How to make meal prep easy

We've all been there - staring into the fridge at 7pm, wondering what on earth to cook. But what if we told you there's a simple way to save money, eat healthier, and never have to ask, "what's for dinner?" again? Enter meal prepping, or as well like to call it: the superhero of adulting.

The triple threat: time, money, and health

Meal planning isn't just about being organised (though your Type A friends will love it). It's a game-changer for your wallet, waistline, and watch. By planning and preparing meals in advance, you'll save cash by avoiding impulse takeout orders and reduce food waste.

Plus, you'll have more control over portion sizes and ingredients, making it easier to stick to your health goals. And let's not forget the time you'll save during the week - no more frantic cooking sessions after a long day at work.

Making meal prep a piece of cake (figuratively, of course)

Now, before you start having nightmares about spending your entire Sunday in the kitchen, let's talk about how to make meal planning as easy as pie (again, figuratively).

Write it down - Start with a simple meal plan. It doesn't have to be fancy - even a sticky note on the fridge will do.

One-dish wonders - Embrace easy recipes that can be made in a single pot or pan. Less cooking, less cleaning - it's a win-win. A great one-dish wonder meal is a nourish bowl. Check out our five mind-blowing nourish bowl recipes, we promise they won’t disappoint.

Slow and steady - Your slow cooker is about to become your new BFF. Throw ingredients in before work and come home to a delicious meal.

Shortcuts are your friends - Using pre-cut veggies, a roast chicken from the shops, and other time-savers are totally fair game.

Multi-purpose ingredients - Choose versatile foods that can be used in multiple dishes throughout the week. Things like rice, or potato, and good old reliable mince (beef, chicken, lamb, tofu and alike).

Tips to level up your meal prep game

Container craze - Invest in a variety of containers. Start with five but ultimately aim for more if you want to prep every meal. Trust us, you'll need them. If you want to save a bit of money and help the environment, shop for quality glass containers at your local op shop.

Pick a prep day - Choose a day that works for you and stick to it. Sunday is popular, but any day will do.

Know your limits - Start small. Maybe prep just lunches for the week, then gradually add more meals.

Get inspired - Try a meal prep cookbook or app for fresh ideas and structured plans.

Remember, whether you're cooking for one, two, or a small army, these tips can be scaled to fit your needs.

Make it enjoyable, not a chore

The goal of nailing meal prep should be looking forward to your prep, not dreading it. Think of it like this: you don’t have to do it, you get to do it. Include foods you love, experiment with new recipes, and don't be afraid to add some flair. Love spicy food? Throw in some extra chilli. Craving comfort food? Plan for a healthier version of your favourite dish.

A week on a plate

Need some inspiration? Here's what a week of meal planning could look like:

Monday: Ground turkey stir fry with rice

Tuesday: Pesto chicken and vegetables

Wednesday: Roasted cauliflower taco bowl

Thursday: Egg and avocado sandwich

Friday: Peanut chicken noodle rice paper rolls

Looking for more meal prep inspiration? Check out our article on cheap and healthy meal planning. More interested in lunch prep hacks? We've got an article for that too.

No matter what, meal prepping is like working out - it gets easier with practice, and the results are worth it. Speaking of working out, why not pair your new meal prep routine with some personalised fitness guidance? Our Personal Trainers can help you create a holistic health plan that complements your meal prep efforts. After all, health is made in the kitchen, right.