How to Save Money by Meal Prepping

Okay, let’s be honest. How many times have you come home from work, exhausted, and the last thing you want to do is cook? That often leads to ordering takeout, grabbing something convenient (and often expensive!), or just skipping dinner altogether. It’s a cycle that’s not only bad for your wallet but also probably not the healthiest.

But what if there was a solution? Enter: meal prepping!

I’ve been seriously into meal prepping lately, and I'm amazed at the difference it’s made – not just for my health, but for my bank account. Seriously, it's a game changer.

Why Meal Prep is a Smart Move

Lower Food Costs: When you plan your meals and buy ingredients in bulk, you're naturally going to spend less. No more buying individual ingredients for a single meal.
Reduced Food Waste: You’re only buying what you need, drastically reducing the amount of food that goes bad in your fridge.
Healthier Eating: When you take the time to plan and cook, you're far more likely to stick to a healthy eating plan. Say goodbye to those impulsive, greasy takeout meals!
Time Savings (Seriously!): While the initial prep takes time, once you have a system in place, it becomes a huge time saver during the week.

Getting Started: Simple Steps

Start Small: Don't try to meal prep an entire week's worth of meals right away. Begin with lunches or dinners. Maybe just two or three meals to start.
Plan Your Meals: This is key. Look at your schedule for the week and decide what you'll realistically eat. Consider recipes you enjoy and that are relatively easy to make.
Create a Grocery List: Based on your meal plan, make a detailed grocery list. Stick to it!
Batch Cooking: Choose recipes that can be made in large quantities. Think: roasted chicken, big batches of grains (rice, quinoa), roasted vegetables, soups, stews, or chili.
Proper Storage: Invest in some decent containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic are great options. Properly storing your prepped meals will keep them fresh.

Example Meal Prep Ideas:

Lunch: Quinoa salad with roasted vegetables and chickpeas.
Dinner: Sheet pan chicken and roasted broccoli.
Breakfast: Overnight oats (make a big batch on Sunday to grab and go).

Resources to Check Out:

Budget Bytes – Amazing budget-friendly recipes.
Well Plated - Lots of meal prep inspiration.

Don't be intimidated! Meal prepping is a skill that gets easier with practice. Even just starting with a few simple meals will have a positive impact on your finances and your well-being. Give it a try - you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!