mommy maverick

As a working mom, you’re already a superhero, juggling career and family like a pro. But let’s face it, mealtime can be a daily challenge. If you’re like me, you dread having to figure out what’s for dinner after a crazy day at work. You finally think of something to cook, only to find that you are missing one or more of the ingredients at home. That’s where meal prep comes to the rescue! With a bit of planning and these time-saving tips, you can streamline your weeknight dinners, save money, and ensure your family eats well. And here’s a little secret – these tips apply to breakfast and lunch prep, too.

• Plan Your Menu: Take a few minutes each week to plan your meals. Knowing what you’ll cook makes the process smoother.

• Batch Cooking: Cook in large batches and freeze portions for later. This is a real time-saver on busy nights.

• Invest in Quality Containers: Good storage containers are essential for keeping food fresh. Invest in a variety of sizes for different meal components.

• Prep Your Ingredients: Wash, chop, and portion out ingredients in advance. Having veggies and proteins ready to go can cut down prep time significantly.

• Use Your Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: These kitchen gadgets are a working mom’s best friend. Throw in your ingredients in the morning, and come home to a delicious meal.

• Cook Once, Eat Twice: Make larger quantities of a dish, like spaghetti sauce or stir-fry, and use the leftovers for another meal.

• Set a Prep Day: Dedicate a day each week to meal prep. It can be a few hours on the weekend or a weekday evening when the kids are occupied.

• Keep a Well-Stocked Pantry: Make sure your pantry is well-stocked with essentials like pasta, canned beans, rice, and sauces. This ensures you always have the basics for a meal.

• Involve the Family: Get your kids involved in meal prep. It’s a great way to bond and teach them valuable cooking skills.

• Delegate and Share: Share meal prep responsibilities with your partner or family members. Teamwork makes the dream work!

• Keep It Simple: Not every meal needs to be a gourmet masterpiece. No one expects you to be Martha Stewart. Simple, nutritious dishes can be just as satisfying.

• Try Freezer Meals: Spend a day preparing freezer meals that you can pop into the oven or slow cooker when you’re short on time.

• Celebrate Takeout Nights: Don’t forget about the occasional takeout night. It’s okay to give yourself a break!

Meal prep isn’t just a convenient strategy; it’s an essential tool in the arsenal of working moms. It’s about reclaiming your time, reducing stress, and prioritizing what truly matters to you. But perhaps most importantly, meal prep is an act of self-care. It’s a way of nurturing ourselves so we can, in turn, nurture our families. It’s a way of saying, “I value my time, and I value my well-being.”

So, fellow Mom-Mavs and meal prep magicians, let’s embrace the power of meal prep. Let’s continue to adapt, streamline, and find joy in the process. Let’s remember that it’s not just about preparing food; it’s about preparing for life—making it a little bit easier, a lot more enjoyable, and filled with love, one meal at a time. Happy prepping!

Your Coach,

Kristyn