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Best Meal Prep Containers – Gift Edition

This is a perfect time to update, upgrade, or replace your meal prep containers with more of the Best Meal Prep Containers – Gift Edition. Whether you’re treating yourself or the meal prepper in your life, this list will provide you plenty of options from cheap to expensive, full meal to portions, and silicone to glass and even ceramic.

Meal prep containers should fit the type of food you’re cooking. Many meals work better with individual compartments while others keep better with good insulation. Having a variety of meal prep containers available can also open up your meal routine. You feel more freedom to try new recipes when you know you have the perfect container for it.

Need more information before you select the best meal prep container for you or as a gift? Here is some helpful details for understanding the materials and their benefits (this post contains affiliate links):

Plastic containers:

  • Lightweight and portable.
  • Inexpensive and widely available.
  • Durable and resistant to breakage.

Glass containers:

  • Generally more durable and long-lasting compared to plastic.
  • Environmentally friendly and recyclable.
  • Non-reactive and doesn’t absorb odors or stains.

Silicone containers:

  • Flexible and collapsible, saving storage space.
  • Lightweight.
  • Resistant to stains and odors.

Ceramic containers:

  • Oven-safe and can withstand high temperatures.
  • Resistant to odors and stains.
  • Durable and long-lasting.

1. Bentgo® Modern – Versatile 4-Compartment Meal Prep Containers

Chic and modern, it’s even in the name, the Bentgo meal prep container is microwave safe, breaks out into pieces for easy washing, and has customizable compartments! This is a great choice for lunch meal prep. The leak resistance seals keep your bag clean so you can carry without concern. It also looks great. The bento style lunch box stands out in a modest way. The Bentgo comes in a variety of colors and is one of the best meal prep containers to give as a gift.

Meal Prep Container Price: $28

  • CUSTOMIZABLE COMPARTMENTS: An optional divider provides a fourth compartment for creating portion-controlled meals
  • LEAK-RESISTANT LUNCH BOX: Mess-free design comes with a leak-resistant seal that hugs the removable food tray to avoid spills
  • PERFECT FOR ON THE GO: Confidently carry your Bentgo Modern in a purse, briefcase, or backpack for eating healthy wherever you go!

Get 10% Off on Your First Order with Bentgo! Just subscribe to the newsletter and be the first to know of their new products and promos. Visit Bentgo Now.

2.W&P Porter Bowl Lunch Container

The W&P Porter silicone lunch bowl is perfect for soups and salads. The size is great for lunch or storing leftovers for the next day. Microwave and freezer safe, this modern food container is durable and last for years. The lid fits tight with a strap, although it is not as leak proof as other options.

Price: $20

  • PREMIUM, FOOD-GRADE MATERIALS: Crafted from high-quality BPA-free plastic & silicone, the Porter Bowl is a game changer. The durable plastic base is wrapped in the highest quality protective silicone with a silicone snap-strap to secure the plastic lid
  • SMART & STYLISH: The Porter Bowl’s sleek minimalist design & muted hues elevates the everyday – you can cut down on single-use plastics and look good doing it
  • TAKE IT TO GO: Roomy, one-liter capacity packs everything from big salads and grain bowls to pasta and veggies. The unique dimensions make it ideal for commuting. 7.5″ diameter, 2.875″ tall, Capacity: 4 3/8 cups (1 liter)
  • EASY TO CLEAN: The Porter Bowl is designed to make meal prep and cleanup a breeze; Throw it in the microwave, then rinse it out or toss it in the dishwasher (just don’t put it in the oven)

Shop W&P Porter Bowl Meal Prep Containers

3. Hydro Flask Insulated Food Jar

Leak proof, gorgeous design, and it comes in a variety of colors and sizes. The double insulation keeps food the perfect temperature for hours. It’s dishwasher safe so clean up is easy. The leak proof, twist on lid makes this a great option for soups, dips, and sauces. Throw it in your bag with your favorite meal and enjoy a warm lunch on a cold day. The powder ceramic coating on the outside is durable and the stainless steel shell can take a beating without showing wear.

Price: $22.46 – 33.69

  • TempShield double-wall vacuum insulation
  • Made with 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel to ensure pure taste and no flavor transfer
  • Leakproof when closed
  • Color Last powder coat is dishwasher safe, keeping your bottle slip-free and colorful
  • BPA-Free & Toxin-Free

Shop Hydro Flask Insulated Meal Prep Containers

4. Stasher Silicone Reusable Storage Bags

Looking for an alternative to plastic bags carry your lunch in? Try Stasher silicone resuable bags. These funky little bags are very versatile and can be used for anything. Microwave, dishwasher, and even oven (up to 400 degrees) safe so you can store food and reheat easily. The leak proof seal keeps moisture in and out. Most importantly they’re much more durable than traditional plastic bags and they can last a long time even with daily use. These are a great product to have alongside any of the best meal prep containers just for those extra crackers, chips, fruit slices, or sauces. For lunches on the go, they fit so nicely into any bag unlike hard plastic or glass containers.

Price: $36.88

  • GO BAG GOES WITH YOU: Store a quick snack for the road, office supplies, or personal hygiene items; This leak-free, portable, accessible storage stays secure with a clip for your bag or beltloop; (18 Ounce)
  • MORE GREEN, PLEASE: Preserve herbs and greens in a variety of ways, regrow veggie scraps, and store them in Stasher bags once harvested for an endless garden of green goodness;
  • JUST THE STASH: Platinum food-grade silicone Stashers are dishwasher, microwave and oven safe to 400F; Eliminate single-use plastic by using Stasher for snacks, travel and low-waste items like reusable straws and utensils
  • EASY TO CARE FOR: Reusable silicone Stashers go from the freezer to the microwave to the oven & dishwasher; Store low-waste items, like reusable straws & utensils, for a portable meal or, so you can refuse single-use plastic

Shop Stasher Silicone Meal Prep Bags

5. Caraway Glass Food Storage Set

The Caraway Glass meal prep containers make an amazing gift for meal prep enthusiasts. The elegant design, the optional compartments, and quality materials are above what most people are going to have for their lunch boxes. The sleek styling will stand out and materials will last for years. They are more expensive than other containers on this list and depending on your budget may not be right for you but if you want to give a great gift to someone this is a perfect option. Microwave, freezer, and oven safe (except for lids and inserts) this set ticks all of the boxes and looks great doing it. Definitely one of the best meal prep containers especially for gifts.

