Let’s be real: meal prep sounds amazing in theory… but in practice? It can feel overwhelming, expensive, and like yet another thing on your to-do list.
So let’s simplify. I’m showing you how to meal prep and save money, reduce stress, and spend less without turning your Sundays into a full-time job in the kitchen.
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The thing is, once you get started, it can save you SO much time, money, and stress.
With that in mind, I’ve put together a quick list of meal prep time & money savers for you. Ready for them?
6 Meal Prep Time & Money Saving Tips:
Tip #1. Start Simple (Seriously.)
Don’t expect to become a meal prep pro overnight and don’t feel like you have to prep every meal for the week. Start by choosing just one meal that stresses you out the most (usually lunch), and focus on prepping only that.
If lunch is always chaotic or ends in a sad granola bar, start by prepping 2–3 easy lunches ahead of time. Once that feels easy, expand to dinners or breakfasts.
Tip #2. Double What You’re Already Making
This is the easiest hack in the book. If you’re cooking dinner anyway, just make twice as much. That extra serving becomes tomorrow’s lunch or a no-effort dinner later in the week.
No extra planning. No extra cleanup. Just… extra food.
You don’t have to do this every night even doubling one or two meals a week can free up time (and reduce takeout temptations).
Tip #3. Have a Game Plan Before You Start Cooking
If you’re cooking multiple meals at once, treat it like a mini mission:
- Read your recipes all the way through
- Write out the steps in the order you plan to tackle them
- Prep anything that can be chopped, rinsed, or marinated ahead of time
You’ll stay more organized, waste less time, and it becomes easier to clean as you go (which is a total sanity-saver).
Bonus: Having a plan actually makes the process more enjoyable especially if you’re not a big fan of cooking.
Tip #4. Batch Your Protein
Protein tends to be the part of a meal that takes the longest so prepping it ahead in bigger batches will save you a ton of time.
Cook 2 lbs of chicken, turkey, lentils, or tofu instead of 1. It takes the same time, costs less per serving when you buy in bulk, and sets you up with the base for multiple meals.
Taco bowls? Stir-fries? Wraps? You’re halfway there once the protein’s done.
Tip #5. Use Time-Saving Tools (Like a Slow Cooker or Rice Cooker)
These tools are total game-changers. Throw ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning and come home to a hot, ready-to-eat dinner. Or set your rice cooker while you prep other meals, and BOOM! no babysitting, no boil-overs, and perfectly cooked grains every time.
If you’re short on time or attention, these “set it and forget it” tools do the heavy lifting for you.
Tip #6. Make It Enjoyable
If cooking feels like a chore, make the environment more enjoyable.
Turn on your favorite music, podcast, or audiobook. Light a candle. Pour a fizzy drink or your favorite tea. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb and let this be your time.
Meal prep doesn’t have to be a grind, it can be a little self-care moment in your week.
Bottom Line:
You don’t have to go all-in to get the benefits of meal prepping. Just a few small changes, like doubling dinner or cooking one extra lunch , can free up time, reduce decision fatigue, and help you eat better without stress.
Try one or two tips this week and see how much easier your days feel.
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