Simple Meal Prep.

I used to dread Sundays. It was the day before another week started at work, where I would count the days until the weekend. Now I have learned to appreciate them. For one it is our most relaxing family day. Saturdays are usually busy running errands, doing laundry and everything else that I didn't have time for during the week; while Sundays are spent with my husband and our kiddos playing outside or taking a walk to the playground, and football of course! Sunday is also the day I plan my upcoming week. 

I plan everything from my meals to what time I'll workout each day. I'm a busy mom and over time I have learned that if I use Sundays to plan out my week, it is LESS chaotic and sometimes even resembles order! Which really makes me feel like I have myself semi together. ;) 

When I joined my first challenge group nearly 2 years ago, the first thing that we learned was that weekly meal prep was essential to a successful week of staying on track. Having everything cooked and portioned, makes it less likely that you will grab for something unhealthy. Before that group I had never meal prepped in my life so it was completely foreign to me. I admit that at first I was lazy and I would plan my smaller snack meals but dinners were still made in the evenings and in the morning I would grab something quick for lunch before I ran out the door. It took only a few weeks into my challenge 90 challenge when I realized that going half-way with meal prep wasn't going to cut it. 

Between work, kids after school activities, and homework, making a healthy dinner after a long hectic day is not something I like to worry about. So these days I prep most of my meals for the week so they are ready to heat and eat! I usually prep meals up through Thursday so food doesn't spoil and then towards the end of the week I will get things ready for the weekend.

Here is my prep spread after I got back from The Fresh Market this morning. I like to stick to fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean meats. 

On the menu this week is everything from egg white veggie muffins (recipe to follow), grilled chicken spring mix salad, veggies & hummus, chicken & tomatoes over whole grain brown rice, and lettuce wrap turkey tacos! 

Here are some tips for your weekly meal prep:

• Make a plan. I create a list of everything I am going to make and then a list before I head to the grocery store. This way it's a quick trip and you don't forget anything.
• Purchase good sturdy tupperware. I like the ones which separate your food (protein/grains/veggies) as well as small ones for dressings or hummus. Amazon has great inexpensive options.
• Make an assembly line. Try to cook everything at once by using stove top and the oven to make your life easier and shorten your prep time. I can usually do all of mine in less than 2 hours. Plus only one mess to clean!
• Make foods that will keep. Chicken breast and turkey meat are good for meal preps. If you go with seafood make sure you eat it within a day or two before it goes bad!
• Measure everything. You'd be amazed how off you are with portions when you eye it.
• Keep it simple. You don’t need to make lavish meals for the week. I keep to the same core foods for each day. Just make sure you have your lean proteins, veggies, and grains and it'll leave you satisfied during the week!