Price: $220.50

  • KEEP YOUR FOOD FRESH: Look forward to leftovers with Caraway’s easy-to-store, non-toxic food storage containers. This 14 piece set looks great and most importantly keeps your food extra fresh and organized.
  • CREATE YOUR OWN BENTO BOX: Build an on-the-go bento box with the 4 dot & dash inserts. They fit nicely in one of the glass food containers for a lunch that stays fresh and tightly sealed. Use the Storage Straps to add an extra layer of security.
  • SAFE, NON-TOXIC CONTAINERS: Every piece of our food container set is free of toxic materials such as PTFE, PFOA, PFAS, and BPA. The containers are safe for microwave, oven, refrigerator, and freezer use. Lids and inserts are not microwave safe.
  • WHAT’S IN THE BOX: Each set comes with 1 large container, 2 medium containers, 2 small containers, 2 dot inserts, 2 dash inserts, 2 container straps, and 3 complimentary organizers for easy kitchen storage.

Shop Caraway Glass Meal Prep Containers

6. Glotoch 50 Pack 32 oz Meal Prep Containers

Sometimes a fancy glass or silicone container doesn’t fit the situation. Sometimes you a plastic container is all you need. These containers are reusable and versatile but if you don’t want to risk breaking, losing, or forgetting your quality containers they’re a good choice. These classic meal prep containers work for most situations. They’re not as great with the microwave or with preventing leaks but for general use of storing food and transporting your lunch to the work fridge until you’re ready to eat, they’re great.

Price: $19.43

  • TO GO CONTAINERS with thoughtful design ensures this container set meets all your needs. Perfect for packing lunches, takeout, and delivery. Prep hot or cold meals: salad, sandwich, snack, fresh fruit, dip, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and leftovers. Prep meals worry-free, our food prep containers’ durable design has a high tolerance for bending, twisting, and temperature, plus our airtight, leak-proof lids seal tight, keeping your food safe and secure.
  • 50 pack set of 32 oz. take out food containers, with 2 compartments to keep entrees and sides separated. Containers measure: (8.4” x 6” x 1.77”). Stackable and lightweight design allows for easy storage. Washable, reusable, and microwave safe. Containers can be reheated or frozen and withstand temperatures in the range of (-40°F to 270°F) or ( -40°C to 132°C). Strong crack resistant material is dishwasher safe and can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher repeatedly.
  • All of LUNCH CONTAINERS are made with you and your health in mind, made from the highest quality food-grade PP plastics] These containers are BPA free, temperature resistant and microwavable. Manufactured via injection molding, our products have airtight lids to seal and safely store food. Durability and flexibility, minimize cracking and prevent damage common among competing products. Plastic containers with lids are easy to clean. Eco-friendly and recyclable.

Shop Glotoch 50 Pack Meal Prep Containers

7. Overnight Oats Jars with Spoon and Lid

Overnight oats are hugely popular. These jars are perfect for oats, fruits, salads, soups, and veggies. The tight fit, leak proof lid means you don’t have to worry about spillage while the clear jar is great for visualizing the food and showing off your meal prep skills. The handy detachable spoon is a great addition. Nothing is worse than forgetting the utensils you need to actually eat your lunch, besides forgetting your lunch entirely. These mason jar style containers can be used for storing food, pickling, or lunch. The measurement marks will help with portioning while the wide math will make it so much easier to actually get food in and out. Everything is dishwasher safe and ready to go!

Price: $14.39

  • Thick Oats Container: Premium glass oatmeal container made of premium BPA free durable food-grade glass, these overnight canning jars are sturdy enough for everyday home use, the wide mouth mason jars is easy to use and clean.
  • Various Uses: (15oz✖6pack) Glass container with lids & spoon is a good choice for dieters to control food intake. Perfect for storing cereal, milk, yogurt, oats, rice, coffee, tea, snacks, nuts, cookies, these overnight oats jars suitable for any office, restaurant, dormitory or family use.
  • Airtight and Keep Food Fresher: Silicone lids with seal rings make these oatmeal container more airtight and leak proof. Luecmo Overnight Oats Jars can keep your food dry and fresh for a long time. Convenient and attractive in the kitchen, the Oatmeal Container also a great addition to your pantry organization.
  • Wide Opening Mason Jars: Wide opening design make its easy to put in and take out your storage, easy to clean. Crafted of food-graded glass, BPA-Free, non-toxic, the storage jar’s body is transparent so it’s easy to see what’s stored inside and to know how much is left in the oats jar.

Shop Overnight Oats Meal Prep Containers

8. Beanto Cutlery Set On-The-Go

Speaking of the utensils you need to eat your meal prep lunch, no set would be complete without reusable spork, knife and even chopsticks. The cute container stores the utensils safely and keeps them from getting dirty from everything else in your bag. Available in a handful different colors, these are a great companion to any of the best meal prep containers on our list. The microwave safe utensils are durable and dishwasher safe. Utensil sets often go forgotten about which make them a perfect gift or stocking stuffer for the meal prepper in your life.

Price: $8.43

  • Compact and Portable: Set includes chopsticks, knife, and a spork. Each utensil is durable with high heat-resistance and nests neatly into a slim travel case for easy portability.
  • Perfect Companion: Our cutlery is the ideal companion to the Beanto Bowl. Creates an enjoyable dining experience when used together. Included silicone strap attaches cutlery to the Beanto Bowl (sold separately).
  • Food Safety: Safe for microwave, refrigerator, and freezer. Made of FDA and LFGB certified food-grade safe materials. BPA-free and free from BPS, Lead, Cadmium, Latex, and Phthalates.

Shop Beanto Cutlery Set

We actually have another article on this topic. You should check out our first article about the “Best Meal Prep Containers” if you’re looking for something a little different.

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Meal Prepping Appetizers

glass meal prep containers with deviled eggs and arugula salad

It’s the time of year for feasting, extravagant food and multiple courses, for friends and family. Everyone is busy and budgets are tight. Finding ways to streamline your cooking is imperative and this all starts with appetizers. Meal prepping appetizers can save you a ton of time and money. We are here to help with recipes and tips. 

