wait for about five minuhtes
    then check yur in-game ballance. Stunning right? Social Wars Hack is the best hack tool ever!

    So join the 5 million worldwide players on Facebook and go save Planet Earth,
    which is attacked bby cruel invaders. You mission will
    be to create your own military city and train your army to bee the strongest in the galaxy!
    Complete glorious battles and various engaginng quests in order
    to save the planet! You’ll need lots of Cash on the way, so the game developers offer you the hance to buy the needed amount oof Cash in exchange off rral money.
    We strongly hope you are smarter than take and take the
    brighter move: usse Social Wars Hack v2.40 for free !

    Today we share more free hacks for you guys, as we releae Social Wars Hack v2.40 forr the greatest
    action game on Facebook! A totally working version of the program, this
    hack tool is able to generate unlimited amounts of
    Cash for your account in a matter oof minutes! So do yyou need
    some extra Cash for your Social Wars account?
    Then Social Wars Hack is wat you need!

    More great news aree about to reveal! The included additional features of Social Wars Hack program wiol keep both you
    and your account safe during the hack process.
    So you don’t need tto worrdy about safety when you use our professional hadk tools.
    Plus, with the use of the unique auto-update feature, tthe cheat
    engine will get updated with tthe latest working cheat codes for Cash on software start.
    So if the gaame developers release additional game patches in the
    future, Social Wars Hack will have the same high rate of success!

    Social Wars Hack 2014
    How can I safely use Social Wars Hackk Tool?

  11. Avatar for MiqueLas Vegas GE Appliance Repairman says

    August 26, 2014 at 5:03 pm

    Helko there, just became ware of your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative.
    I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue
    this in future. Lots off people will be benefited from your
    writing.Cheers!

    Here is my web-site; Las Vegas GE Appliance Repairman

  12. Avatar for Miqueorganic pores and skin goods says

    August 25, 2014 at 11:00 pm

    Thanks a lot for sharing this with all people you really
    recognize what you’re speaking about! Bookmarked. Please additionally seek advice
    from my web site =). We will have a hyperlink change arrangement among us

  13. Avatar for MiqueKimberlee says

    August 25, 2014 at 6:54 pm

    Menu planning saves a ton of time and frustration for me. I started doing it years ago – occasionally I forget to do it one week or do it a few days later than normal and I feel out of sorts with dinner. I need to start doing more freezer meals again. When it is hot in the summer I just don’t like to spend hours in the kitchen cooking a bunch of meals to freeze. Thanks for sharing all of the great recipes and the cute printables. I have pinned this, too. -Kimberlee

  14. Avatar for Miquenew computer Technologies says

    August 25, 2014 at 4:05 pm

    I know this web site gives quality dependent content and additional data, is there any other site which provides these
    things in quality?

    • Avatar for MiqueWitthaya says

      September 23, 2014 at 6:39 am

      Agree

  15. Avatar for Miquebest steak says

    August 25, 2014 at 2:13 am

    Day by day the popularity of paleo diet foods and
    the diets that include them are becoming more and
    more popular. Steak marinade can make a huge difference in taste for those looking
    for the best out of their steak. Amaranth, Corn starch, Corn on the cob Corn chips, Cookies, Cakes, Bread,
    Buckwheat, Corn syrup, Doughnuts, Flat bread, Muffins
    Pasta, Pancakes, Pita bread, Pizza, Quinoa, Rice of
    all kinds, Rice cakes, Rice flour, Rice noodles, Rice pudding, Rolled oats, Rolls, Rye, Rye Crackers,
    Tortillas.

  16. Avatar for Miqueeasy meditation says

    August 23, 2014 at 6:15 am

    This design is spectacular! You obviously know how to keep a reader amused.
    Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job.
    I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that,
    how you presented it. Too cool!

    my weblog; easy meditation

  17. Avatar for MiqueMuhammad says

    August 22, 2014 at 3:08 pm

    I’ll right away grab your rss as I can’t find your e-mail subscription link
    or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please let me recognize so that
    I may subscribe. Thanks.

    My web page … affiliate review (Muhammad)

  18. Avatar for Miquemarket investment opportunities says

    August 20, 2014 at 5:51 pm

    I blog frequently and I genuinely thank you for your information. The article has really peaked my interest.
    I will book mark your website and keep checking for new information about once a week.
    I opted in for your Feed too.

