Admin, Author at PrepYoSelf

Posted on October 8, 2023October 15, 2023 by Admin — Leave a comment

Meal Prepping for Weight Loss

Meal prepping for weight loss can be a healthy option for anyone to do and for people who work 9-to-5 jobs, it may be the most important method for losing weight. The meals you can’t be at home for are the ones that tend to be the least healthy. Most people resort to quick food rather than healthy food, plus who doesn’t want something good to eat while they’re working away in an office or onsite.

Managing your nutrition and calories tends to be much more impactful on actual weight loss than exercise. (This doesn’t mean you get to be lazy though) If you’ve struggled with making progress on weight management, a change in diet may be the necessary step. If you have genuinely stuck to healthy diets and can’t lose weight, speak with a nutritionist or your doctor for additional information on your body’s particular needs.

Meal prepping for weight loss is a great method for adjusting your meal routine and eating habits to be more consistently healthy. For some people, any deviation from a diet can negate weeks of effort and having healthy food ready to eat helps keep you on your plan. This is especially true for busy professionals and parents. One of the biggest reasons for breaking a diet is convenience.

Meal prepping for weight loss doesn’t have to be bland and boring. It doesn’t have to be incredibly technical with counting macros and calculating every single calorie. If that is something you’re interested in, that method can be very effective. For the rest of us, we just want a simple meal routine that we can stick to that will help us trend in the right direction.

The Basics

Set Goals: goals are important for staying focused. They don’t have to be ambitious but specificity helps. Too vague of a goal and you’ll find yourself unsure of progress and making excuses.
Stick to a Shopping List: We are all tempted by the cookies and chips in the grocery store. Resist the urge to buy them and you’ll be less likely to falter from your diet later.
Cook in Batches: Have healthy food ready by cooking in batches so you don’t have to cook every single day for every single meal.
Eat What You Cook: don’t prepare 4 meals and then throw out 4 meals because you don’t want it. Get used to the mind set of, if you’re hungry, you eat what you cooked first before considering any other options.

More Advanced Meal Prepping Weight Loss Tips

Portion Control: We’ve all heard of portion control but knowing it and understanding it is two different things. We’ve all gotten use to portions that are really unbalanced. It takes effort to unlearn that bad habit. These numbers are a general guide but it definitely shows how different fast food is to a balanced meal.
- 25% protein
  - 50% vegetables
- 25% carbs
  - Small amounts of high fat food

Additional tips for portion control
- Use measuring cups and spoons (or even a scale): This really help you stick to actual portion sizes.
- Put food on a serving dish. Don’t eat from chip bags or any other large food container. It’s difficult to resist another bite when you have so much in front of you.
- Use smaller dishes. Smaller dishes will make it feel like more food when you’re eating.

Prepare Snacks: Everyone needs a snack now and then. It’s inevitable and actually for some diets, snacks can be the most important part. Diets that follow more frequent but smaller meals are essentially a lot of healthy snacks. Either way though, having quick bites of healthy food ready to go at any time will help you stay on diet and avoid the feeling that you’ve given up anything at all. It’s the simple conveniences that we tend to feel the most when they’re gone.
Track Progress: We recommended setting goals earlier, well keep track of them as well. Even if it’s as simple as adding on 2 more healthy meals a week for 6 weeks. It feels good to achieve goals and making them measurable and attainable will make it more likely that you’ll stick to meal prepping for weight loss.
Watch Condiments & Sauces: Condiments and sauces, especially salad dressings, can be much more unhealthy than you think. In fact, you should pay attention to the amount of salad dressing that is recommended per serving. Just because you’re eating a salad doesn’t mean it’ll help with weight loss if you’re piling on dressing, cheese, and croutons.
Enjoy Healthy Eating: Possibly the most difficult part of all diets, actually enjoying the food that you make. If you’re not a skilled cook this is even tougher, however everyone struggles with enjoying their diets all of the time. We are made to believe that we have to suffer to be healthy. Healthy food can be good and sometimes it’s a matter of finding what healthy foods you personally enjoy and building a recipe plan around those.

Meal Prepping for Weight Loss Recipes

round plate with baked eggs and sweet potato

Baked Sweet Potato Egg Frittata

This oven-baked sweet potato egg frittata is a hearty dish that boasts a delightful combination of velvety eggs, the wholesome goodness of sweet potatoes, and the fresh pop of green onions. Whether you’re a meal prep enthusiast looking for a weekly staple or a busy individual in need of quick, satisfying meals, this frittata has…

round plate with spinach and egg quesadilla

Spinach Egg Quesadilla

The spinach and egg breakfast quesadilla is an exceptional choice for your meal prep repertoire. From its adaptability to its freezer-friendly nature and the convenience of being able to enjoy it anywhere, this recipe is truly a meal prepper’s dream come true! This breakfast meal prep option is nutritious, and it also utilizes pantry-friendly ingredients,…

wooden plate with sliced zucchini topped with ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and shredded cheese

Beef Zucchini Nachos

Beef Zucchini Nachos, your new meal prep superheroes. It’s like getting all the joy of restaurant nachos without the guilt or the hit to your wallet. So go on, get cooking, and enjoy every delicious, crunchy, and flavor-packed bite! This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Why We Love…

round plate with salmon with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and asparagus

Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce and Roasted Asparagus is a fantastic meal prep easy salmon recipe option that brings the flavors of a high-end restaurant right to your own dining table. With its combination of succulent salmon, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and crispy asparagus, this dish is a true winner.

Baked Meatloaf Patties and Roasted Green Beans

Love the comfort of meatloaf, but don’t want to wait too long for the prep? Here’s a twist on a meatloaf-recipe family favorite using burger patties. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. While classic meatloaf recipes are normally baked in a loaf pan, we opted for using hamburger…

Easy Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Easy, baked southwest stuffed pepper recipe with ground beef. Bold, savory flavors are served on top of a bright and colorful cilantro sweet potato and cauliflower rice. Southwest Stuffed Poblano Peppers knifecutting boardsheet pansaute pan 2 each poblano peppers ((cut in half, seeds removed))12 oz lean ground beef1/4 cup red onions ((diced))8 oz fire roasted…

Posted on September 25, 2023September 26, 2023 by Admin — Leave a comment

How to Meal Prep for a Busy Week

Life gets tough sometimes, between work, family, and friends you just run out of time. Meals and eating routines are often the first or second thing to go when your schedule gets busy. Learning how to meal prep for a busy week can make a huge difference in your life. Maintaining nutrition will help you stay focused on your goals and relieve stress. This is one of the core reasons for starting Prep Yo Self.

Busy schedules sometimes don’t allow for cooking during the week or even sitting down for a meal. Although it is important to take time to relax and eat for mental health as well. Meal prepping can set you up for a smooth meal routine by having ingredients pre-prepped or entire meals ready-to-go.

Fast food or frozen food often becomes the solution in these situations and that’s not a healthy choice. Occasionally is one thing but when it turns into everyday you may want to review your meal plans.

When you get busy, every meal can be tough. Breakfast becomes a quick bite out the door if anything at all. Lunch becomes fast-food or vending machine snacks and dinner isn’t much better. This is especially tough if you’re responsible for cooking for more than just yourself.

Bulk meal prepping for a busy week makes a world of difference. Not all recipes can be completely finished ahead of time however the ingredients can be prepped. Every little thing that you can do to set yourself up for an easy week is worth it.

