As a busy mom, finding the time and energy to cook nutritious meals every day can be such a challenge. That’s why I’m a huge fan of meal prepping! Taking just a couple of hours on the weekend to prep meals and snacks for the upcoming week can be a total game-changer.
Not only does meal prepping save you time and stress during those chaotic weekday evenings, but it also makes it so much easier to stick to healthy eating habits for you and your family. When you have nourishing meals and snacks prepped and ready to go, you’re far less likely to resort to fast food or overly-processed convenience items.
To help get you started, here are 5 of my favorite simple and delicious meal prep recipes that are perfect for busy families:
- Baked Chicken Fajita Bowls
Marinate chicken in fajita seasoning, then bake with sliced bell peppers and onions. Portion into containers with brown rice, black beans, salsa, and avocado for a complete meal. - Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Cook ground turkey with marinara sauce, then stuff into bell pepper halves. Top with shredded cheese and bake for an easy low-carb meal prep option. - Mason Jar Salads
Layer greens, veggies, proteins like grilled chicken or hard boiled eggs, and your favorite dressing in a mason jar for portable salads that stay fresh all week. - Veggie-Loaded Frittata Muffins
Whisk eggs with sautéed veggies like spinach, bell peppers, and onions, then bake in a muffin tin for a grab-and-go high protein breakfast or snack. - Overnight Oats
Combine old-fashioned oats with milk (dairy or non-dairy), chia seeds, and your favorite mix-ins like fresh or frozen fruit, nut butter, cinnamon, etc. in a jar and let soak overnight for a fiber-packed breakfast.
And a few of my top meal prep tips:
- Invest in quality food storage containers to keep prepped meals fresh
- Prep ingredients like chopped veggies and proteins in bulk to easily portion out for different recipes
- Double recipes when cooking dinners so you have built-in leftovers to portion out
- Schedule a couple hours on Sundays to get your meal prep done for the week
With just a little planning and prep work, you can set your family up for a week of wholesome, homemade meals without all the nightly stress. Happy meal prepping!
What are your favorite meals prep recipes and tips?