It’s almost a new year, which means you might be thinking of ways to up your meal prep game. This doesn’t mean you have to enter 2024 ready to spend hours every Sunday meal prepping 5 days a week. It’s also not just for people on weight loss or bodybuilding journeys, or people living by their macros or a strict meal plan.
In fact, I didn’t really discover the “magic” of meal prep until I became a mom. It’s time saved for me. Sometimes yes, I do a week’s lunch prep. Most of the time, though, my meal prep is stocking my freezer with bite-sized pancakes for my kids or preparing bowls of cut-up fruit they can easily grab.
Even if you’re not a parent, meal prep and meal planning can save you a lot of time and energy. If you’ve tried this before and feel tired, take smaller steps. Really is the little things, even when it comes to meal planning.
My favorite meal prep tools
Having the right tools helps too. Here are some of my favorite kitchen tools to make life easier in the kitchen. Of course, these are not “must-haves” and you don’t need every one.
I’ve collected them over time (read: YEARS) as I build my meal prep game. Hopefully this list gives you an idea of where to start!
1. Glass containers
Image: W&P
Let’s start with the basics – Food Storage. Having a variety of different sized containers will save you a lot of frustration later. I recommend going by glass if possible for safe reheating straight from the fridge. Glass also seems to last much longer than plastic storage containers. If you can, it’s worth spending a little more on quality canisters rather than replacing them every year or two. Here are some of my favorites:
2. The viral cutter
I’ve been burned many times by products that go viral on TikTok, but not this one. This cutting tool is truly life changing. I use it to make whole chopped salads (which I then eat straight from the container). I also use it to dice apples for oatmeal and potatoes for potato soup.
3. A salad bowl
I have owned this Tiktok-viral tool for almost a year now and I can definitely say that it is worth the hype. I can also confidently say that if I don’t have lettuce washed and ready for me, I am NOT making a salad.
With this little tool, I can wash and dry my lettuce as soon as I get it home from the store so it’s ready.
4. A designer
MEAL PREP SHOPPING AND OFFER PLANNING
Sometimes planning is what scares people away from meal prep. It feels overwhelming, but it can start as small as writing down what you plan to eat for dinner each week.
I’m a list person and a Millennial, which means I like to physically write things down. This Meal preparation pillow it helps me write out my meal plans for the week and I love that I can create my grocery list right on the same page.
You can find this tool at 2024 Fit Planner very. And a workout planner, a goal planner, recipes and more. If you prefer to keep your life in a book, get this option.
5. Measuring tools
Nothing is more frustrating than digging through a drawer looking for a specific measuring cup or spoon, or realizing that what you need is missing from the sink. These little hurdles seriously add up, taking up your time and adding stress.
It’s time to build a complete set of measurement tools, starting with the basics: A measuring cup and spoon setand liquid measuring cups. Yes, they are different!
You need a kitchen Scale? It feels intense, but it is not only for people who meticulously weigh their portions to hit their macros. A scale can be really helpful when you’re dividing equal portions of protein or when you’re baking and the ingredients need to be accurate.
6. This 3-in-1 blender
Image: Target
I’ve owned an older version of this Ninja system for almost a decade, and I still use it consistently. I use the cup for the obvious, smoothies, but also to make salad dressings and small portions of other sauces. I’ve even used it to make nut butter.
I use the food processor to quickly chop broccoli into thin pieces, put together a crust or crumble for desserts, and (my favorite) make energy bites.
I use the larger blender attachment to make large batches of smoothies which I then freeze in cubes to speed up the process later (my kids love smoothies so I make them often). I also use it to mix thick pasta sauces for my slightly picky husband or to sneak vegetables into the pasta sauce. You can also use the blender for soups.
The blades on this thing make everything super smooth. So smooth that no one will spot spinach in a smoothie or carrots in their pasta sauce.
7. Immersion blenders are also useful
Image: Amazon
This is one of those tools you don’t realize you need until you have it. You could puree soups in a large blender or you can use this immersion blender right in the pot. No mess, no risk of spilling hot soup on yourself.
I love that this blender also comes with a mini food processor and wire attachment.
8. Vacuum sealer
Image: Amazon
This is my favorite money saving meal prep tool. If you eat meat, you know it’s EXPENSIVE. I like to buy it in bulk (I do this mostly with chicken), cut off the thick pieces, and weigh it out into the portions I usually need for cooking. That’s usually 1 to 1.5 pounds for me! Then I vacuum seal each portion, write the weight and date on each package with a Sharpie, and freeze.
Not only does this save money, but I don’t have to deal with touching and cutting raw meat later (my least favorite part of cooking).
If you’re willing to put in a little work upfront, you’ll thank yourself in the future.
The list of vacuum sealed foods is endless, even if you’re not a meat eater.
9. Prepare a bowl
Image: Amazon
There’s just something about a matching mixing bowl set that makes you feel ready to hit the kitchen, right?
I love these. You can grate cheese, carrots or zucchini or thinly slice vegetables directly in the bowl. And mixing bowls with lids is a game changer.
10. A garlic cleaner
Image: Amazon
Peeling garlic is the worst. This silicone garlic peeler is inexpensive and worth every penny to save yourself from stubborn garlic skin that sticks to everything.
While you’re at it, grab one garlic press to save even more time.
11. An ice cube tray
I sometimes use them for ice, but mostly I use them to freeze pre-made smoothies and leftover pasta sauce or chicken stock.
12. An Instant Pot
Another game changer for meal prep. If you don’t have one yet or find it intimidating, I promise it’s easier to use than you think! I use it to quickly cook large batches of rice and some of my favorite soup recipes. I also like that you can saute the base of a recipe (garlic and onion for example) and then add your other ingredients, which are in pressure cooking mode, and away you go. No manning the stove, no extra dirty dishes.
It’s a learning curve, but it’s worth it.
13. Flat top grill
I am fully aware that this is a large purchase and not just a quick “add to cart”. Like I said, you can make meals without anything on this list, and that’s definitely the case with this pan. But it is my favorite and has really changed my meal prep game.
If you’re cooking for a family or multiple servings for yourself, having one pan eliminates the need for multiple pans or batch cooking. I can cook 12 pancakes at once or even a whole breakfast. We can cook stirfry incredibly fast in it too and it doesn’t leave me with a wok to clean.
14. Shaker bottle
Finally, a reliable shaker bottle to get your protein on the go. This bottle has saved me so many times when I’ve had a long day and need something quick to avoid the hangover between meals. It fits in my car cup holder (major win) and has a built in filter to catch any lumps. The iridescent design makes it fun to carry, too.
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