Schedule your grocery trip

Not having the right ingredients or any food at all in the house is one of the major reasons that people stop off at fast-food on the way home. It’s a lot more work to do an impromptu grocery store trip and then cook when you get home after a long day at work. Make sure you have the groceries ready to go at home before the week starts. Schedule your grocery trip days in advance and stick to it.

Stock up on ingredients for quick meals

Meal prepping for a busy week doesn’t have to be pre-cooking entire meals. Sometimes it just means stocking up on ingredients for easy meals and prepping them. Basic recipes or even sandwiches can be delicious with good ingredients and prepping vegetables and proteins ahead of time can make quick lunches and dinners easy. This means it’s more likely that you won’t opt for fast-food every time.

The important part for this approach is to remember that you have the ingredients in the fridge and actually use them before they go bad. Stock up on shelf stable ingredients to avoid food waste and costs.

Find your favorite recipes

Testing recipes to find the right ones for you and your family takes time. Often these recipes become staples in the meal prep routine. Consider recipes that work well for batch cooking and reheat well. Soups and stews can also be frozen and then thrown into a pot to reheat. There are tons of great recipes that make a large amount of food with less work and money.

Breakfast

Lunch & dinner

Casseroles: Basked Asparagus Tomato Egg Frittata
Soups and stews: Instant Pot Beef Udon
One-pan: One-Pan Taco Rice

Choosing large volume cooking options can also include instant pot or sheet pan recipes. These cooking techniques can maximize delicious food production with little effort. Cooking some chicken or pork in an instant pot on Sunday can yield protein for dinner for nearly the entire week.

Prep Yo Self Resources to help meal prep for a busy week

Tips For Meal Prepping in Batches

Meal prepping hacks can save you time, money, and keep you on your meal plan for longer. There are a lot of tips and tricks that you pick up along the way so we want to share them with you to assist in your meal prepping endeavors.

Organize Your Fridge
Choose Good Meal Prepping Recipes
Write Out Your Grocery List
And more read here

Cheap Dinner Ideas

Tasty dinners don’t need to be expensive to be delicious. Save money by choosing cheaper proteins like chicken, ground beef, tilapia and pair them with budget-friendly side dishes.

We love anything stuffed in a tortilla.
Casseroles are a great way to get the biggest bang for your buck with cheap ingredients.
There is nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of pasta for dinner.
And more read here

Meal Prepping Hacks

Cooking can be very time consuming and laborious however it doesn’t have to be. With these tips for meal prepping in batches, or batch cooking, you can be more efficient with delicious meals.

Choosing the right recipes
Invest in quality food storage containers
Utilize your entire kitchen
And more read here

Posted on September 19, 2023September 19, 2023 by Admin — Leave a comment

Gluten Free Meal Prepping

Gluten free meal prepping is necessary for some and for others a great option to work into a routine for a nutritional mix up. There are a lot of benefits to changing up diets on occasion and trying something new. A different diet breeds new creative meal routines and helps you discover new recipes and flavors. Less gluten in your meal prepping can be good for calorie management as well cutting out some of the less nutritional aspects of food like preservatives and overly processed grains.

Foods to include in your gluten free meal prepping:

Fruits and vegetables
Beans, seeds, legumes and nuts in their natural, unprocessed forms
Eggs
Lean, non processed meats, fish and poultry
Most low-fat dairy products

Not all grains contain gluten, gluten free grains include:

Amaranth
Arrowroot
Buckwheat
Corn — cornmeal, grits and polenta labeled gluten-free
Flax
Gluten-free flours — rice, soy, corn, potato and bean flours
Hominy (corn)
Millet
Quinoa
Rice, including wild rice
Sorghum
Soy
Tapioca (cassava root)
Teff

Always read the nutritional labels, even on products with “Gluten Free” labels. Foods that contain wheat, barley, rye or triticale — or an ingredient derived from them — must be labeled with the name of the grain in the label’s content list.

Oats are naturally gluten free however they’re often grown in fields with other wheats or processed in the same facility as other wheats. This causes cross contamination and can be difficult to predict. If you have celiac disease, it may be better to play it safe.

There are also a lot of foods that don’t specifically contain wheat, barley, rye or triticale but do contain gluten. These foods commonly contain gluten as a thickening or binding agent, flavoring or coloring.

Foods to consider avoiding

Beer, ale, porter, stout (usually contain barley)
Breads
Bulgur wheat
Cakes and pies
Candies
Cereals
Communion wafers
Cookies and crackers
Croutons
French fries
Gravies
Imitation meat or seafood
Malt, malt flavoring and other malt products (barley)
Matzo
Pastas
Hot dogs and processed lunch meats
Salad dressings
Sauces, including soy sauce (wheat)
Seasoned rice mixes
Seasoned snack foods, such as potato and tortilla chips
Self-basting poultry
Soups, bouillon or soup mixes
Vegetables in sauce

There are valuable nutrients that are missed on a gluten-free meal prepping diet. If you’re avoiding gluten for medical reasons, speak with your nutritionist or doctor for alternative options for replacing these nutrients.

Vitamins and nutrients missing from gluten free diets:

Iron
Calcium
Fiber
Thiamin
Riboflavin
Niacin
Folate

Prep Yo Self gluten free meal prepping recipes are created to be delicious, nutritious, and easy to cook on a busy schedule. Our recipes are also designed to store and reheat well for a meal prepping lifestyle.

All Gluten Free Recipes

Popular Gluten Free Meal Prepping Recipes

glass cup with chia pudding topped with mixed berries

Chia Pudding with Mixed Berries

Chia Pudding with Mixed Berries – a vibrant, nutrient-packed creation that spells a simple, healthy breakfast with a touch of culinary artistry. Enjoy your mornings with this fuss-free delight, and remember, meal prep isn’t just about saving time – it’s about embracing a delicious and nutritious lifestyle. Happy prepping! This post may contain affiliate links….

round plate with grilled skirt steak and roasted bok choy and shiitake mushrooms

Grilled Asian Skirt Steak with Roasted Bok Choy

Grilled Asian Skirt Steak with Roasted Bok Choy and Mushrooms is your gateway to delicious, health-conscious, budget-friendly meals that won’t leave you chained to the stove. Embrace the convenience, revel in the flavors, and let this recipe elevate your meal prep game like never before. You’ll definitely indulge in the gratification of crafting this scrumptiuous…

Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Gluten Free

Posted on September 10, 2023September 11, 2023 by Admin — Leave a comment

Low Carb Meal Prepping

Low carb meal prepping is nothing new but sometimes it helps to have a refresher and perhaps learn some new things. Low carb diets and meal routines have been around for decades and for many reasons. Many people use them to lose weight while others use them to manage health conditions, either way incorporating low carb diets can be effective for some people who want to consider mixing it into their meal prep.

Low carb meal prepping can be especially difficult for people with busy schedules. Sandwiches are so easy. Classic American sides like potatoes and corn are fast. Busy schedules often push nutrition to the backseat. It’s important to learn and practice healthy eating, especially when you’re busy, to stay physically and mentally healthy.

Not all carbs are created equal. Carbohydrates are a macronutrient found in many food sources and they come in different forms and can differ in nutritional value and have different effects on health. Many are found in a lot of forms such as simple sugars and starches. Many different foods provide carbs in these forms. From breads, milk, cookies, potatoes, soft drinks, corn and so much more. These types of high carb foods that come in simple carbohyrdate forms make up a big portion of American diets and consuming too many in an unbalanced diet can be unhealthy.

whole grain bread for low carb meal prepping

Carbohydrates are one of your body’s primary sources of energy and not all are unhealthy, especially complex carbs. There is no need to avoid them completely, and knowing how to incorporate them into your diet in moderation is key. Knowing your body’s carbohydrate needs is important and discussing this with your doctor or nutritionist is a good idea. The type of carbs is important as well and can be more important than the volume.

