Meal Prep Ideas for Beginners: Tips to get you Started 

Meal prepping can be a great way to save time, money, and stress. Whether you’re new to meal prep or looking to add some new ideas to your repertoire, we have some tips for getting started.

Jump to:

• What is Meal Prepping?
• Advantages of Meal Prepping
• How to Meal Prep
• Meal Prep Ideas for Beginners
• How Much Does Meal Prep Cost?
• Meal Prep Food Ideas for Beginners
• People Also Ask [FAQs]
• Wrap Up: Meal Prep Ideas

What is Meal Prepping?

Meal prepping is a method of cooking where you prepare several meals at once in the same kitchen session. This can include making one or two dishes that will last for days or preparing multiple individual meals to be stored in the freezer or refrigerator until needed. It’s a great way to save time on shopping and cooking throughout the week, as well as ensure that you always have tasty and nutritious meals right at your fingertips.

Advantages of Meal Prepping

1. One significant advantage of meal prepping is that it cuts down on food waste—especially if you plan your grocery list around what recipes you want to make ahead of time.
2. You can also use leftovers from one dish in another recipe, which can help reduce costs even further!
3. Additionally, because meal prep involves making several meals all at once, it also saves time during the week when you don’t have to cook each evening. This can free up time for other activities like running errands or spending time with family and friends.

How to Meal Prep

The practice of meal prepping has become increasingly popular as more people seek to simplify their lives and eat healthier. In this blog post, we'll explore how to start meal prep like a pro. 

Step 1: Plan Your Recipes and Grocery List 

• Before you can start your meal prep journey, you need to decide what recipes you want to make and which ingredients you need.
• Most people find it helpful to plan their meals for the week ahead, but don't be afraid to mix it up! If you're feeling adventurous, try creating a few new dishes each week.
• Be sure to make a grocery list with everything you need for the week before heading out the door.

 Step 2: Choose Your Containers 

• When it comes to meal prep, having the right containers is key.
• You want something that's easy to store and transport, yet also leak-proof and durable enough for microwaving.
• Look for containers made from BPA-free plastics or stainless steel, as these materials are generally considered safe for food storage.  

 Step 3: Do the Prep Work 

• Now it's time to get cooking! Begin by washing all of your produce, then chop and cook everything according to your recipes' instructions.
• Some people prefer to cook all of their proteins first before moving on to carbs or vegetables—it's totally up to you!
• Once everything is cooked, divide it into individual portions before transferring it into your chosen containers.  

Step 4: Store & Enjoy! 

• Once all of your food is divided into individual portions and stored in airtight containers, place them in the fridge or freezer until ready for use.
• Reheating meals can be done in a variety of ways—in the microwave, oven, or stovetop—so choose whichever method works best for you!

Meal Prep Ideas for Beginners

If you’re looking to make your meal prep experience easier and more efficient, check out these seven tips that will have you prepping like a pro in no time. 

1. Start Small & Simple

• When it comes to meal prep, less is often more. Instead of making a week’s worth of meals all at once, try starting with a few staples such as grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.
• You can then use these items in different dishes throughout the week. For example, you could make a big batch of grilled chicken on Sunday and use it in recipes like tacos, salads, and sandwiches throughout the week.
• This will help you get comfortable with the concept of meal prepping without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Think Bulk & Variety

• Meal prep doesn't just have to mean cooking one type of food: it can also mean stocking up on foods that are easy and versatile.
• Think about which pantry staples or frozen ingredients you use most often in your recipes and stock up when they're on sale.
• You can also pick up various types of proteins like chicken breasts and ground beef in bulk so that you have options when creating meals during the week. 

3. Plan Ahead & Be Flexible

• One of the best things about meal prep is that it gives you total control over what goes into your meals and how much time you spend cooking each day.
• To make sure your plan is realistic, take into account any commitments or events that might pop up during the week—you don’t want to be stuck eating leftovers every night if there’s a potluck dinner or game night planned!
• Having said that, allow yourself some flexibility; if something unexpected comes up (like an invitation out for dinner), don’t be afraid to adjust your meal plan accordingly. 

