“Hangry” hitting you hard? We’ve all been there: long days, fridges containing only scraps and leftovers, and the dreaded “what’s for dinner?” panic starting to set in. But what if you could crush that hangry monster for good and make sure that you and your loved ones always have meals on hand?
Meal prepping is your answer. This strategy involves planning, shopping, and cooking for meals in advance so that you always have something ready even during your most exhausting days. Ditch the dinner drama, cut down on hefty takeout and delivery expenses, and learn how to meal prep like a pro with these five tips:
1) Plan Your Meals and Create a Meal Calendar
A solid plan is what drives the most successful meal prep habits. Before heading to the supermarket, take time to map out your meals for the week. Think about breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks. Then, find out exactly which ingredients to buy and map out when to use them. Planning like this will help you avoid impulse buys and ensure you use everything before it spoils.
Additionally, one way to make meal planning easier is by creating meal routines. Assigning themes to certain days can add structure and remove the guesswork involved in deciding what you should eat. For example, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday can be chicken days, while Tuesday and Thursday can be reserved for seafood dishes. Having a routine like this will simplify grocery shopping since you will have a general idea of what proteins and ingredients you’ll need. Plus, it eliminates the mental burden of choosing recipes daily.
While you’re planning, check your fridge for leftovers. A true meal prep pro knows how to repurpose them into something exciting. For example, if you roast a whole chicken one night, you can use the leftovers for chicken fried rice or sandwiches the next day. Cooked vegetables from dinner can be blended into a soup for lunch, making them both convenient and delicious.
2) Always Be on the Lookout for Promos
Smart shopping isn’t just about what you buy—it’s also about how much you spend. For one thing, signing up for membership cards or rewards programs at your favorite supermarket can lead to big savings over time. For instance, a Landers credit card promo using the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card by Maya can yield you significant discounts on purchases in Landers Superstore as well as cashback for other types of eligible purchases, allowing you to stretch your grocery budget further. Also make it a point to keep an eye out for flyers, digital coupons, and special promotions that will further help you maximize your grocery budget without sacrificing quality or variety in your meals.
3) Choose Staples That Work for Multiple Recipes
One of the smartest ways to meal prep is by stocking up on versatile ingredients that can be used in different ways. For example, a large bag of carrots can be used in soups, salads, and stir-fries, while a bottle of soy sauce can season everything from marinades to fried rice.
Stock up on staples like eggs, rice, garlic, onions, and canned goods, which are great to have on hand because they work in a variety of dishes. Likewise, protein choices like chicken, ground beef, or fish can be used in stir-fries, soups, or grilled meals. Choosing ingredients that serve multiple purposes will allow you to avoid cluttering your pantry and ensure everything you buy actually gets used.
Moreover, look for seasonal ingredients. Mangoes, for instance, are more affordable in summer, while root vegetables like sweet potatoes are plentiful during the cooler months. Seasonal produce is often cheaper when it’s in season, and if you buy fruits and vegetables at such a time, you’ll be able to enjoy them at the peak of their freshness and flavor.
4) Buy Pre-Prepared Ingredients
While whole vegetables and proteins can sometimes be cheaper to buy, pre-prepared ingredients can save a lot of time and effort for meal prep. If chopping onions or shredding cabbage slows down your meal prep, it may be worth it to buy a bag of pre-cut coleslaw mix instead of purchasing each ingredient separately. Likewise, pre-peeled garlic, diced tomatoes, or boneless, skinless chicken are great time-saving options, especially if you have a busy schedule.
Another handy trick is to buy frozen vegetables for soups and stir-fries. They last longer, require no chopping, and are just as nutritious as fresh ones. Pre-washed salad greens, marinated meats, and ready-to-cook noodles can also make meal prep a breeze. These items might cost slightly more, but the time they save often makes them worth the extra expense.
5) Pick a Shopping Day and Eat Before You Go
Going to the supermarket without a grocery list—or on an empty stomach—is a recipe for overspending and impulse buys. To avoid this, choose a specific day of the week for grocery shopping so that it becomes a routine. Midweek shopping can be a great option since supermarkets tend to be less crowded, and restocked shelves mean better produce selection.
Also, before you leave, be sure to eat a filling meal. Shopping while hungry makes everything look more tempting, which may lead you to make too many unnecessary purchases. When you’re full, it’s much easier to stick to your grocery list and avoid grabbing snacks that don’t fit into your meal plan.
Meal Prep Like a Pro
Meal prepping isn’t just about saving time—it’s ultimately about being the boss of your food. You’ll get to decide exactly what you eat, cut down on wasted food, and make your grocery money go further.
Shopping smart is the first step to winning at meal prep. Make it a habit, and you will not only save cash and time, but you will also eat better and feel more confident about your meals. Get your calendar and shopping list ready, and let’s start prepping!