5 Easy Meals, 30 Minutes a Week: My Lazy Meal Prep Routine
I’ve been meal prepping for a while now, and I’ve found that the key to making it stick is to keep things simple. I’m not talking about spending hours in the kitchen on Sunday afternoons, but rather finding a routine that works for me and doesn’t take up too much time. For me, that means prepping 5 meals that can be reheated or grabbed on the go.
My Meal Prep Process
I start by planning out my meals for the week, usually on Wednesday or Thursday evening. I look at what ingredients I already have at home and try to build my meals around those. I’m a big fan of one-pot dishes, like stir-fries or skillet dinners, because they’re easy to make and don’t create a lot of cleanup. I’ll often make a big batch of rice or quinoa on the weekends, and then use that as a base for my meals throughout the week.
On Sundays, I’ll spend about 30 minutes in the kitchen prepping my meals for the week. This usually involves cooking some protein (chicken, ground beef, or tofu), roasting some vegetables, and assemble my meals in containers. I like to use glass containers because they’re easy to clean and can be heated in the microwave.
Tips for Lazy Meal Prep
One of the biggest tips I have for lazy meal prep is to keep it simple. Don’t try to make complicated recipes or cook multiple dishes at once. Stick to what you know and what you like, and don’t be afraid to repeat meals throughout the week. I also like to shop my fridge and pantry first, before going to the grocery store, to make sure I’m not buying duplicate ingredients.
Some other tips that work for me include:
- prepping my lunches and dinners at the same time, so I can just grab what I need in the morning
- using a slow cooker to make meals that simmer all day, like chili or stew
- keeping a staple list of ingredients that I always have on hand, like olive oil, salt, and pepper
Spring Meal Prep Inspiration
Now that it’s starting to warm up outside, I’m excited to start incorporating more seasonal ingredients into my meal prep. For Easter, I’m planning on making a big batch of deviled eggs and some spring vegetable skewers that can be grilled or roasted. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your own meal prep, I recommend checking out some of the outdoor eating spaces in your area, like parks or gardens, and packing a picnic lunch to enjoy.
If you’re building out a home office or kitchen space, I’ve been eyeing some prints from Printsofprint on Etsy — they do abstract landscapes and some fantasy-style art that’s actually really different. It’s a great way to add some personality to your space without breaking the bank.
What do you use for your meal prep containers, and do you have any favorite recipes for Spring?
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