how I meal prep to save money
Meal prepping can get expensive fast if you don't...
1. take account what you ALREADY have, before buying more
2. have no idea what you want your meals to consist of before heading to the grocery store
I always tell my clients that you need to go in with a plan! If you go shopping and have no idea what you want, are hungry, or on your period, you might end up buying a lot that you didn't budget for. Although I don't always stick to a "strict" budget, shopping after creating this list makes it SO MUCH easier.
I would recommend first writing out what you are meal prepping for -- in this example, we were headed out for a trip & feeding an additional four people during this time, so our list was long. It isn't always like this, however it made the most sense for us to just prep for the 3 days we knew we would be eating at home (with the one day, Wednesday, that we knew we would be eating out for lunch & supper).
After you make the outline for which meals you need additional food for, I'd recommend checking out apps like Lemon8 or Pinterest for fun & simple recipe ideas. We knew we needed some that kids would like, so we kept it simple...but you can get as creative (or boring) as you'd like!
From there, all that's left is to write out every single ingredient you need. DON'T FORGET to do both a fridge & pantry audit to see what you already have, and cross out accordingly. This allows you to in return, spend much less money, stick to a plan, and have no stress around meal time - especially when knowing you're responsible for cooking for others.
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Meal prepping is an essential skill for anyone looking to eat healthier and save money. By preparing meals in advance, you not only streamline your cooking process but also eliminate the last-minute food purchases that can lead to overspending. First, create a meal plan based on what you already have in your pantry to avoid unnecessary purchases. This can fundamentally change your shopping habits. Next, consider utilizing budgeting apps, which can help keep track of expenses and ensure you're sticking to your financial goals. When planning your meals, it’s also beneficial to think about the family's preferences to minimize food waste. Recipes that can feed a crowd, especially kid-friendly options, can make meal prep more enjoyable and practical. Engaging in online communities or using platforms like Lemon8 for recipe inspiration can provide a variety of ideas that are both fun and economical. Don’t forget to incorporate seasonal ingredients that are usually cheaper and fresher. Finally, regular audits of your fridge and pantry can help you to consistently optimize your meals and shopping lists, keeping your kitchen organized and reducing costs. By making meal prep a habit, you not only ensure healthy eating but also cultivate an efficient, budget-friendly kitchen routine.
There’s an app called pantry check that will keep track of everything you in your pantry plus expiration dates!