Healthy carbs that come in the form of complex carbohydrates can be found in minimally processed, more natural, foods such as whole grains, beans, vegetables, and fruit. These foods are a great source of fiber and other nutrients. These complex carbohydrates are digested more slowly and can help control your blood sugar to prevent spikes and also help keep you feeling full longer. The balance of carbs to other nutrients is great for these types of foods. Including whole grain options in a meal and pairing it with high protein and high fiber foods in a balanced meal makes it a healthier choice.

Unhealthy simple carbohydrates are essentially the opposite. Overly processed foods like white bread, pastries, and sodas. These foods contain far less nutrients and fiber and much more sugar and fat and are digested quickly and spike the blood sugar.

fresh fruit and juice for low carb meal prepping

When picking out ingredients for your low carb meal prepping, pay attention to the first few ingredients on the back of the container and read the nutrition label to see and look for options with no added sugar. Just because the food claims to be low carb doesn’t mean that it actually is. For example, some items that appear to be healthy such as yogurt may have added sugar. Other examples include beef jerky or sausage, but some are flavored with added sugar. Instant oatmeal does not provide the same level of whole grain as an old fashioned oat or steel cut oat. Opt for fresh fruit instead of juices. Whole fruit contains significantly more fiber and less sugar than most juices.

Low carb meal prepping can be easy once you learn great low carb recipes or ingredient substitutions. Many recipes can be altered to include healthier options while retaining the same flavor. Another option is to find common foods made with vegetables.

Instead of traditional pasta: vegetable pastas, squash noodles
Instead of chips: cheese crisps, organic pork rinds, or vegetable chips
Instead of potatoes: mashed cauliflower, beans
Instead of sodas: flavored sparkling water
Instead of white bread: keto breads, lavash breads, almond flour breads
There are many low carb or keto versions of popular ingredients as well such as tortillas.

Numerous diets, particularly new trending ones, suggest replacing some carbs with fats which can be a healthy option if managed appropriately. If that is the case, the incorporation of healthy fats like avocados and nuts into your meals, can be a fantastic choice when approached mindfully. While it’s not advised to completely overhaul every single meal with this approach, it’s important to acknowledge that individual dietary needs vary, and what works wonderfully for one person might not suit another’s unique digestion and nutritional requirements.

Low Carb Meal Prepping Recipes

All Low Carb Meal Prepping recipes

plate with salmon, bok choy, and diced butternut squash

Oven Roasted Honey Soy Glazed Salmon with Bok Choy and Butternut Squash

This Oven Roasted Honey Soy Glazed Bok Choy and Butternut Squash paired with Baked Salmon will be your meal prep go-to. It is a meal prep marvel that’s not only a treat for your taste buds but also a smart choice for your health, wallet, and schedule. With a burst of flavors and the delight…

Beef Zucchini Nachos

Easy Air Fryer Steak Kebabs Recipe

Air fryer steak kebabs are such a fun and great meal that you can enjoy with friends or family. Everybody loves eating food on a stick, especially kiddos! It’s also a great way to pack flavor and healthy ingredients together on a skewer. Ease of Making: Easy Kebabs are traditionally cooked on a skewer over…

Posted on August 25, 2023August 29, 2023 by Admin

Top 10 Seafood Meal Prep Recipes

Seafood meal prep recipes can be some of the most delicious and varied meals in your routine. Seafood is versatile and pairs with a unique set of flavors so different from beef and chicken. Tilapia, Salmon, Tuna, Shrimp, and so much more. The seafood aisle at your local grocery store has so many amazing choices and each ingredient can be used in so many ways. Start your seafood meal prep adventure with our top 10 most popular seafood meal prep recipes.

1. Easy Shrimp Ramen

By far our most popular seafood meal prep recipe is our Easy Shrimp Ramen recipe. We can’t recommend it enough!

Ramen is easily one of our favorite dishes at PrepYoSelf, especially heading into fall. As the weather cools there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of homemade ramen noodle soup. Even better, our Easy Shrimp Ramen is loaded with healthy ingredients with powerful benefits like the antioxidants in mushrooms and vitamins in bok choy. Antioxidants…

2. Baked Salmon with Butternut Squash

Fresh baked salmon is one the best seafood meal prep recipes. The nutrition and flavor is unbeatable. Paired with butternut squash noodles makes for a light meal that satiates the appetite. Salmon is always a great choice of fish for meal prep.

This meal prep Baked Salmon with Parmesan Butternut Squash Noodles is easy and simply perfect for a light and refreshing weekday lunch. It’s a great low carb meal with minimal ingredients that you can make in less than 20 minutes. Easy of Making: Easy When it comes to eating healthy, it’s all about including a…

3. Tilapia with Zucchini and Bell Peppers

One pan meals are great for cooking food simply. Simpler can be better for seafood as well. It’s easier to get the cook on the fish right when there is less to pay attention to. The zucchini and bell peppers provide a great contrast and healthy side to the Tilapia.

pan-seared-tilapia-with-zucchini-and-bell-peppers

Sheet pan meals are great for meal prepping. Our Tilapia with Zucchini and Bell Peppers meal prep recipe is quick and delicious. The perfect seafood recipe for dinner on a busy week.

4. Air Fryer Shrimp and Pineapple Kebabs

Shrimp kebabs are a favorite. The vegetables and pineapples work perfectly with the shrimp and it’s a beautiful dish. This is seafood meal prep recipe is great for impressing on week nights. Looks like a lot of work but it’s really actually simple.

Quick and easy Air Fryer Shrimp and Pineapple kebabs filled with tropical flavors that you’re going to love for your weekly meal prep. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Why We Enjoy These Air Fryer Shrimp Kebabs Food on skewers always just makes it more fun to eat!…

5. Grilled Balsamic Salmon with Watermelon Salad

This unlikely trio of flavors is an amazing contrast of flavors and colors. The balsamic drizzle blends the savory flavors of the salmon with the sweet watermelon. The juicy fruit and light, flaky fish is delicious and light. This recipe is a great way to mix up the routine as it’s very different and the experience is unique.

If you’re looking for a way to figure out what to do with so much watermelon, try this refreshing watermelon and mozzarella salad served with grilled salmon. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Watermelon is such a refreshing fruit that provides so many nutrients. We replaced tomatoes with…

6. Baked Pine Nut Crusted Tilapia with Spinach

Pine nut crusted tilapia is a wonderful preparation and this super healthy meal is very light and quick to make. This is a great seafood meal prep recipe as it’s easy to reheat and keeps well.

If you’re looking for a low-carb, keto-friendly meal, then you’ll enjoy this healthy baked white fish with a pinenut crust served with sauteed spinach. This post may contain affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy. Meal prepping can help you learn more about nutrition and how to treat food as fuel. Here’s a simple meal prep…

7. Smoked Salmon and Fruit Salad

This interesting take on salads will definitely be a mix up in your routine. The unique pairing of smoked salmon and fruits and veggies.

Smoked salmon with fruit salad sounds like an unlikely pairing however if you haven’t tried it you will be amazed. The smoky, salty salmon mixes perfectly with the medley of fruit. The fruit brings out the flavor of the salmon and the salmon highlights the sweetness of the fruits.

