If you’ve ever found yourself grabbing fast food because there’s no time to cook, meal prep can change your life. With

a bit of planning and a couple hours on the weekend, you’ll have healthy meals ready to go all week long. Here’s how to get started.

Plan Your Meals
Before you start chopping vegetables and marinating proteins, take a few minutes to plan what you’ll actually eat. Start by picking 2–3 different meals you love and make sure they cover your protein, vegetable, and carb needs. Create a detailed shopping list to avoid impulse buys and stick to your budget.

Master Batch Cooking
Batch cooking is the secret weapon of meal prep. Choose versatile recipes—like roasted chicken, quinoa salads, and stir‑fried vegetables—that store well and taste great reheated. Cook large batches of proteins, grains, and veggies in separate pans, then mix and match them throughout the week.

Storage & Reheating
Proper storage keeps your meals fresh and safe. Invest in a set of stackable glass or BPA‑free containers. Divide portions into single meals so you can grab one without thinking. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep things from drying out, and avoid microwaving in plastic containers if possible.

Quick Meal‑Prep Recipes
Not suIf you’ve ever found yourself grabbing fast food because there’s no time to cook, meal prep can change your life. With a bit of planning and a couple hours on the weekend, you’ll have healthy meals ready to go all week long. Here’s how to get started.

Plan Your Meals
Before you start chopping vegetables and marinating proteins, take a few minutes to plan what you’ll actually eat. Start by picking 2–3 different meals you love and make sure they cover your protein, vegetable, and carb needs. Create a detailed shopping list to avoid impulse buys and stick to your budget.

Master Batch Cooking
Batch cooking is the secret weapon of meal prep. Choose versatile recipes—like roasted chicken, quinoa salads, and stir‑fried vegetables—that store well and taste great reheated. Cook large batches of proteins, grains, and veggies in separate pans, then mix and match them throughout the week.

Storage & Reheating
Proper storage keeps your meals fresh and safe. Invest in a set of stackable glass or BPA‑free containers. Divide portions into single meals so you can grab one without thinking. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep things from drying out, and avoid microwaving in plastic containers if possible.

Quick Meal‑Prep Recipes
Not sure what to cook? Here are a few ideas: mason jar salads (layer dressing at the bottom and sturdy veggies on top), turkey meatballs with brown rice and broccoli, and overnight oats with fruit and nuts. These recipes are simple, nutritious, and perfect for portioning ahead of time.

Tips for Staying on Track
Meal prep only works if you stick with it. Keep things interesting by rotating different cuisines and flavors. Schedule your prep time on the calendar so you don’t skip it. Get family or roommates involved to share the workload—and the dishes.

Conclusion
Meal prep is more than just a trend—it’s a strategy for eating healthier, saving money, and reducing stress. Start small, build the habit, and enjoy the benefits of home‑cooked food every day.re what to cook? Here are a few ideas: mason jar salads (layer dressing at the bottom and sturdy veggies on top), turkey meatballs with brown rice and broccoli, and overnight oats with fruit and nuts. These recipes are simple, nutritious, and perfect for portioning ahead of time.

Tips for Staying on Track
Meal prep only works if you stick with it. Keep things interesting by rotating different cuisines and flavors. Schedule your prep time on the calendar so you don’t skip it. Get family or roommates involved to share the workload—and the dishes.

Conclusion
Meal prep is more than just a trend—it’s a strategy for eating healthier, saving money, and reducing stress. Start small, build the habit, and enjoy the benefits of home‑cooked food every day.