If you’re a busy mom looking to simplify your week and keep your family fed without the stress, you’re in the right place! In this post, I shared a glimpse into my life as a busy mom of 4 as I execute a full day of meal prepping. From breakfast to dinner, I whipped up easy, delicious recipes to help keep my week organized and stress-free. If you’re also interested in meal planning, I’ve created an easy download you can use to get your meals planned and organized quickly. You can access it here!
Now, let’s dive into what I cooked and how you can recreate these meals at home and if you’re a visual person, scroll down to see my video for a step-by-step guide.
Why Meal Prep Matters
Meal prepping has been a game-changer for my busy schedule. With kids, work, and everything in between, it’s easy to fall into the trap of last-minute meals or fast food. Prepping ahead allows me to:
- Save time during the week
- Stick to healthier options
- Reduce stress around dinnertime
- Keep my family’s meals organized
In this vlog, I shared how I tackled meal prep for the week with minimal cooking and maximum flavor.
Here’s What I Cooked
Breakfast: Turkey Sausage and English Muffin Sandwiches (cheese optional)
These breakfast sandwiches are a lifesaver for busy mornings. They’re quick to reheat, packed with protein, and super satisfying. And guess what… There’s no need to cook the sausage!
Here’s how I made them:
- Pan fry eggs on both sides.
- Split English muffins.
- Assemble sandwiches with an English muffin, frozen turkey sausage patty, eggs, and cheese (optional).
- Wrap individually in damp paper towel and store in the fridge or freezer for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.
Lunch/Dinner: Honey BBQ Crunch Bowls
These bowls are perfect for lunch or dinner and add a delicious crunch to your meal prep. Here’s how I put them together:
- Layer a base of potato, rice or quinoa.
- Top with chicken of choice (my favorite is air-fried chicken thighs) seasoned well and tossed in honey BBQ sauce.
- Sprinkle with fried onions and a mindful serving of cheese.
- Add a sauce – chipotle, honey mustard, ranch – you choose!
- Add a serving of veggies on the side.
- Store in individual containers for easy reheating.
Lunch/Dinner: Chipotle-Style Bowls
For a fun twist, I made Chipotle-style bowls that are super customizable. Here’s what I included:
- A base of cilantro-lime or plain rice.
- Add a protein. Pro tip: make a double batch of air-fried chicken thighs.
- Toppings like shredded cheese, corn, salsa, and guacamole.
- Drizzle with your favorite sauce or dressing for added flavor.
These are a family favorite and can be easily adjusted to suit everyone’s tastes.
Time-Saving Cooking Tips
Meal prepping doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are a few tips I swear by:
- Batch Cook Proteins: Cook all your proteins at once to save time.
- Use Simple Ingredients: Stick to staples like rice, beans, and veggies that are easy to prepare.
- Invest in Storage Containers: Use portioned containers to keep meals organized and ready to grab.
- Plan Ahead: Create a meal plan and shopping list to make prep day seamless.
Meal Prep Essentials
To make meal prepping even easier, here are some must-have tools and products I use regularly:
- Air Fryer: Perfect for quickly cooking proteins, veggies, and even snacks. Get it here.
- Meal Prep Containers: Keep your meals fresh and organized with these options:
- Food Scale: Ideal for portion control and sticking to your goals. Get it here.
I’m also wearing my favorite leggings and a cozy jacket in the video, and I absolutely love them. If you’re curious, you can grab the leggings here and the jacket here. Check out my recent blog post on the best leggings for plus-sized women to learn why I own seven pairs of these!
Balancing Meal Prep and Mom Life
In the vlog, I also shared a realistic look at balancing meal prep with family responsibilities. It’s not always perfect, and some days feel chaotic, but having a plan in place makes all the difference. Meal prepping helps me feel more in control of my week, even when life gets busy.
Watch the Full Vlog
Want to see how I prepped these meals step-by-step? Watch my full vlog below for detailed recipes, time-saving tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at how I stay organized:
Meal prepping doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a few simple recipes and a little planning, you can save time, reduce stress, and keep your family fed with healthy, delicious meals all week long.
I hope this inspires you to start your own meal prep journey! Let me know in the comments: What are your favorite go-to meal prep recipes?