8. Healthy Shrimp And Bacon-Wrapped Broccolini

What’s better than shrimp? It’s bacon. Bacon wrapped Broccolini. This is a great side for a meal or a full meal prep. Tasty and easy to eat with your hands.

Perfect for a party appetizer, side dish, or as a pre-meal snack to impress, our shrimp with turkey bacon wrapped broccolini is a crowd pleaser no matter the crowd you’re trying to please. Who doesn’t love bacon? Psychopaths that’s who. (Sorry vegans, we will let you slide.) Ease of Making: Easy In this recipe, we…

9. Smoked Salmon English Muffin

The classic breakfast of smoked salmon and an English muffin. The avocado and cucumber help round out the flavor and creates a buttery texture on the muffin. The fatty avocado and salmon is a delicious blend of flavors that features a very satisfying eating experience.

White round plate with open faced english muffin topped with sliced avocado, smoked salmon, and sliced cucumber.

This open-faced Smoked Salmon English Muffin is the perfect healthy meal for busy mornings or an afternoon snack. It combines delicious smoked salmon with sliced avocados and comes together in less than 10 minutes for a great start to the day! This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Why…

10. How To Make Shrimp Soba Noodle Salad

Shrimp and noodle salad is a different take on the usual salad recipe. This seafood meal prep is easy, visually stunning, and delicious. It’s a great choice for an office meal or a meal on the go. It’s also a versatile recipe as the vegetables can all be substituted out easily to fit your taste preference.

Shrimp soba noodle salad is one of our favorite Japanese recipes and is incredibly easy-to-make, so it’s perfect for beginners. The soba noodle is in an underrated noodle that falls second to ramen in popularity and use. However, this buckwheat based noodle is as versatile as it is healthy, move over ramen there’s a new…

More about Seafood Meal Prep:

Choose the right seafood: Fresh seafood is preferred and picking the right seafood takes practice. The cost can fluctuate significantly as well as quality. Experiment with different types of seafood and different stores.
Safe storage: Seafood is highly perishable storage is crucial. Try to use any thawed seafood within a couple of days of purchase. You’ll find the smell of the seafood very telling about the freshness. It’s better to be safe and buy what you’ll use soon or freeze it.
Cook lightly: Seafood typically cooks quickly and has a tight window for the optimal internal cooking temperature. This takes practice and learning the cooking tools that you’re using. How your stove heats up, how your pan reacts, it all makes a difference.
Seafood safety: Seafood has a different set of rules from steak and chicken. In some ways it can be easier but in others it can be strict. If you’re not comfortable cooking seafood, do your research and test as you go.
A whole new world of flavors: Seafood meal prep is amazing. It opens up a whole new set of flavors and combinations that you can work into your routine. We highly suggest mixing up your choice of protein to keep your meal routine fresh.

View All Seafood Recipes

Free Weekly Meal Plans

Try out our weekly meal plans with tasty recipes. We make your shopping list and show you how to prep your meals.

Get Meal Plans

Posted on August 20, 2023August 20, 2023 by Admin — Leave a comment

High Protein Meal Prep Tips

High protein meal prep isn’t just for people trying to build muscles. Protein is connected to much more than that.

High protein meals help you feel full faster so you won’t be as inclined to binge eat. It also helps with managing appetites so if you are trying to find a good rhythm and routine, add more protein into your diet.

Protein helps lower blood pressure which is a very important health consideration and many people base their entire meal plan around it. High protein foods will help and even if you don’t have high blood pressure now, it doesn’t hurt.

Protein boosts the metabolism, increasing fat burning which will help with weight loss and management. Even if you’re not trying to bulk for the gym but instead lose a few pounds, protein helps.

pork carnitas ingredients - high protein meal prep

High protein diets can also help with the body’s absorption of calcium and improve bone strength and health. It will also improve the rate at which the body heals after injury.

This list of ingredients is not the entire list of high-protein foods; however these are some of the most popular options because of affordability, accessibility, and flavor. These days, many recipes call for high-protein ingredients as the benefits are much more well known.

Maximizing protein everyday can be tough but it’s easy to make substitutions while you’re meal prepping. Many of these ingredients have long shelf lives and can be stocked in your kitchen until you’re ready to use them. Having them on hand will make it easier to swap them in.

Top High Protein Ingredients

Black & Lima Beans: Beans are a great addition to many meals and are so easy to make. They’re also very affordable and have a long shelf life.
Salmon: Salmon may not be the most affordable ingredient on this list but it is high in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon can fill you up fast. When buying fish, just like with any other types of meat, look for deals, ask the butcher, buy in bulk and trim/cut yourself.
Cauliflower: Cauliflower has become one of the most common vegetable substitutes for carbs and meats. From cauliflower rice to cauliflower buffalo wings. This versatile veggie can do it all. It’s also high in protein so keep some in your meal prep rotation and it’ll be easy to pivot if you want to.
Broccoli and Asparagus: Although these veggies are not well known as high protein foods, they’re popular meal prep ingredients and can be good substitutes for other veggies that offer very little protein or nutrients.
Eggs: The wonder ingredient, eggs. Versatile, delicious, and high in protein – eggs can be added to almost any dish and prepared in many ways. Eggs should definitely be on your list when your increasing protein in your meal prep.
Beef: Ground lean beef is a good affordable option with high amounts of protein. Although it may not have as much protein for the weight as other meats, beef is very versatile and it’s difficult to just eat chicken with every meal.
Chicken and Turkey: Both of these options are great and fairly interchangeable. Turkey tends to be a little cheaper and higher in protein but chicken isn’t far behind it. Try mixing it up between these two and add a bit of variety to your routine.
Oats: Oats can be a good option with complex carbohydrates and a good amount of protein that is not meat. If you have a vegetarian or vegan meal plan, oats are a great addition. Just remember to read the label and pay attention to sugars and other ingredients that have been added which may not be great for your diet.
Tuna: Especially canned tuna, which provides a large amount of protein, is affordable, and has a long shelf life. Canned tuna can round out a lot of meals with a unique and strong flavor. Consider substituting tuna for other proteins for a healthier option.
Spirulina: A biomass of cyanobacteria, which doesn’t sound as appetizing, however it often comes in powdered form and can easily be added to smoothies and juices. Spirulina is a great source of a ton of essential nutrients including protein, vitamin B, and iron.
Guava: One of the few fruits on this list, Guava is a sweet, tropical fruit that is delicious, a good source of protein and vitamin C, and a great addition to a lot of meals. Guava goes very well with sweet and tangy sauces, chicken, and salads.
Hemp Seeds: Hemp seeds can be a good addition to your meal to add a bit of crunch and protein. Consider replacing elements of your favorite recipes with hemp seeds to mix it up.
Chia Seeds: Much like Hemp seeds, Chia seeds provide a good amount of protein as well as omega-3’s and other essential nutrients. The next time you meal prep, sprinkle some chia seeds on top as a healthy, high-protein garnish.
Peas: Peas may not have the most protein but they’re affordable and can be frozen so they last a long time. For meal prepping, this is a great vegetable to keep in the freezer and add to a meal or replace another ingredient to boost the protein.
Chickpeas: Chickpeas can be found in a lot of cuisines (especially Mediterranean) and if you’re looking for a vegetarian meal routine, chickpeas are a great addition. High in protein and fiber as well as being delicious and versatile, these legumes should be in your repertoire. They make great snacks as well so if you need something between meals, prepare some chickpeas instead of eating chips.
Greek Yogurt and Cottage Cheese: Plain Greek yogurt is delicious in smoothies, in sauces, or on the side as a dip for your meal prep. The same can be said for cottage cheese. There are a lot of recipes that take a classic sauce and substitute in these options for a healthier, high protein meal. They’re also versatile and work with savory or sweet as well as part of a meal or a snack.
Quinoa: One of the original “super” foods. Quinoa has become a staple of many high protein recipes these days. It’s one of a few complete vegetable protein sources. Quinoa tends to replace rice or other carbohydrates in meals but can also work well in other ways like salad toppings.
Almonds and Pistachios: Nuts in general tend to pack in the protein and almonds and pistachios are some of the best for it. There are a ton of snack options on the shelves for both of these but it’s also easy to make your own snack backs with these nuts. Look for recipes so you can save your money and more importantly control the additives that tend to make shelf snacks less healthy.
Lentils: Lentils are legumes, much like chickpeas, that offer a ton of protein for their weight and can easily be added to meals. Consider swapping rice or even quinoa for lentils to mix it up and keep a variety of options open.

