
Make sure to go to How this page works first if you haven’t yet.
Set Your Pace
- If you’re a beginner at meal prep: Be prepared to set aside 2-3 hours. Once mise en place is complete, all of these recipes can be completed one by one.
- If you’re a meal prep pro, use the sequenced steps below: These steps give you the flexibility to cook items simultaneously in a sequence of events.
- Be sure to set timers and check on food items to avoid overcooking. Sequencing will save you time and meal prep can be done in 1-2 hours.
Meal Prep Run Down
- Pre-heat the oven to 400F. (Note: The recipe for the Baked Chili Spiced Chicken indicates baking it at 425F, however, to streamline the prep, you can bake it at 400F. You may have to cook the chicken for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Use a thermometer to check that it cooks to an internal temperature of 165F).
- Start preparing the items that require the oven and place them on sheet pans and baking dishes. These recipes are the Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal, Baked Chili Spice Chicken with Hominy and Squash, Honey Soy Baked Salmon, and the Roasted Bokchoy. Place all items in the oven to bake.
- Meanwhile, start preparing the items that require the stovetop such as the Grilled Asian Skirt Steak, Black Bean and Corn Soft Tacos, Cilantro Eggs and Black Beans, and Squash Noodles.
- When everything is finished cooking, plate everything up in containers, and let them cool before refrigerating.
If you’re sequencing your meal prep, be sure to keep an eye on everything! Make sure food is kept refrigerated under 40F degrees until ready to eat.
Assembly Tips
- Evenly divide meals according to the serving size
- Let all items cool before placing them in the refrigerator
- Keep all items refrigerated under 40F until ready to eat or reheat
- Breakfast: Both meals can be reheated in the microwave
- Lunch: Both meals can be reheated in the microwave. Serve the salad ingredients chilled. You can also separate the black bean tacos from the tortillas to keep it from getting soggy
- Dinner: Both meals can be reheated in the microwave
Extra Flavors and Substitutions
- Black Beans: You can use your choice of beans such as pinto beans.
- Hominy: If you can’t find hominy, you can use corn
- Apple: You can use pears as another fruit option
- Bok Choy: You can use asparagus, broccoli, or broccolini as another vegetable option
- Chicken Thighs: If you want a leaner meat, you can use chicken breast or chicken tenderloins
- Supplement meals with additional snacks such as fresh veggies and fruit for additional daily caloric needs. You can use lime/lemon and olive oil in place of salad dressing
Extra Leftover Ingredients Not Used
- Protein: Freeze any uncooked meats and save for a later recipe, or you can cook the full amount, and freeze the portion that you do not eat, and save for later use.
- Fruit: Use leftover fruit in smoothies, on top of yogurt, or with your cereal
- Veggies: Freeze any leftover veggies for later use. Use leftover herbs in omelets or other dishes for the weekend