4. Create A Plan And Prep Schedule

• Creating a plan is one of the most important steps in meal prepping—it helps keep you organized and ensures that everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
• An effective plan should include what recipes you want to make, what ingredients you need for them, and which days you intend to do your prepping.
• Breaking down your plan by day of the week can minimize stress when deciding what food to make each day and allows you to focus on one task at a time instead of trying to tackle everything at once.

5. Organize Your Pantry And Keep Inventory 

• Keeping track of what food items are in your pantry is essential for successful meal prep.
• Organizing your pantry by type (for example, grains/starches, proteins/legumes) makes it easier for you to locate what you need quickly and also prevents any food items from going bad due to lack of use or not being visible enough in the pantry shelves.
• Keeping an inventory also helps prevent unnecessary trips to the store since you know exactly what ingredients are already in stock at home.

6. Look For In-Season Products

• Finding locally grown seasonal produce is one of the best ways to ensure quality ingredients while also supporting local farmers who grow these products sustainably and ethically - something we should all strive towards!
• In-season products also tend to be cheaper than their out-of-season counterparts due to their abundance during certain times of the year so this is another plus if cost savings is a priority! Plus they tend to taste better too - win-win!

7. Stick To Your Schedule

• Sticking to a meal prep schedule is essential for any successful meal prepper.
• Adhering to a plan can help make sure that you are able to complete all of your food prep tasks in an organized and efficient manner.
• Having a schedule also helps save prep time by avoiding the need to constantly search for new recipes or ingredients, as well as ensuring that you have all of your food ready for when it's time to cook or eat.

8. Use Containers with Multiple Compartments

• Investing in containers with multiple compartments allows you to separate different components of each meal (protein, carbohydrates, vegetables) so that everything stays organized until it’s time for dinner.
• And don't forget about portion control - using smaller containers ensures that single-serving portions remain intact until it's time to eat them! 

9. Don’t Forget To Label Your Containers

• Labeling your containers is a must - it helps keep your prepped meals organized and prevents confusion when you need to find something quickly!
• Making sure to clearly label each container with the recipe name and date is also a great way to make sure your food stays fresh and doesn’t get forgotten in the back of the fridge.

10. Incorporate Herbs and Spices

• Adding herbs and spices not only adds flavor but also packs an extra nutritional punch as well!
• Many herbs such as basil or oregano contain antioxidants that reduce inflammation in the body while spices like turmeric or ginger offer anti-inflammatory compounds as well as digestive benefits.
• By incorporating herbs and spices into your meal prepped meals, not only will they taste better but they will also be healthier too! 

How Much Does Meal Prep Cost?

Meal prepping can be an incredibly cost-effective way to plan and prepare meals. However, there are some costs associated with meal prepping that you should consider before diving in. From grocery shopping to storing your food, let’s take a look at the costs of meal prep and how you can save money while still getting the most out of each meal. 

1. Grocery Shopping Costs

• The first cost associated with meal prepping is grocery shopping. This cost can vary depending on what types of food you buy and where you buy them from.
• If you’re looking to save money, it might be worth considering buying in bulk or taking advantage of any sales or discounts your local grocery store offers.
• In addition, many stores offer online ordering services which can help save time as well as money. 

2. Storing Your Food

• Another cost associated with meal prep is storing your food properly.
• Depending on how much food you intend to prepare, this could include investing in storage containers, zipper bags, or even a freezer or refrigerator if necessary.
• It’s important to make sure that all of your food is stored safely and securely so that it doesn’t spoil before you have the chance to eat it!