Featured High Protein Meal Prep Recipes

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas Tostadas

This Instant Pot Pork Carnitas is a game changer for your weekly dinner meal prep! It tastes as if it came from a restaurant, but you don’t have to break the budget by making it yourself at home. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. What Are Pork Carnitas?…

Baked Meatloaf Patties and Roasted Green Beans

Balsamic Baked Chicken

This balsamic baked chicken recipe combines succulent bone-in chicken thighs with a flavorful marinade for a delicious and easy-to-make dish. The marinade, consisting of balsamic dressing, honey, olive oil, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, infuses the chicken with rich and aromatic flavors.

Posted on August 13, 2023August 13, 2023 by Admin — Leave a comment

One Pot Meal Tips

These one pot meal tips can prepare you to meal prep amazing dishes that are easy to make and require little clean up. This doesn’t just mean soups and stews, one pan or sheet pan meals also count and these tips will help regardless of the cooking utensil.

One pot meals deliver deep flavors that are difficult to achieve with other methods. Since everything is cooked together the flavors build on each other and blend together to balance the flavor notes. Just because the flavors are blended into a single dish doesn’t mean that it’s simple. This is also a great way to incorporate ingredients that you don’t typically care for. A great one pot recipe maintains flavor notes from different major ingredients lending to every mouthful creating a journey of different taste bud experiences. With the right recipe and the right one pot meal tips, you can cook delicious dishes that taste like they require hours of work but are actually pretty easy.

Ingredients Tips For One Pot Meals

Every recipe benefits from fresh ingredients. In season ingredients are usually better tasting and cheaper. However this isn’t always possible so consider the impact on the overall flavor if the recipe calls for fresh ingredients. Frozen or dried can increase the intensity of the flavors or diminish them. This does require balance and tasting as you go, or testing different methods. Most one pot meals allow for tasting as you go or tend to be so quick and easy that testing variations can be quick.

Before you start cooking anything, prep your ingredients. One pot meals can go fast and some require a decent amount of prep for each ingredient. You don’t want to be rushing while your dish is over cooking. Cut vegetables, prep meats, layout herbs and spices. This step will also help avoid missing an important ingredient or timing.

The Right Pot For The Job

One of the most important one pot meal tips is to pick the right cooking pot, pan, or sheet pan for the dish. The last thing you want to do is choose a utensil that is too small for all of your ingredients. As you prep your ingredients you can measure the total ingredients and going a little bigger is always a safe choice. Also, while choosing recipes make sure you own or are prepared to buy the right cooking dish for the recipe. If you’re cooking a recipe that requires a wok you can get away with a pan but it won’t be the exact same. Even high sided sauté pans can make a big difference. You can usually make variations work but you may find yourself making it harder on yourself than it needed to be.

Pay attention to the recipe instructions for the pot lid. Also make sure you have a pot lid for your cooking utensil. Keeping the pot lid on will increase heat while removing the lid will remove moisture from the dish. This can be helpful if you’re trying to reduce stock and concentrate flavors however you can also find yourself drying out the dish which can sneak up on you. If this does happen, add more stock and you should be fine in most cases.

Cooking Tips For One Pot Meals

Now to start cooking your one pot meal. If your recipe includes a protein, brown the meat first. This lets you get a good sear on the meat that will maintain the integrity of the meat and trap in the flavors for a wonderful bite. Nobody wants a mushy, bland bite of beef or chicken. If you don’t start with this step you may add stock that will prevent a good sear or you’ll clutter up your pot making it difficult for the meat to lay on the bottom of the pot (the hottest part of the pot). However, follow the recipe when in doubt.

Depending on the recipe, you want to build flavors slowly. One pot meals benefit from a blending of flavors and expressing the flavors from each ingredient can take time. Don’t rush the process. Pay attention to cooking times in the recipe. There are one pot meals that can happen fast though. Wok recipes can cook very rapidly but building the flavors in the right order is still very important.

The next most important one pot meal tip is to add ingredients in the correct order. Good recipes will provide you with the order however the rule is to add ingredients in the order based on the cooking times that they need. If you go out of order you can turn the ingredient into a mushy mess or destroy the flavor. Many flavors are subtle and can’t handle prolonged heat. While other ingredients have flavors that change dramatically in heat. Some greens can become very bitter and will upset the dish. Tasting as you go can help you balance this but it’s very difficult to go backwards and remove ingredients after you’ve added them. Another great method is to add ingredients in layers. Layer ingredients based on cooking times with the longer cooking times at the bottom and the top layers being the most sensitive. This can also help if the recipe is a little vague on steps or if the prepared ingredients are cut in a different way than the recipe calls for. Thicker cut vegetables are easier on prep but will change the cooking times. Add green veggies last. These tend to cook fast and can only take a couple of minutes before becoming overcooked.

The stock you use in the meal can completely shape the whole dish or ruin it. If you can make your own stocks from quality ingredients this will produce a better more natural flavor. Using the bones from a chicken or fish is a great use of what is otherwise trash. They contain a ton of flavor but aren’t edible. When you use store bought stocks, which is a popular method since making and storing your own stocks is not always an option, be sure to check ingredients and manage salt levels. Store stocks tend to be saltier than necessary. Even more salty is stock cubes. Plenty of cooks hate stock cubes but there are many recipes that call for them and have already taken into consideration the addition of the salty flavors. Just make sure if you taste as you go and don’t add extra salt until you’re getting closer to the finished meal. It’s much easier to add salt than to remove it.

Final One Pot Meal Tips

There are many important ingredients that are common across many one pot meals. Keeping them in the kitchen is a great way to short cut your grocery shopping. Also, if you already have them then use them. Avoiding food waste is the best way to save money and the environment. This one pot meal tip can save you a ton of headache and money.

Beans: Many one pot meals call for beans since they add a hearty, healthy flavor to the dish as well as provide a good source of nutrients. Dried or canned beans are a great ingredient to keep in the pantry since they can last a very long time.

Sauces and Pastes: Many dishes from a cuisine use similar sauces and pastes which impart the flavor of the culture. Each cuisine tends to use different sauces and pastes and these are very hard to leave out of a dish and have it tasting how you wanted. These can also be quite pricey so pay attention to what you have in your pantry already and consider cooking recipes that call for the ingredients that you already have.