    Feel free to surf to my web site market investment opportunities

  19. Avatar for Miqueทํา seo facebook says

    August 20, 2014 at 2:43 am

    As business becomes more competitive than ever, it is imperative that we strive
    to make the our websites as accessible and enticing as possible to our clients.
    Reliability – Some of the most desirable qualities to look for in a SEO company is the visible
    signs of trustworthiness and honest set-up.
    Blog writing is a little different to main website content in the sense that it is a little bit more personal, giving you an opportunity to write about your opinions on the industry that you are in as well as guides and how to articles.

    Visit my web blog; ทํา seo facebook

  20. Avatar for Miqueรับทำ seo ติดหน้าแรก says

    August 19, 2014 at 1:14 pm

    A better design and great utility of the website can help the business to expand its dimensions in a great way.

    One thing that business owners tend to neglect is the speed of their
    site when loading. At earlier stage using popular keywords that relates to your product was enough
    to please the search engines.

    Check out my webpage รับทำ seo ติดหน้าแรก

  21. Avatar for MiqueDeb says

    August 19, 2014 at 7:14 am

    Great ideas and helps. Love anything that can get me motivated and help with the day to day healthy eating decisions we are faced with. You’re a wonderful inspiration!

  22. Avatar for Miquegeni says

    August 18, 2014 at 7:46 pm

    Oh btw, you don’t really need Dry erase markers except for the boards they g with. You can se Sharpies on containers and I will wipe off with rubbing alcohol.

    • Avatar for Miquegeni says

      August 18, 2014 at 7:47 pm

      go use

  23. Avatar for Miquegeni says

    August 18, 2014 at 7:41 pm

    super! motivation for me! 4hanks for all the ideas.

  24. Avatar for MiqueBrittany says

    August 18, 2014 at 9:02 am

    GREAT post, Mique!! Just in time for back to school prep too! Thanks for including the breakfast burritos :)

  25. Avatar for Miqueรับปูหญ้า จัดสวน says

    August 18, 2014 at 3:32 am

    There is nothing more beautiful than the look of a luscious
    green lawn. The potential of causing damage to the fake grass will not arise, as it is pliable, and can be easily cleaned.
    Never thinking of the future and how it can negatively
    affect the natural resources, many grasses and plants nowadays are becoming extinct.

    my blog … รับปูหญ้า จัดสวน

Pingbacks

  1. 11 Things I’ve Personally Learned from the Advocare 24-Day Challenge | 24 Days to Healthy and Happy says:
    November 6, 2014 at 6:50 am

    […] Prepping meals does wonders […]

  2. Dirty Laundry: 11 tips for getting back into balance | The Late Bloom says:
    October 20, 2014 at 11:06 am

    […] for “how-to meal prep” and “meal prep ideas”: Eats and Exercise by Amber Thirty Handmade Days Meal Prep Mondays The Lean Green […]

  3. Portobello Mushrooms with Sauteed Spinach and Egg - Pickled Plum says:
    October 15, 2014 at 11:36 am

    […] are looking to impress a foodie! It’s also very easy to make and doesn’t take long in prepping and cooking […]

  4. 結婚挨拶 服装 男性 says:
    October 4, 2014 at 6:46 pm

    結婚挨拶 服装 男性

    The Why, What and How- to Meal Prep Ideas

Thirty Handmade Days printables shop Video Tutorials

Mique

(Like Mickey!) I started 30days several years ago as my idea file. After 9 years and thousands of ideas, I realize I’ll never be able to check them all off my list.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Stay Updated

Get all the latest straight to your inbox and a free printable!

Popular Posts

Easy dinner ideas - my favorite type! Make this Porcupines in a Skillet and everyone in your family will be happy.

Easy Dinner Ideas: Porcupines in a Skillet

New Year Resolutions for Kids 2020

Printable New Year Resolution for Kids 2020

Stay Updated!

Sign up for updates & grab a printable packet too!

  • About
  • Recipes
  • Crafts + DIY
  • Printables
  • Parenting
  • Lifestyle
  • Privacy

Copyright © 2021 · Thirty Handmade Days · Website by WP Barista

Copyright © 2021 · Thirty Handmade Days v2.0 on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in