1. Work smarter - not harder. Make use of products that save you time in the kitchen. Pre-cut items, pre-cooked grains or legumes, sauces, and similar items can help you meet your goals.
Pre-cooked rice and quinoa
Canned beans
Canned or frozen vegetables
Rotisserie chicken
Pre-seasoned tofu
Hummus, salsas, and other low-sodium sauces
2. Start with one meal. If you’re new to meal prepping choose one meal to begin practicing. For example, try preparing your breakfasts for 1 week. The goal is to create lifelong habits, so take a slow and steady approach.
Check out the RENEW meal plans for ideas, or pick recipes from the RENEW website that catch your interest
3. Begin making the longest cooking items first. If you're boiling grains or making a sheet-pan meal, get those cooking first. While your foods are cooking you can work on some of the other items. Also remember to clean as you go!
4. Romanticize the process! Schedule time in your calendar to grab a cup of tea and flip through your favorite cookbook or food blog and pick a recipe that excites you. Try out 1 new recipe a week to keep meals interesting.
5. Buy some good containers. If you want to save time with cleanup, be sure to buy containers that are dishwasher safe. If you plan to freeze meals, choose
freezer-safe containers.
Check out these microwave, dishwasher and freezer-safe options in glass or plastic!
6. Make the prep fun. Try doing theme nights and turn prepping into an occasion. Give your family tasks in the kitchen so they can be involved if they want.
7. Organization is key. Know where you store ingredients in your pantry, refrigerator and freezer. Start a folder (virtual or physical) to save the recipes you try overtime. Keep an ongoing list of groceries to streamline your weekly shopping trips.
Check out these tips to make meal prepping easier