3. Saving Money on Meal Prep

• Fortunately, there are several ways to save money when it comes to meal prep costs.
• One option is to shop around for recipes online; many websites offer free recipes and tips for saving money while making delicious meals!
• Additionally, research suggests that shopping at discount stores like Aldi or Lidl can help reduce grocery bills significantly compared to regular supermarkets - something worth considering if budgeting is important to you!
• Finally, planning ahead can also go a long way; purchasing ingredients that are in season or using sale items in your recipes will help keep costs down while still providing delicious meals throughout the week!

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of meal prep like a pro! So don't be afraid to start small and work your way up - before you

Meal Prep Food Ideas for Beginners

With some simple ingredients and a few hours in the kitchen, you can create delicious and healthy meal prep recipes that will last you all through the week. For beginners, why not start with chicken? Here are four easy chicken meal prep ideas, followed by more easy recipes that will get your taste buds tingling! 

Chicken Meal Prep Ideas

1. Grilled Chicken Burger: For a speedy weeknight meal, try this delicious grilled chicken burger. Start by combining ground chicken with diced onion, garlic, and herbs before forming into patties. Then simply grill or pan-fry in a little oil until cooked through before adding to your favorite brioche buns with some lettuce and tomato.
2. Baked Chicken Kabobs: For a fun and flavorful meal, try these tasty chicken kabobs. Simply marinate chicken cubes in your favorite combination of spices (like cumin and coriander powder) before threading them onto skewers with vegetables like peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Bake until cooked through before serving with steamed rice or couscous on the side.
3. Baked Stuffed Chicken Breast: For a healthy and delicious meal, try this easy stuffed chicken breast recipe. Simply stuff boneless chicken breasts with your favorite combination of diced vegetables and cheese (think spinach and feta, or mushrooms and mozzarella). Then bake until cooked through before serving with steamed veggies or a salad on the side.
4. Chicken Hot Pot: Make this comforting dish even easier by prepping the ingredients ahead of time. Start by browning chicken pieces in a pan with some oil, before adding chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, potatoes, and mushrooms. Then simply pour over some stock and let it simmer until everything is cooked through. Serve with boiled rice or noodles for a complete meal.

More Easy Meal Prep Ideas

1. Dal Tadka: This Indian dish is packed full of flavor and makes for a delicious and healthy lunch or dinner. Simply combine split yellow lentils, tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and spices in a pot and let it simmer away until the lentils are cooked through. Serve with freshly cooked basmati rice or chapati.
2. Punjabi Chole: This classic vegetarian dish is made with chickpeas cooked in a tomato-based sauce. The main ingredients include chickpeas, onion, garlic, ginger, and various spices like coriander powder, garam masala, and cumin powder. It's best served with freshly cooked naan bread or paratha.
3. Bolognese: This Italian classic is an easy meal prep recipe that is sure to please everyone at the table. Saute ground beef (or turkey if you're looking for a healthier option) with onion, garlic, and celery before adding in tomatoes and other seasonings like oregano and basil. Serve over your favorite pasta such as penne or spaghetti for a hearty dinner everyone will love!
4. Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables: For an easy side dish that can be prepared ahead of time, try these Mediterranean roasted vegetables. Toss together cubed potatoes, zucchini, carrots, onions, and bell peppers in olive oil before roasting in the oven until golden brown. Add some feta cheese for extra flavor if desired!

People Also Ask [FAQs]

Wrap Up: Meal Prep Ideas

• It is an incredibly efficient way of cooking that can save time and money while preventing food waste.
• The advantages of meal prep are plentiful—from cutting down on grocery costs to freeing up more time in your day for other activities.
• With a little bit of planning and some creativity in the kitchen, you’ll be able to make delicious meal prep recipes quickly with minimal effort!
• To get started with meal prepping, determine how much you are willing to spend each week on groceries and buy accordingly - stocking up on items when they are on sale so that you can save even more!
• Additionally, investing in quality storage containers will help keep your food fresh for longer periods of time so that nothing goes to waste!
• We also shared some chicken and easy meal prep meals for you to get started!
• So why not give it a try? You may just find yourself becoming an enthusiastic fan of this great method of cooking.