Appetizers are small foods before the main course but despite their size can be more expensive and time consuming to cook than the entree. Meal prepping appetizers yourself rather than buying pre-made can be more work but this will save you money and create better food. You can control portions, salt and sugar levels, and focus on delivering a nutritious appetizer to kick the meal off right.

glass meal prep containers with deviled eggs and arugula salad

Grocery prices have grown so much so fast and knowing how to pick your recipes and plan your grocery shopping can save you on meal prepping appetizers. Do your research early, plan your cooking schedule, and make in bulk to maximize your time in the kitchen.

Focus on appetizer recipes that use ingredients that are always cheaper and simpler to make. It doesn’t mean that they aren’t still delicious or part of the festive meals. Foods like beans, rice, potatoes, lentils, and bananas are all common ingredients that can be cooked quickly and easily. They usually can be done in 30 minutes with minimal involvement. 

Meal prepping appetizers for holiday meals can also benefit from using canned or frozen fruit and veggies. Depending on the recipe, swapping to these shelf stable options can be cheaper than organically grown as well as avoiding food waste. 

Buying in bulk has been a long standing approach to saving money and time with cooking. If you’re committed to multiple holiday parties and need to bring food to each one, bring the same appetizer each time and buy the ingredients in bulk right from the beginning. This is especially the case when buying shelf stable ingredients that are on sale. Not to mention the time savings in the kitchen. Cook the base ingredients in bulk and form an assembly line to improve productivity. 

round plate with egg rolls, sliced green cucumber, and shredded red cabbage

Another way to make the most of meal prepping appetizers is to plan ahead and recognize that you’ll have leftovers. Use those leftovers for future lunches. This means choosing recipes that are meal prep friendly, they store and reheat well. Again, potatoes, beans, and rice are great options for this. You can add those to future meal preps and mix and match easily. This’ll make meal prepping the days after the big holiday meal a breeze. As often as you can, leave any extra ingredients that you don’t need for the party stored separately rather than combined. That way you can finish the assembly later for better quality. Maintaining texture and flavors is key in meal prepping and that’s, often, much easier to do before you combine. 

Remember the age old rule of cooking: people eat with their eyes first. Work on your presentation. Making something quick and cheap can seem fancy and festive if you put work into making it look delicious and fit for a party. Just serving it out of a pot or a plastic container is fine but if you’re trying to class up a meal then serve it with finesse. Put the food in a serving dish, sprinkle some finishing spices on top, top it with fresh herbs, serve it hot. These tips can elevate your meal and make it feel special.

Meal prepping appetizers can ensure that you serve good food and enough for everyone. The trick is making good decisions along the way. Don’t cook ingredients too far in advance. That’s a quick way to waste a lot of time and money. The day before is a safe bet.

round plate with egg rolls, sliced green cucumber, and shredded red cabbage

Air Fryer Beef Egg Rolls

If you’re a fan of savory, crispy, and oh-so-flavorful bites, you’re in for a treat. These mouthwatering egg rolls are not just about incredible taste; they’re a celebration of health and budget-friendliness. With lean ground beef, vibrant red cabbage, and a homemade sauce that’s both sweet and savory, we’re about to create a lunch meal…

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Air Fryer Turkey Deli Taquitos

Air Fryer Turkey Deli Taquitos – the ultimate air fryer lunch hero. Budget-friendly, time-saving, kid-approved, and infinitely customizable. Believe me, if you’re all about quick, budget-friendly, and delicious meal prepping, this is the game changer you’ve been waiting for! This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. We love Air…

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round plate with deviled eggs and arugula salad

Tuna Stuffed Deviled Eggs

Greetings, food enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share with you a fabulous recipe that not only adds a burst of flavor to your meal prep routine but also offers numerous health and cost benefits. Get ready to indulge in the delectable goodness of Tuna Stuffed Deviled Eggs, a low carb meal that will keep your…

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Affordable Holiday Meals & Sides

Rectangular wooden plate with diced sausage, diced butternut squash, dried cranberries, and green arugula salad.

The holidays are here and this is the time for joyous, indulgent feasts. The price of groceries is only going up and between food and gifts, we can all stand to save some money with these affordable holiday meals and sides. 

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for guests, we all want a taste of the holidays. Meal prepping holiday foods can be delicious and healthy without breaking the bank. With the right set of recipes and good grocery shopping, you can save tons on this holiday while still feasting. 

glass meal prep containers with air fryer chicken and broccoli

Plan your menu in advance. Good meal prepping benefits from good planning. Affordable holiday meals can focus on a few key ingredients that evoke the flavors that we know and love. Take it a little at a time. Testing out new recipes can be tricky and lead to wasted food if it doesn’t work out. Food waste will feel heavier on the budget than anything else.

Mix up old favorites with variations that include these flavors and you’ll be amazed at what will work. This could even become a staple year round for your meal routine. Explore new proteins like lentils, beans, and legumes. These alternative protein sources are incredibly good for your diet and can be a good addition to your affordable holiday meals. Consider non-traditional holiday recipes and update them with the flavors of the holidays.

When grocery shopping, if you’re unsure about certain ingredients, lean towards taking risks with ingredients that are shelf stable. That way even if you don’t end up using them, they won’t go to waste. You can always use them in something later. 

Spices tend to be one of the most expensive parts of exploring new meals. Meal prepping affordable holiday meals can come down to the spices. If you don’t have many of the spices that you need for the recipes, try to limit yourself to only a few new spices. Also look for recipes that overlap new spices, even if they aren’t holiday recipes as you’ll likely have a lot of spice leftover after the holidays and you’ll want to use them somehow. 

This guide highlights some key herbs, spices, and spice blends that you can use to work in the holiday flavors into your meals.

Herbs for the holidays

  • Rosemary: slightly minty, sage-like, peppery, balsamic taste with a bitter, woody aftertaste
  • Bay Leaves: herbal flavor with notes of eucalyptus, menthol, and pine
  • Parsely: clean and peppery taste with a touch of earthiness
  • Sage: earthy, sweet-yet-savory
  • Thyme: peppery and sweet, sometimes with a clove-like sensation
  • Mint: subtly sweet taste and cooling sensation
bowls of spices for affordable holiday meals

Spices for the holidays

  • Allspice is just one berry, not a spice blend. It delivers the pleasantly warm and fragrant aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, with just a pinch of pepper. 
  • Cloves: cinnamon, but with a sharper tooth. 
  • Cumin is earthy and deep with a twist of lemon. It’s a very commonly used spice in recipes and goes especially great on green beans, potatoes, and carrots.
  • Nutmeg is bittersweet, with deep woody tones. Nutmeg partners well with carrots, cheese dishes, pumpkin pie, spinach, and sweet potatoes, as well as in cakes or sprinkled over eggnog.
  • Poultry Seasoning is herbaceous and woodsy, an energizing mix of thyme, rosemary, sage, marjoram, and oregano.
  • Garam Masala is a blend of black pepper, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and saffron elevates sweet and savory comfort.