Herbs and Spices: These ingredients can be pricey and depending on the type can go bad quickly. Fresh herbs and spices don’t last as long while dried ingredients provide less flavor. If you do have fresh herbs or spices on hand, consider recipes that use them. If you’re using dried spices, be prepared to use more than the recipe calls for if the instructions use fresh ingredients.

Popular One Pot Meals

Sheet Pan Shrimp and Cauliflower with Corn

Oven Baked Orange Ginger Salmon

Celery & Peanut Chicken Stir Fry

One-Pot Chicken Marinara with Kale and Sweet Potato

All Recipes

Posted on August 5, 2023August 11, 2023 by Admin

Top 10 Breakfast Recipes

round plate with glass meal prep container with breakfast pizza with egg, naan bread, and vegetables

Breakfast can be one of the easiest meal prep meals to make however variety is important to keep you smiling every time you open the fridge. Our top 10 breakfast recipes will do just that. There is a ton of variety, perfect for every diet type. They’re also delicious and nutritious!

For many people, breakfast is the meal you grab on the way out of the house. It’s a quick meal that’s just there to hold you over until lunch. These recipes will have you looking forward to breakfast.

1. Oven Baked Oats with Apricots & Berries

Whether it’s cooked on the stovetop or baked in the oven, baked oatmeal is a healthy meal prep breakfast that you can combine with creative toppings for a healthy breakfast or delicious snack.

It is an excellent source of soluble fiber that promotes improving LDL and cholesterol levels. Oats contain antioxidants that can help reduce blood pressure. Oatmeal helps you keep full by slowing down the emptying of the stomach which can help with weight loss and decrease the risk of obesity. It is also a great vehicle for nutritious fruit toppings such as bananas, apples, pears, and strawberries

baked oatmeal - most popular meatless recipes

Get the recipe:
Oven Baked Oats with Apricots & Berries Recipe

2. Smoked Salmon English Muffin

There is no cooking involved! All you need to do is slice up some ingredients and assemble it all together. Definitely a major timesaver!

Get the recipe:
Smoked Salmon English Muffin

3. Cinnamon Toast Quinoa Crunch with Strawberries

If you enjoy oatmeal for breakfast, try this healthy breakfast alternative. It is a sweet and nutty cinnamon-toasted quinoa recipe. Feel good and start the day off with this super healthy bowl of nutrients!

While we often enjoy quinoa as a stand-in for rice at dinner time, we’re sharing the love for this superfood and giving it a deserved spot at our table as a healthy breakfast option

It is super nutritious just like oatmeal. It’s high in protein and contains high fiber, it is gluten-free, and easy to digest.
This breakfast quinoa is a great vegetarian, gluten-free option for breakfast.
It’s super fluffy and you can dress it up with whatever toppings and other nutritious fruits you enjoy.

Get the Recipe:
Cinnamon Toast Quinoa Crunch with Strawberries

4. Open Faced Omelette

Omelettes are a staple of any home kitchen for busy people and cost focused grocery shoppers. This versatile dish can be made with any toppings it’ll probably be good. Our version uses a mix of healthy and delicious additions which also bring a bit of color to the plate. The savory style omelette is high in protein and easy on the calories. It’s also incredibly quick to whip up and cook. Our top 10 breakfast recipes list wouldn’t be complete without it.

Get the Recipe:
Open Faced Omelette

5. Cranberry Oatmeal Muffin Bars

These fruity cranberry oatmeal muffin bars are a treat that you can enjoy for breakfast, snacks, and even dessert!

We enjoy prepping make ahead breakfasts for the week so that we always have something on hand to start off the day with fuel and energy. And actually, the cranberries, oats, and a pinch of cinnamon make this recipe enjoyable to eat any time of they day.

Get the recipe:
Cranberry Oatmeal Muffin Bars

6. Scrambled Eggs with Sausage and Kale

Everyone has had some variation of this dish. It’s a classic eggs, meat and veggie breakfast. There are many ways to make it but our version maximizes the flavors from each component while staying healthy. The eggs and sausage are a great source of protein while the kale and tomatoes provide Vitamin C and other nutrients. This recipe is sure to fill you up without making you feel sluggish and sleepy. We had to include a classic dish in our top 10 breakfast recipes list.

Get the recipe:
Scrambled Eggs with Sausage and Kale

7. Baked Breakfast Egg Stuffed Peppers

Baked breakfast stuffed peppers are perfect for a low-carb breakfast, brunch, or even as an afternoon snack.

We love the natural sweetness of bell peppers, and using them as a vessel to bake eggs in them is an added bonus! And to level it up, we are topping it off with bold flavors such as harissa and pistachio pesto.

Savory breakfast is definitely something we look forward to in the mornings. And it’s even better when it’s nutritious and flavorful in one bite. Here are the ingredients we used for our egg-stuffed peppers:

Get the recipe:
Baked Breakfast Egg Stuffed Peppers

8. Breakfast Potatoes with Taco Meat

Imagine combining the crispy goodness of pan-fried potatoes with the savory deliciousness of taco meat. Trust me, it’s a match made in culinary heaven! Not only will this dish tantalize your taste buds, but it will also help you make the most of your leftovers. Get ready to transform that extra taco meat into a breakfast delight that will make your mornings brighter. Let’s dive in!

Variety and Convenience: One of the reasons I adore making pan-fried potatoes with taco meat for meal prep is the amazing variety it adds to your weekly menu.

Versatility: The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Not only can you savor taco meat as a main course, but you can also repurpose the leftovers into a delightful breakfast.

Time and Money-Saving: Let’s talk about the practical benefits, shall we? Making pan-fried breakfast potatoes with taco meat is a fantastic way to save time and money. By incorporating leftovers into your meal prep routine, you’ll reduce food waste and stretch your budget further.

round plate with sliced potatoes rounds, ground beef, and diced bell peppers

Get the recipe:
Breakfast Potatoes with Taco Meat

9. Healthy Breakfast Pizza

This breakfast pizza is a delicious and satisfying way to start your day. You’ll feel energized and ready to tackle whatever comes your way. And let’s face it, breakfast pizza is just plain fun to eat and it’s a healthy pizza!

Breakfast pizza can be a healthy pizza, if you choose nutritious ingredients. Start with a whole grain crust and lots of vegetables to boost the nutrients in your pizza.
Prepping it in advance makes it convenient for you to have a healthy option readily available for the mornings. You can store it in the refrigerator or freezer and just heat it up quickly for busy mornings when you don’t have time to prepare breakfast in the mornings.
You also have the flexibility to add a variety of toppings such as eggs, sausage, cheese, vegetables, and herbs you have on hand.

Round plate with breakfast pizza that has egg topping, bell pepper, and red onions.

Get the recipe:
Healthy Breakfast Pizza

10. Baked Asparagus and Tomato Egg Frittata

Hello, my breakfast-loving friends! Let’s talk about the sheer ease of making this delightful Asparagus and Tomato Egg Frittata. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll be on your way to a delicious and satisfying meal. Get ready to savor every bite and start your day on a scrumptious note! Happy Prepping!

