Meal prepping is a popular trend that has been gaining momentum in recent years. By preparing your meals in advance, you can save time, money, and stress throughout the week. Not to mention, meal prepping can also help you make healthier food choices and stick to your dietary goals. If you’re new to meal prepping or looking for some new recipes to add to your repertoire, here are five easy meal prep recipes you can make in advance.
1. Chicken and Veggie Stir-fry
Stir-fries are a great option for meal prep because they’re quick to cook and easy to customize with your favorite veggies and proteins. For this recipe, start by marinating chicken breast strips in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey. While the chicken is marinating, chop up your favorite stir-fry veggies – think bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots. Once the chicken is marinated, cook it in a hot skillet until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and add in your veggies, stirring occasionally until they are tender-crisp. Mix the chicken back in with the veggies, divide into individual containers, and store in the fridge for up to four days. Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
2. Turkey and Black Bean Burrito Bowls
Burrito bowls are a great option for meal prep because they offer a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Start by cooking ground turkey in a skillet with taco seasoning until browned and cooked through. While the turkey is cooking, prepare some brown rice or quinoa and black beans. Once the turkey, rice, and beans are cooked, assemble the burrito bowls by layering the ingredients in individual containers. Top with your favorite toppings like salsa, shredded cheese, avocado, and Greek yogurt. Store in the fridge for up to four days and reheat in the microwave when ready to eat.
3. Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Salad
For a healthy and filling meal prep option, try a quinoa and roasted vegetable salad. Start by cooking quinoa according to package instructions and roasting a mix of your favorite veggies – think cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell peppers, and zucchini. Once the quinoa and veggies are cooked, toss them together with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs. Divide the salad into individual containers and store in the fridge for up to five days. This salad can be served cold or reheated in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.
4. Lentil and Spinach Curry
Curries are a great option for meal prep because they tend to get better with time as the flavors meld together. For this recipe, start by cooking lentils according to package instructions. While the lentils are cooking, sauté diced onion, garlic, ginger, and curry powder in a large pot until fragrant. Add in diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and a touch of vegetable broth, then simmer for about 20 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Stir in cooked lentils and fresh spinach until the spinach wilts. Divide the curry into individual containers and store in the fridge for up to five days. Serve over brown rice or naan bread for a satisfying meal.
5. Greek Chicken and Couscous Salad
For a fresh and flavorful meal prep option, try a Greek chicken and couscous salad. Start by marinating chicken breast in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano. While the chicken is marinating, cook couscous according to package instructions and chop up your favorite Greek salad ingredients – think cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese. Once the chicken is marinated, cook it in a hot skillet until browned and cooked through. Slice the chicken and toss it together with the couscous and veggies. Divide the salad into individual containers and store in the fridge for up to four days. This salad can be served cold or reheated in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.
In conclusion, meal prepping is a great way to save time, money, and stress throughout the week. By preparing your meals in advance, you can make healthier food choices and stick to your dietary goals. These five easy meal prep recipes are quick to make, easy to customize, and can be stored in the fridge for several days. Give them a try and see how meal prepping can make your life easier and more delicious.