Create your own rubs and sauces to capture the holiday flavors without having to cook entire recipes. Sauces also provide the benefit that if you don’t end up liking them you can always leave it out and still enjoy the rest of the meal. This is a good reason to keep sauces separate when meal prepping.

glass meal prep containers with persimmon muffins

Fall Persimmon Muffins

Breakfast, Dairy Free, Meatless, Oven, Recipes, Snacks

Energize Your Mornings with Healthy Persimmon Almond Muffins! Packed with wholesome goodness, these muffins are a delightful start to your day, combining the exotic flavor of persimmons with the nutty crunch of almonds.  These muffins are not only delicious but also a perfect choice for a healthy breakfast meal prep. They are rich in fiber,…

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glass meal prep containers with pasta and pumpkin marinara with green spinach and shredded cheese

Sausage Pumpkin Pasta

Dinner, Recipes, Stovetop

Fall into Flavor with this Healthy Seasonal Meal Prep with Sausage and Pumpkin Marinara Pasta. Embracing the changing seasons doesn’t mean you have to compromise your health or your taste buds. As the air turns crisp and leaves blanket the ground, it’s time to welcome the comforting flavors of fall into your kitchen. Our Sausage…

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Rectangular wooden plate with diced sausage, diced butternut squash, dried cranberries, and green arugula salad.
glass meal prep containers with air fryer chicken and broccoli

Air Fryer Apricot Glazed Chicken with Broccoli

Air Fryer, Chicken, Dairy Free, Dinner, Gluten Free, Low Carb, Recipes

Air Fryer Apricot Glazed Chicken with Broccoli is a scrumptious, budget-friendly meal prep option designed for busy individuals seeking convenience without sacrificing flavor. This recipe features succulent chicken thighs marinated in a savory-sweet glaze made from a blend of soy sauce, apricot, honey, and aromatic spices. The magic of the air fryer ensures quick and…

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glass cup with chia pudding topped with mixed berries

Chia Pudding with Mixed Berries

Breakfast, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Meatless, No Cook, Recipes, Snacks, Weight Loss

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.…

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Make Ahead Meals for the Holidays

make ahead holiday meal roast

The holidays are coming up and cooking a lot of food takes so much time. Anything you can do to make ahead meals for the holidays, the better. From prepping individual ingredients to fully cooking entire dishes days ahead of time can make the day-of go so much easier. You can trust that you have everything ready and you have enough. Relieve the stress of cooking on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and every holiday throughout the year.

Meal prep and make ahead meals can save you a ton of time on main courses or side dishes. If you don’t know the basics you can find yourself having to remake a lot of food though. Some dishes and ingredients work and others simply don’t. Follow these fundamental rules and you should do great.

Foods that can be frozen entirely cooked are a great option for saving time especially when you’re expecting to feed a lot of people. Meals that focus on a meat, grain or veggie generally freeze well. 

  • Casseroles: Creamy casseroles freeze very well. Although cream doesn’t freeze well on its own, as part of a dish it works. You can entirely cook dishes like mac n cheese, pot pies, and casseroles ahead of time and freeze them days in advance. Take it out the morning-of and reheat in the oven.
  • Soups & stews: Soups and stews freeze and reheat fantastically. The moisture from the broth keeps everything sealed and prevents the other ingredients from drying out in the freezer. We covered this before on this post: Tips For Freezing Meals. Soups make a great addition to holiday meals but they take so long to cook and develop flavor. Make ahead meals for the holidays, like soups, is an efficient and easy way to prepare. Even if you don’t want to cook the entire soup ahead, even just preparing the broth can save hours to build flavors. (depending on the soup)
  • Dough: Pie, bread, and cookie dough all freeze well. Dough can take a lot of effort and time to prepare. Make ahead meals like pot pies, dessert pies, or breads will make holiday dishes possible that would ordinarily not be an option.
  • Desserts: So many desserts do well in the freezer or in the fridge. Cookies, cakes, other pastries, you can even get away with prepping them and leaving them unbaked until the day of. Make ahead desserts is definitely a time saver and game changer.

Don’t feel limited though. Tons of make ahead meals can be frozen. A good rule to follow is don’t freeze foods that are

  • Crunchy
  • Mayonnaise based meals
  • Hard boiled eggs
  • Salads
  • Custards

Any meal that requires an emulsion is likely to split or become grainy. Foods release moisture as they’re freezing so crunchy foods lose their crunch.

Reheating make ahead meals for the holidays

Most frozen meals can be cooked or reheated from frozen. Adjust the cooking times and use a food thermometer to check internal temps. 

Leftovers from the holidays

According to the USDA, if you thawed the meal in the refrigerator, yes, you can refreeze foods after cooking or reheating them. Make sure to freeze food again within 3 days however the earlier you get it frozen the better it tends to upkeep. 

Make ahead meals a day before

prep ahead holiday meal ingredients

Preparing vegetables the day before is a great way to save time, peel potatoes, cut off the ends of string beans, chop onions, and roast beets. Thaw the turkey, marinate or brine the meat, and make any dips. All of this prep not only makes things easier but also helps develop flavors.

Use separate meal containers to avoid flavors leaching from each other. See our blog post on meal prep containers. Learn more with our post on the Best Meal Prepping Containers.

Want help on cooking the perfect turkey for Thanksgiving, check out our article on How to Cook Turkey for more information!