This recipe also caters to those with diabetes or anyone looking to maintain a balanced blood sugar level. With its low-carb profile and nutrient-packed ingredients, the Baked Asparagus and Tomato Egg Frittata won’t send your glucose levels on a rollercoaster ride. Asparagus is a superstar vegetable with a low glycemic index, meaning it won’t cause drastic spikes in blood sugar. Combined with juicy tomatoes and protein-rich eggs, this frittata strikes the perfect balance to keep you feeling energized and satisfied throughout the day. A perfect recipe to round out our top 10 breakfast recipes that’ll have you looking forward to waking up every morning.

white rectangular baking dish with asparagus and tomato egg frittata

Get the recipe:
Baked Asparagus and Tomato Egg Frittata

More about Breakfast Meals:

Breakfast sets the tone for your day and provides the essential nutrients and energy to kick-start your metabolism. When you meal prep breakfast, you can ensure that your meals are balanced and nutritious, incorporating a mix of proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
Meal prepping breakfast can also be cost-effective. Buying ingredients in bulk and preparing them yourself can save money compared to purchasing pre-made breakfast options or eating out regularly.
A nutritious breakfast can enhance mental clarity, focus, and productivity, which are essential for a productive day ahead.
Plan your recipes, make a grocery list, prep all of your ingredients and cooks as much in advance as you know you’ll use.

View All Breakfast Recipes

Free Weekly Meal Plans

Try out our weekly meal plans with tasty recipes. We make your shopping list and show you how to prep your meals.

Get Meal Plans

Posted on June 18, 2023June 18, 2023 by Admin

Best Meal Prepping Containers

Containers are one of the most important parts of meal prepping. They are what allow for food to be portioned out, stored and reheated later. There are a ton of options out there for storing food and everyone can have different needs so we put together a short list of some of the best meal prepping containers.

From price to size and material, there are a lot of ways to consider your container needs. Do you want a set that will last you for years or do you prefer containers that you can lose or break and not worry about? Also consider what kind of food you like to meal prep. Some containers may work better for portioning out vegetables, proteins and fruits, keeping your food from mixing too much. Reheating is another consideration. If you plan to microwave your food in the container you may want to use a dish with sturdier materials to avoid staining, warping or destroying it by constantly microwaving it. Lastly, the lid. Different lids provide different solutions to the same problem. High quality meal prep containers tend to have stronger lids and that may be important for you if you carry your food in a bag that can tip it over.

This list of the best meal prepping containers includes a variety of types and having different sets can be extremely helpful when you’re mixing up your recipe routine or forget to do the dishes.

1. Glass Lock Oven Safe Storage Containers

If you’re looking for high quality, durable and versatile meal prepping containers, Glass Lock provides a great product. The Tempermax glass means you can store meals in these containers in the freezer, pull them out and heat them up in the oven without using other dishes. This is incredibly convenient for the cooking and the cleaning. The lid is not oven safe but does come with locking flaps that provide a strong seal on the containers. Glass Lock containers are a great choice for meal preppers who make a lot of meals at once, take their food to work everyday or want a product that will stick around and be usable for years.

Glass Lock Oven Safe meal prepping containers

GLASSLOCK 24 Piece Oven/Microwave Safe Glass Meal Prep Containers

Price: $55

It comes with various size and shape and each shape has been designed to nest and stack to keep your kitchen organized and fresh.
TEMPERMAX technology gives high thermal resistance so it can be used from freezer to oven. With excellent durability, airtight & leak proof function, Glasslock guarantees the freshness of your food.

Shop Glasslock meal prep containers

2. Rubbermaid Fresh Works Storage Containers

The Rubbermaid Fresh Works containers are more niche however anyone who stores veggies and fruits in the fridge often knows how difficult it is to keep them at just the right freshness so they’re delicious and have a great texture. These containers have a built in air vent that helps keep your vegetables crisp and your fruits succulent. The filter doesn’t require changing so don’t worry about on-going costs.

These containers may not be as versatile as some of the other containers on this list but fruits and vegetables don’t last long and can cost a lot so anything helps. It’s great to keep a couple of these around, especially if you are struggling to eat all of your fruits and veg before you have to throw them out.

rubbermaid fresh works storage meal prepping containers

Rubbermaid 6-Piece Produce Saver Meal Prep Containers

Price: $28

KEEP PRODUCE FRESHER LONGER: Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Saver uses FreshVent technology to regulate airflow, so your produce stays fresher longer.
BUILT-IN FILTER: The built-in FreshVent filter in these Rubbermaid containers regulates the flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide to create the optimal environment for your fresh produce; the filter lasts a lifetime—no refills needed
EASY TO USE: Simply place unwashed and uncut produce in the FreshWorks container and place container in the fridge; FreshWorks works best when only one type of produce is stored in a container
SPACE SAVING: Modular, space-efficient design for easy kitchen organization; bases nest inside each other, and one lid fits multiple bases

Shop Rubbermaid 6-Piece Meal Prep Containers

3. Pyrex Large Containers

Pyrex is a famous brand of kitchen cookware and containers. They provide some of the best meal prepping containers and products. We highly recommend having a set of these in the kitchen. Everyone is bound to use these at some point. Whether you’re a serious meal prepper or end up with leftovers from a restaurant, these containers are a great choice. They work in the freezer and the oven so their usability rating is high. Just make sure to remove the lid before sticking it in the oven.

Pyrex has also become a very affordable brand with the same level of quality. They’re tough to break and reheat food very evenly.

pyrex containers 4 set of meal prepping containers

Pyrex Storage 4 Cup Round Dish, Pack of 4 Containers

Price: $29

MADE IN USA – There is Nothing like American Quality, American Design, American Work; Support local workers
QUALITY – The quality of items made right here in the USA are not comparable to items made elsewhere; BPA free; Plastic Cover is dishwasher safe (top rack only)
Pyrex containers with lids will help your food stay fresh for a longer while thus eliminating food waste; Ideal for refrigerator and freezer storage or taking food on the go

Shop Pyrex 4 Cup Round Dish Meal Prep Container Set

4. Ziploc Reusable Bags

Most everyone has used Ziploc bags before. The problem is that after one use, you throw them out. You end up going through an unnecessary amount of plastic waste. Tupperware solves that problem but those are hard containers that don’t always fit the needs. Like including them in a lunch box. That’s a job for plastic bags but not just regular plastic bags. The reusable plastic bags from Ziploc will save you money and the environment. They’re dishwasher safe, durable, tight sealing and can handle an amazing range of temperatures. This is one of the few, if not only, plastic bags that is freezer and oven safe. We highly recommend you keeping a set of these in the kitchen for lunch snacks or entire meals.

ziploc reusable meal prepping container bags

Ziploc Endurables, Reusable Silicone Bags, 2 Pack

Price: $20

Ziploc Endurables seamlessly go from freezer, to oven, to table – to anywhere you go
Durable, reusable silicone, Small Container holds up to 2 cups and features a wide base with feet to help with standing and filling
Cool Grab Tabs allow for easy handling after heating
Secure Seal Technology helps prevent spills
Heat Safe silicone can be used in temperatures up to 425°F

Shop Ziploc Endurable Meal Prep Containers

5. Glad Freezer Containers

These are some of the most iconic and classic meal prepping containers. Gladware has been around for a while and their affordable and durable plastic containers are what most people have in the kitchen. They do the job pretty well and is a good option if you don’t want to risk losing more expensive containers at work or on a day trip.

