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RENATA POLEON

Why I Don't Meal Prep: What I do Instead



Entire meal prepping is a lifestyle choice for many individuals and families, but I do not envy people who can spend hours bulk cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner for a day or more. I know it can be a lifesaver for many, providing structure, saving time and being more budget friendly, however, it’s not for everyone. The thought of meticulously planning out all three meals for a couple of days and cooking them makes me more frustrated. For that reason, I have found alternative strategies to maintain a well balanced diet without the rigid structure of full meal planning.


Why Meal Prepping Doesn't Work for Me


We're a busy family who enjoy making weekend plans. Saturdays are spent taking the girls to activities and any other plans we may have for the rest of the day. Even moreso, in my view, it is sacrilegious to do anything other than rest on Sundays. I prioritize these two things more than I do the idea of cooking for hours using up much of my day.


We don't have the storage space for three meals for four people. We are renters with limited space in our apartment, so real estate in our fridge is very limited. We only have space for a few leftovers before it is packed, so it is not realistic for us to meal prep for more than one day at a time, which is more of an inconvenience.


It creates stress, especially since I have one person whose taste buds change on a whim and a picky eater in the family. I need to have flexibility with meal preparation to accommodate for changing taste buds. It is easier to have the conversation on what's for lunch and dinner the night before, than to plan three days worth of food for each meal.


What I Do Instead


Embrace Batch Cooking


Instead of planning every meal in advance, I batch cooking a few staples that can be used throughout the week. Cook large portions of grains, proteins, and roasted vegetables that can be mixed and matched. This way, I have a variety of options ready to go without the stress of daily cooking.


Cook with Left-Overs in Mind


We all enjoy a warm lunch in my family, so when cooking dinner, I cook extra portions to take for lunch. If it's a hit, everyone is more that happy to have a second helping for lunch, or repeat the dinner with a few modifications like a different salad. It never goes wrong.


Keep a Well-Stocked Pantry


A well-stocked pantry can saves us from the dilemma of what to eat. I fill shelves with versatile ingredients like canned beans, pasta, rice, and spices. This way, when hunger strikes, I can whip up a quick meal without needing a set plan. I also have simple combinations that can be made on the fly.


Use a Flexible Approach


Instead of rigid meal planning, I adopt a flexible approach to meals. I choose a few ingredients that we enjoy each week and create meals around them. This allows for creativity while still giving us a loose guideline. For example, if we pick chicken, broccoli, and quinoa, we can prepare them in different ways throughout the week with modifications when needed.


Make a List of Go-To Recipes


I have compiled a list of our favorite easy recipes that we can reference when I'm not sure what to make. Having a repertoire of tried-and-true meals makes it easier to decide what to cook without feeling overwhelmed. During the week, I aim for quick recipes that require minimal prep time.


Consider Pre-Made Options


For the off days when I do not feel like cooking, I always have a pre-made meal or two in the freezer. We grab a few items from the frozen aisle to make a balanced meal. This allows us to enjoy the benefits of planned meals without the effort of preparing them myself.


Explore New Flavors


I make it a goal to try a new recipe or ingredient each week. This reinvigorates my meals and make cooking more enjoyable. There is so much inspiration online, or I just challenge myself to be as creative as possible using using an unfamiliar flavor.


There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to eating well. The key is to find what works best for you while keeping your nutrition in check. With countless ways to nourish your body, you can embrace what feels right for you, and enjoy the journey of discovering a balanced lifestyle!

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