Need some help with some ideas for make ahead meals for holiday appetizers, sides, and entrees then start here:

rectangle white baking dish with sliced sausage, diced potatoes and peppers, and green onions

Oven Baked Sausage and Potato Hash

Hey there, breakfast enthusiasts! Today, I’ve got a scrumptious recipe that will not only save you time but also add some flavor-packed excitement to your morning routine. Get ready to dive into the deliciousness of oven-baked sausage and potato hash. This delightful dish is perfect for breakfast meal prep, and I’ll tell you why! This…

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round plate with deviled eggs and arugula salad

Tuna Stuffed Deviled Eggs

Greetings, food enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share with you a fabulous recipe that not only adds a burst of flavor to your meal prep routine but also offers numerous health and cost benefits. Get ready to indulge in the delectable goodness of Tuna Stuffed Deviled Eggs, a low carb meal that will keep your…

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chicken and green beans

Roasted Chicken with Green Bean Casserole

Roasted chicken and green bean casserole are two classic American dishes in and of themselves but together the two provide a nutrient-packed meal with a fantastic balance of protein, carbs, and fats. Many people often look to French’s or Campbell’s green bean casserole recipes but we prefer our, made from scratch cream base coupled with…

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brussels sprouts
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Meal Prepping Snack Packs – Lunch Ideas

meal prepped snack pack

Lunchables are a popular choice for children’s lunches and as a grown up you can still enjoy meal prepping snack packs. It’s like a small charcuterie board on-the-go. For busy people, meal prepping snack packs has to be one of the easiest and quickest meals out there. Adult snack packs have become popular in the past few years and there are a few options for you that are prepackaged in the store, however making your own is so easy and customizable.

Besides the shopping trip, it’s mostly cutting up fruits, veggies, and cheese and stacking them in meal containers. It’s so easy that a child can do it. If you need to prepare meals for yourself and a child, this is a great option. You can both eat the same or similar meal and they can learn about meal prepping while they help you.

One of the best parts of meal prepping snack packs is being able to customize them to your particular dietary needs. It’s much easier to balance nutrition or lean towards high protein foods or low sugar. Since each element of the snack pack is individual, it’s extremely easy to adjust even daily to your needs or taste for the day. 

Meal Prepping Snack Pack Ideas

  • Chicken salad, snap peas, blueberries, pita
  • Hummus, carrots, mandarin orange slices, salami
  • Cottage cheese, strawberries, broccoli, beef jerky
  • Greek Yogurt, grapes, almonds, cherry tomatoes
  • Nut butter, apple slices, hardboiled eggs, baked chicken, cauliflower
  • Tuna, hardboiled eggs, cucumbers, crackers

Customizable snack packs provide a ton of variety in your meals. You can simply buy random foods and mix and match them to see how they taste together. It’s much more fun and engaging than a sandwich and often tastes better. It’s easier to be creative and experimental when it’s just amounts of each food. These fun deviations from your normal meal prep routine keeps things fresh and exciting. Preventing diet burnout is very important in meal prepping. Check out bento boxes as well. Japanese lunch boxes that are extremely popular with a huge variety of foods that can be included and even the complexity of flavors. Bento can act as a great inspiration for you meal prepping even if you’re not prepared to invest the same amount of time.

You can also use fresh ingredients for your homemade snack packs. Fresh fruit, veggies, cheeses and crackers all taste better than the prepackaged store snack packs. Plus, meal prepping snack packs at home is much more affordable. You can buy in bulk and break down each ingredient into snack size portions. You’ll also be surprised how much you can buy for the same price as store bought snack packs which are priced up for convenience.

Another way that meal prepping snack packs can save you money is by using those random leftovers. Sometimes you end up with small amounts of left overs that don’t work well into a different meal but can easily become part of a snack pack. Cooked veggies, fruits like grapes or strawberries, even proteins like shredded chicken and ground beef can be worked into a snack pack. Being able to use these small parts of other meals to make an entire lunch minimizes food waste and saves you money.

Having the right meal prep containers helps out a lot. Each food should be stored separate to avoid soggy crackers and cheese. Classic lunch containers with 3 or 4 compartments are perfect for this. Even small single compartment containers are great for specific snack foods. 

Meal prepping snack packs at home also means you can portion control. Snack packs tend to be small anyways however the nutrients tend to be heavy on cheese and crackers. Balancing your snack pack is easy if you know the basics. These simple foods will taste great together and will balance well.

These are popular meal prepping snack pack foods. Mixing and matching them can create a variety of flavor combinations as well as keeping lunch at work fun. The trick is to balance nutrients. Try to always include a veggie, a fruit, a small amount of cheese and protein. Include dips to make veggies more fun if you’re not a veggie fan. 

  • Cheese cubes or string cheese
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Deli meat
  • Leftover chicken 
  • Chicken salad
  • Cucumbers
  • Sugar snap peas
  • Hummus
  • Mixed nuts
  • Grapes
  • Yogurt
  • Beef or turkey jerky
  • Chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
  • Peanuts or Almonds
  • Tuna
  • Baked tofu
  • Cottage cheese
  • Apple slices
  • Egg bites
  • Broccoli
  • Crackers
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Meal Prepping Soups

chicken soup

Meal prepping soups is one of the easiest, most affordable meal prepping methods. On top of that, soups are versatile and last a while in the freezer, just a few reasons soup is so popular. It’s soup season and a perfect time to dust off your big pots and instant pots. Soup meal prep is very forgiving, you can adjust and season as you go and build up flavors slowly. There are many soup tricks to learn to balance the saltiness, thickness, maintain vegetable textures, and much much more.

A good thing to check before you get started is how many meal prep soup containers you have available. It’s frustrating to spend hours making a soup only to find that you don’t have the right containers to actually take it with you. If you’re planning to freeze the majority of it, then a gallon bag will suffice. It freezes well and is more convenient to store in the freezer. Lastly, make sure to let soup cool down to room temperature before putting it in the fridge or freezer.

Soups are some of the most affordable options for home cooking. Not only does it go a long way but it’s great for cheap or throw away ingredients. Leaner and tougher cuts of beef and pork are great options for stews. The longer cooking times and broth help break down the protein and these cuts have great flavor, it’s just the texture and tenderness that need help.

Cuts to use in stews and soups

  • Chuck
  • Bone-in short rib
  • Bohemian (Bottom Sirloin Flap)
  • Beef Round
  • Oxtail
  • Cross-cut shanks

Depending on the recipe you’re making, the order of cooking can vary however a good rule is to sear the meat before you add it to the broth. This searing helps maintain the flavor and bite of the meat as well as adding a caramelized note. 

Meal prepping with soups is also a great way to save money with all of the off-cuts of vegetables. Broccoli stalks, carrot peels, beet skins, there are tons of ways to use these pieces of vegetables in a soup and never notice. 

Round bowl with beef soup and udon noodles.