Gladware freezer containers are a good all around choice however there are limitations in how hot you can get them unlike the glass containers.

gladware freezer meal prepping containers

Gladware Freezerware Food Storage Containers Bundle

Price: $18

BUNDLE – This Gladware Freezerware bundle includes (4) 24 oz containers and (2) 64 oz Containers for food
AIRTIGHT FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS – Airtight food storage containers extend the lifetime of your leftovers and reduce mess. Perfect for the meal prep maven.
FREEZE LEFTOVERS WITH FREEZERWARE – Keep your large leftovers frozen and freezer-burn-free in these large, reusable containers.
TOP-RACK DISHWASHER SAFE – Gladware food containers resist heat and withstand moisture, making them safe to use on the top-rack of your dishwasher.
INTERLOCKING LIDS – Stackable containers and lids keep your cupboards neat and organized, saving you time and space

Shop for Farberware Nonstick Oven Pans

6. Prep Naturals Snack Containers

Similar to the Glass Lock containers, the Prep Naturals meal prepping containers are amazing. They’re high quality, can handle the freezer, microwave and oven. The lids use a similar locking flap for an airtight seal and they look stunning. One big difference is the compartments in these containers which may be important to you if you like to pack meals that have separate components. This set is more affordable than the Glass Lock but you can be sure that these containers will last just as long. Prep Natural is a brand designed for meal preppers and it shows in the product.

Prep Nautrals snack and meal prepping containers

Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers

Price: $30

Save time and money – If you’re looking for an easy way to save money and time, Prep Naturals meal prep containers glass 2 compartment are the solution. Handsome and easy to use, these glass meal prep containers with lids are perfect cupcake carriers.
Easy to warm or freeze – made from borosilicate glass, the food storage containers are freezable, microwavable and oven safe. As a bonus, the smart locking lids with vents of the glass food prep containers make your food warming a breeze. (lids are not microwave, oven or dishwasher safe)

Shop Prep Naturals Glass Meal Prep Containers

7. Small Containers for Sauces

No one ever thinks about sauce containers until they find themselves prepping a meal that needs a sauce to stay separate and there is no space for it in the tupperware container. Most people just carry around an entire bottle of sauce with them. Which is a solution but not an elegant one. Also, home made sauces will need their own container. Often the sauce gets an entire full size container to itself. These stainless steel containers with lids are an awesome solution. You can carry them separately from the rest of the food with the leak-proof lid or pop the little cup into the same container as the food but keeping the sauce from coating the food prematurely. The cute, colorful lids also help keep the sauces distinguished from one another if you have mutliple.

[8 Pack] Reusable Stainless Steel, 2.4oz

Price: $12

PORTABLE SIZE : Each features 2.6” x 1.7”. and 2.4oz(70ml). Perfect Size for packing sauces, salad dressings, peanut butter, jams, dressings, snacks, etc.
RELIABLE MATERIAL: The small containers with lids are made of high quality 18/8 stainless steel and food grade safe silicone, BPA free, non-toxic. It can completely replace disposable containers and avoid environmental pollution caused by them. Totally dishwasher and fridge safe.
100% LEAKPROOF : The upgraded silicone lids provide better air-tightness to keep the dipping condiment cups sealed and keep the sauce or condiment inside fresh. No spills or leaks would happened in your bag!

Shop Reusable Stainless Steel Meal Prep Containers

Additional Recommendations

Choose the right containers: Opt for containers that are microwave-safe, leak-proof, and stackable. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers are good options. Select containers in various sizes to accommodate different meal portions.

Portion out your meals: Use the containers to divide your meals into individual servings. Start with a base like cooked grains or pasta, add protein, and then include vegetables and sauces. Ensure that each container has a balanced combination of macronutrients.

Label and date containers: To keep track of your meals, label each container with the meal type and the date it was prepared. This helps you prioritize the meals and ensures you consume them before they expire.

Store properly: Place your meal prepping containers in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on the shelf life of the ingredients. Keep them organized by arranging them neatly and stacking them to save space.

Reheat with caution: If your containers are microwave-safe, you can heat your meals directly in them. However, be sure to remove any lids or covers that are not microwave-safe. Alternatively, transfer the food to a microwave-safe dish for reheating.

Maintain food safety: Remember to follow proper food safety guidelines when using meal prepping containers. Ensure that your ingredients are fresh and properly cooked before assembling the meals. Store perishable items at safe temperatures and consume them within the recommended time frame.

Free Weekly Meal Plans

Try out our weekly meal plans with tasty recipes. We make your shopping list and show you how to prep your meals.

Get Meal Plans

Posted on June 12, 2023June 12, 2023 by Admin

Air Fryer Cooking Tips

The air fryer is one of our favorite cooking appliances and gets used multiple times a week, every week. Air fryer cooking achieves crispy exteriors with thoroughly cooked interiors – easily, quickly and without making a big mess. Conventional ovens are still necessary for a lot of recipes but for small batches, the air fryer is a great choice.

We’re not the only ones either. The Air fryer has taken over cooking blogs and social media recipes. Since this appliance is so popular and so new, we thought that many home chefs would benefit from some helpful air fryer cooking tips. Air fryers can be different so we would recommend you look into your exact model and brand.

1. Preheat the air fryer

Just like the conventional oven, preheating your air fryer will improve the quality of your cook. This helps cook the food more evenly and if you are following a timed recipe, will also make sure the food has been thoroughly cooked. Since otherwise the time it takes to get up to temp will not be effectively cooking.

2. Check if your food is thoroughly cooked

Air fryers cook at different temperatures and with a different method so even if you’re following a recipe, check to see if the food is done. The same rules apply to air fryers as to the conventional oven. Check internal temperatures or cut the food in half to be sure. Different models and brands also cook differently so even an air fryer recipe may have some variation in it.

3. Air fryers run hot

Air fryers typically cook at higher temperatures than a conventional oven, up to 25°F (15°C). We recommend that you adjust your temperatures when following a recipe meant for an oven or risk over cooking your food.

4. Don’t crowd the basket

This is the toughest one for me. I always want to fit just a little more into the basket but it’s not a good idea. The food needs to have space around it so that the hot air of the “air fryer” can envelop it. If you overcrowd your air fryer you risk an even cook, food that isn’t cooked thoroughly or just unpleasant textures (no crisp on your nuggets)

5. Go light on the oil

Air fryers need less oil so use a light coating of oil sprayed on the food. This helps with getting a crispy texture. Test different amounts for different foods to find what works best for you but remember you can always add oil. Also consider getting a spray bottle that you can fill with oil rather than using store bought aerosol oils.

6. Easily stick-able foods

Parchment paper and non-stick spray can be life savers, or at least food savers, when working with foods that tend to stick to the cooking surface. Delicate foods like fish can easily get torn up when trying to get it off of the basket bottom. Think ahead and save yourself a lot of headache.

7. Flip halfway

Just like with the overcrowding of the food tip, making sure that every part of the food has good circulation around it is key for an even cook. This means that halfway through giving the basked a good shake or flip will help with getting the bottoms as evenly cooked as the top. This is a key air fryer cooking tip for making better food.

8. Preheat individual ingredients

The air fryer is amazing but it’s not magical. Some frozen foods, doughs, and other foods need a bit of thawing or preheating before they are air fried.

9. Clean the air fryer

Air fryers are small, are used often, and have oily air circulating. This means it’s much more important to clean the appliance regularly and properly. Look your brand up online or follow the instructions provided when you unboxed it. Air fryers do not clean themselves.

10. Experiment

Air fryers are versatile cooking appliances. They can open up a lot of options and they’re so easy and quick that it’s not a big endeavor to test. The air fryer also cooks differently than conventional ovens and microwaves so you may find some amazing combinations of flavors and textures that you couldn’t achieve before.

With these air fryer cooking tips you are all set to make the best air fryer food. We recommend that you start here with some of our favorite air fryer recipes.

All Air Fryer Recipes

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