You can even make delicious broth with bones. A popular option to buy an entire chicken, after cleaning the meat off, you can use the carcass to create a homemade chicken broth. A good broth can be easy, water and strong ingredients from the pantry, concentrates, herbs, and salt and pepper. Soups alongside the rest of your meal prep makes cooking at home even more affordable. 

There are 4 famous soup bases the French mirepoix, German suppengrün, Spanish sofrito and Creole “holy trinity” are four classic flavor bases that dominate many western recipes

Mirepoix & Suppengrün: Made by cooking onions, celery, and carrots in a pot. Mixed together and started all at the same time, they are cooked slowly in butter or oil without browning them. This brings the flavor out.

Sofrito: Sofrito is a flavorful cooking base used in many Latin American, Caribbean, and Spanish cuisines. Traditionally, it is made by grinding ingredients together using a mortar and pestle. Often made with onion, garlic, bell pepper, tomato, and cilantro with additional spices.

Creole “holy trinity”: Similar to the French Mirepoix, the Creole soup base starts with onions, celery, but then substitutes bell peppers in for carrots.

However we often tend to be too busy for more involved soup meal prep recipes and we are just looking for a simple, no fuss soup. Crock pots and instant pots are amazing for this. With a bit of store bought stock or bouillon cubes, throw everything into the pot and just set to cook for hours. (typically around 4 hours) You can still build up flavors and it’s just as delicious with way less work. These recipes are perfect soup meal prep for busy schedules.

round plate with beef chunks in tomato sauce with napa cabbage, red cabbage, and sliced mushrooms

One Pot Beef and Cabbage Stew

Are you in search of a hearty and hassle-free dinner meal prep option that will make your weeknights a breeze? Look no further than our One-Pot Beef and Cabbage Stew recipe. Packed with lean beef, colorful cabbage, and savory mushrooms, this dish is a surefire way to satisfy your taste buds while simplifying your meal…

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Round bowl with beef soup and udon noodles.

Instant Pot Recipe for Beef Udon Noodles

Enjoy udon noodles served in this savory soup by using your chopsticks while making a slurping sound. Slurping enhances the flavors of this dish 🙂 This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Cooking for two can be a challege, but with a little planning and creativity, it can be…

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chicken soup

One Pot Mexican Chicken Soup

This Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe comes together quickly and is a flavorful and budget-friendly meal. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Not only is this Mexican Chicken Soup Recipe full of nutrients and high in protein, it is also made with pantry-friendly and budget-friendly ingredients. Why is This…

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turkey soup

One Pot Turkey Toscana Soup

Here’s a healthy spin on a restaurant classic. This One Pot Turkey Toscana Soup recipe is lightened up with healthy ingredients that you can make in less than 30 minutes. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Why You’ll Enjoy this Version of Turkey Toscana Soup Zuppa Toscana soup…

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Our Favorite Meal Prepping Soup Recipes

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Meal Prepping with Pork

pork carnitas ingredients - high protein meals

Meal prepping with pork is a great addition to your meal prep routine. Healthy cuts of pork and the right recipes can be very nutritious, taste amazing, and stores well. Knowing how to introduce and balance pork in your diet can make a big difference and open a whole new world of proteins and recipes. Some cuts of pork can even be leaner than chicken if your diet is restrictive on fatty foods. 

Meal prepping with pork offers unique flavors and textures as well as being versatile. Most cuisines around the world have pork as one of their primary proteins. Choosing the right cut for the recipe and for your dietary needs is the important part.

pork carnitas ingredients - high protein meals

Pork is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and overall health. Meal prepping with pork can also be a cost effective protein compared to beef. As always, pay attention to the deals at your local grocery store and you can save a lot. Good meal prepping leverages ingredients that are versatile and can last in the fridge or freezer. Pork freezes well, leading to less food waste and pairs nicely with many sides due to its mild flavor.

Pork’s high protein will make you feel full faster for longer. If you balance your meal prepping with pork with healthy portions of vegetables and fruits, this can be a great inclusion into your weight loss meal routine. 

Meal prepping with popular cuts of pork

Pork Chop: This is one of the most popular cuts of pork. The pork chop is versatile and easy to cook. Pan-fry, baking, grilling, and many others. It takes well to a variety of seasonings and is a good place to start. This can be and tends to be a lean cut and is a good option for meal prepping with pork on a diet.

Pork Tenderloin: The pork tenderloin tends to be the other go-to option for pork cuts. It’s lean as well and could be a healthy option depending on your dietary goals or needs. The tenderloin is tender, just as the name suggests, and is often roasted, slow cooked, or pan-fried. 

pork carnitas meal prep

Pork Shoulder (Pork Butt): Another versatile cut as well as being economical. Per pound, it’s a relatively affordable protein option. Often used with stews and other slow cooking methods like pulled pork. Use a crock pot or instant pot with some sauce and spices and you’ll have a good amount of pulled pork ready for sides with very little work required. (pay attention to the sauces that you use, they can be high in sugar, salt, and others. Read the label and look for healthier options)

Ground Pork: People often think of ground beef, chicken, or turkey. Ground pork is only considered as part of a breakfast sausage or a meatball. Both of which are great uses of pork and are delicious as part of a balanced meal. Ground pork can be used in many of the same ways that ground chicken and beef are, just be careful of the fat content of the ground pork and the cooking. Pork needs to be cooked all the way through.

Ham: Ham is used on the daily for sandwiches and on holidays as a centerpiece entrée. There are a lot of types of ham as well as cooking methods. This tends to be a popular option just for the leftovers alone. The sweet and salty pork pairs well with a variety of sides and can last 3-5 days in the fridge (after cooked) before drying out or going bad.

Bacon: Probably the most popular cut of pork. Bacon’s reputation precedes it but small amounts can be included in a balanced meal. Bacon contains nutrients like Vitamins, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 as well as iron, magnesium, zinc and potassium. The high content of saturated fats tends to be the issue though. Although newer science debates the impacts of “unhealthy” fats, limiting your portions is important. It also tends to be high in sodium so if you need a low sodium option consider a different bacon product.

Meal Prepping with Pork: Cooking Methods

Roasting:

  1. Preheat your oven to the desired temperature (usually around 325-375°F or 160-190°C).
  2. Season the pork with herbs, spices, and marinades for flavor.
  3. Place the pork in a roasting pan, fat side up, on a rack to allow air circulation.
  4. Roast until the pork reaches the recommended internal temperature for the specific cut you’re cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

Grilling:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (350-450°F or 175-230°C).
  2. Season the pork with your choice of rubs, sauces, or marinades.
  3. Grill the pork over direct heat, turning as needed until it reaches the recommended internal temperature.

Pan-Frying:

  1. Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the pork and add a small amount of oil to the pan.
  3. Cook the pork on both sides until it’s browned and reaches the safe internal temperature.

Baking:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
  2. Place the seasoned pork in a baking dish and cover it with foil or a lid.
  3. Bake until it reaches the safe internal temperature.

Slow Cooking:

  1. Slow cooking is ideal for pork cuts like shoulder or ribs.
  2. Season the pork and place it in a slow cooker.
  3. Add liquid (broth, sauce, etc.) for flavor and moisture.
  4. Cook on the low setting for an extended period (6-8 hours) until the meat is tender.

Stir-Frying:

  1. Cut pork into thin strips or small pieces.
  2. Heat a wok or skillet over high heat.
  3. Add a small amount of oil and stir-fry the pork with vegetables and seasonings.

Braising:

  1. Braising involves searing the pork in a hot pan, then slow-cooking it in a flavorful liquid like broth or wine.
  2. It’s suitable for cuts like pork shoulder.
  3. After searing, transfer the pork to a heavy, oven-safe pot, add the liquid and other ingredients, and cover it.
  4. Braise in the oven at a low temperature for several hours.

Boiling:

  1. Boiling is typically used for cooking pork to be used in soups, stews, or to make pulled pork.
  2. Season the water with spices and herbs, then simmer the pork until it’s tender.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork is cooked thoroughly and reaches a safe internal temperature. For most cuts of pork the USDA recommends 145°F (63°C), however for ground pork and some other cuts, it is recommended to cook to 160°F (71°C), or until shredded easily. Cooking times vary based on the thickness of the cut so use a thermometer to be safe.

Meal prepping for yourself and others can get monotonous if you stick to the same ingredients and recipes week after week. Mixing up the protein is a great way to entirely transform a recipe. Experiment with pork as a substitute in your favorite recipes or branch out into new recipes. We suggest these as a great place to start:

round plate with sliced pork tenderloin and diced butternut squash

Island Spiced Pork Loin with Butternut Squash & Apples

Island-Spiced Pork Loin with Butternut Squash and Apples is a meal prepper’s dream come true! The spicy, sweet, and savory notes from the pork marinade, the tender and caramelized qualities of the roasted butternut squash, the crispness and freshness of the apples, and the mild sweetness of the red onions all come together to create…

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pork carnitas

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?…

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How to Make Easy and Healthy Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Crispy golden brown pork chops ready in less than 10 minutes! These easy pan-fried pork chops come together quickly, are bursting with flavor, low carb, and make for a perfect weeknight dinner. Ease of Making: Medium This pork chop recipe is prepared on the stovetop and uses thinly sliced boneless cuts that sear in a…

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Best Fall Seasonal Recipes

seasonal meal of chicken and veggies

It’s time for Fall Seasonal Recipes! Great fall seasonal recipes are characterized by their use of fresh, in-season ingredients that capture the essence of autumn. Every year, fall is the season everyone gets excited about for food. From harvest festivals to thanksgiving, there is a long tradition of copious amounts of food during this season. It’s one of the best, if not the best, for fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs. The flavors are diverse and rich. There are a ton of seasonal recipes that you can make with fresh, versatile ingredients. 

Cooking seasonally means incorporating ingredients that are freshly harvested or prepared for your region during this time of year. These days we have year round produce and products so seasonal cooking isn’t as significant as it used to be, however seasonal ingredients can be more flavorful and use less chemicals to sustain them. Unless you shop at a farmers market or grow your own food, you may not even be aware of what seasonal foods are available in your region. With the weather cooling off this is a great time to visit your local farmers market and have a nice day grocery shopping outside.

The temperature change and local culture will dictate what will be readily available but grocery stores these days stock most of everything you’re looking for. If it doesn’t, ordering it online is always an easy option. You should take some time to look up what foods are seasonal for your area and mix up your meal routine with seasonal recipes.

Warm and Comforting: Fall is associated with cooler weather, so great fall recipes tend to be warm, hearty, and comforting. Dishes like soups, stews, casseroles, and roasted vegetables are perfect for keeping you cozy on chilly evenings.

Rich Flavors: Fall recipes often incorporate rich, earthy flavors that are synonymous with the season. Ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice are commonly used to add warmth and depth to dishes. Savory herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage also feature prominently.

Seasonal Spices: Spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg are staples in fall recipes, adding warmth and aroma to both sweet and savory dishes. These spices often evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

Fall Seasonal Foods & Ingredients

  • Bananas
  • Beets
  • Bell Peppers
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Cranberries
  • Ginger
  • Grapes
  • Green Beans
  • Kiwifruit
  • Lemons
  • Lettuce
  • Limes
  • Mangos
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Parsnips
  • Pears
  • Peas
  • Pineapples
  • Potatoes
  • Pumpkin
  • Radishes
  • Raspberries
  • Rutabagas
  • Spinach
  • Sweet Potatoes & Yams
  • Swiss Chard
  • Turnips
  • Winter Squash

This doesn’t represent all of the Fall ingredients but it’s definitely enough to get started. Check out your regional fall delicacies and expand your meal prep routine.

Fall Seasonal Recipes for Breakfast:

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…

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breakfast quinoa

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! This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Why we enjoy this sweet quinoa breakfast for…

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cranberry oat muffins

Cranberry Oatmeal Muffin Bars

These fruity cranberry oatmeal muffin bars are a treat that you can enjoy for breakfast, snacks, and even dessert! This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. We enjoy prepping make ahead breakfasts for the week so that we always have something on hand to start off the day with…

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Fall Seasonal Recipes for Lunch: 

balsamic steak

Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad with Sweet Potato

Some things are just meant to be just like this Balsamic Glazed Steak Salad with Savory Sweet Potato Wedges! This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Prepping tasty meals can be challenging, especially if you’re short on time. But meal prepping in advance can help set you up for…

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chicken kale salad

Grilled Honey Dijon Chicken Kale Salad

This delicious and gorgeous roasted sweet potato and kale salad with grilled chicken is full of flavor. It’s a nutrient-packed lunch for the week. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details. Why This Kale Salad is Healthy Complete Meal: This recipe has lean protein, complex carbs, vegetables, fruit, and…

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Fall Seasonal Recipes for Dinner: 

How to Make Easy and Healthy Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Crispy golden brown pork chops ready in less than 10 minutes! These easy pan-fried pork chops come together quickly, are bursting with flavor, low carb, and make for a perfect weeknight dinner. Ease of Making: Medium This pork chop recipe is prepared on the stovetop and uses thinly sliced boneless cuts that sear in a…

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chicken artichoke

Chicken and Artichoke Bake

Chicken and Artichoke Bake mixing bowlbaking dishoven 12 oz chicken tenders12 oz canned artichoke hearts1/4 cup mayonnaise1/4 cup parmesan cheese1/2 cup cherry tomatoes1/4 tsp garlic powder1/4 tsp salt1/4 tsp pepper1 tbsp olive oil Pre heat oven to 425FGrease baking dish with olive oil Drain artichoke heartsSeason chicken tenders with garlic powder and saltIn a bowl,…

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delicata steak

Balsamic Steak with Roasted Delicata Squash

Balsamic Steak with Roasted Delicata Squash knifecutting boardmixing bowlsheet panoven 12 oz sirloin steak1/4 each red onion1 large delicata squash1 tbsp green onion ((chopped))1 tbsp concentrated balsamic vinegar1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce1 tsp sriracha sauce2 tsp garlic powder1/4 tsp salt1/4 tsp pepper2 tbsp olive oil Pre-Cook (Mise En Place):Gather your equipment: knife, cutting board, sheet pan,…

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Fall Seasonal Recipes for Side Dishes:

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Meal Prepping for Weight Loss

dijon chicken salad

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…

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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,…

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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…

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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.

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meatloaf patties

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…

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stuffed poblano pepper

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…

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Is Carnivore Diet right for you

High protein diets like the Carnivore Diet are not new (Atkins, Keto, Paleo), and there is a lot of science that backs up the health benefits of increasing protein in your diet. It’s important to remember, though, that the Carnivore Diet may not be the perfect fit for everyone  and educating yourself before trying it is a good idea. This is especially true if you have unique dietary needs. If you are concerned about your diet or the impacts on your body from eating habits, you should always consult a licensed dietitian and your primary physician. They are your trusted partners in optimizing your health, and together, you can create a personalized plan that aligns perfectly with your goals. 

What is the Carnivore Diet?

At first glance, the Carnivore Diet may seem refreshingly straightforward-just enjoy delicious meat! However, when it comes to crafting a truly healthy and balanced diet, it tends to be much more complicated. Unlike other high-protein, low-carb diets, the Carnivore Diet eliminates all carbs. The Carnivore diet approach is pretty much a “meat-only” diet and includes animal products like eggs, butter, as well as poultry, beef, pork, and fish. This can also include bone broth and lard, and for those who find that too strict, some other foods that are acceptable include milk, yogurt and cheese. It’s worth noting that there are diverse interpretations of the Carnivore diet, each offering its own twist, but essentially this is the basic approach.

What does the Carnivore Diet cut out?

 It completely cuts out vegetables, fruits, breads, pasta, nuts, alcohol, and essentially anything overly processed. That is a significant portion of foods and food categories. Anything that isn’t derived from meat, poultry or fish is eliminated from the diet.

Why choose the Carnivore Diet?

Some individuals may be motivated to choose this diet because of other similar diets that reduce carb intake and gained the benefits of lower blood glucose levels, therefore, they may assume that if low carb diets worked well, a no carb diet may work better. In addition, high protein diets assist in muscle growth, weight management, and can help in some additional health issues potentially helping with inflammation. Let’s face it, it’s also a diet that is very enticing for people who don’t like vegetables and fruits but want to lose weight. It’s also fun to think about the exciting cuts of meat you can explore with the new recipe restrictions. Sometimes limitations breed creativity and new experiences.

Considering how restrictive the Carnivore Diet is, there is a higher chance of reducing calorie intake because you are eliminating so many other food groups you would have previously eaten, and  it most likely would result in weight loss. More on that below.

Living with the Carnivore Diet

The list of authorized foods on the diet is short so it seems simple when you think about it. Change your meal routine over to beef with eggs in the morning, it’s like a breakfast taco without the tortilla. For lunch and dinner, cook chicken in butter with salt and pepper and you’re good to go. You can even take paleo or keto recipes and remove the additional ingredients for a whole host of recipe options. It can be a delicious diet which is one reason it’s very popular.

What this also means, no eating out, no frozen meals, no processed foods really at all. That is a tough pill to swallow for anyone and especially busy people who barely have time to meal prep as it is. Cutting out fast food and processed foods can make a huge difference on your diet though. Those tend to be fatty, unhealthy, and a convenient go-to option for many of us. So the Carnivore Diet can make a significant impact on your weight and how you feel just from cutting out these foods.

Is the Carnivore diet right for you

This comes down to the individual. In some cases for individuals with chronic conditions or food intolerances, this diet may be beneficial as a short-term elimination diet that can determine common food triggers that cause inflammation or don’t agree with your system. The approach would be to eliminate common triggers such as gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, shellfish, and tree nuts and slowly reintroduce new foods slowly to see what causes any inflammation or intolerances.

However, extreme diets like this are not meant to be lifelong changes. They’re meant to help jumpstart your metabolism, get you motivated and moving in the right direction but living your life without vegetables and fruits is unhealthy. Fruits and vegetables and other food groups  provide your body with necessary nutrients such as potassium, dietary fiber, folate, vitamin A and C. These are very important to a balanced nutritional diet that your body needs to function. You may not feel the loss with a short term dietary journey through the Carnivore Diet, but your body will feel the stress of not having these nutrients after a short while. 

The Carnivore Diet is trendy and sounds tasty. Steak and chicken for every meal is a dream for a lot of us. While it’s tempting to dive right in, it’s important to remember that optimal health involves thoughtful consideration. Consult with a licensed dietitian and your primary physician to create an appropriate nutritional plan that aligns with your health goals. You should also consider a well balanced diet that meets the nutrient and caloric needs for your body. There are plenty of ways to increase the protein in your diet without consuming only meat and animal products. By doing so, you’ll enhance and protect your body in the long term.