Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay
Let’s face it: cooking isn’t everyone’s favorite activity. Even though I love being in the kitchen, sometimes I’d rather do anything else. Feeding six kids who were always on the go — sports, after-school activities, and everything in between — taught me some time-saving tricks. These strategies are perfect for those of you who want to eat well but hate the hassle of cooking.
Start With a Plan (But Keep It Simple)
Meal prep starts with knowing what you’ll eat. Spend 10 minutes on Sunday planning your meals. Focus on recipes that share ingredients to save time and effort. For example, grilled chicken can work in salads, wraps, and pasta. It’s also a good time to chop vegetables and prepare any upcoming cold dishes you may have planned like salads and fruit bowls.
Embrace One-Pan and One-Pot Meals
One-pan meals are a lazy cook’s dream. Toss everything on a baking sheet, season it, and bake. Dinner is ready with minimal cleanup! My go-to these days is roasted veggies and chicken with a sprinkle of olive oil and spices. Some other one-pot meals I make on a regular basis are: carne guisada, chicken and dumplings, pot roast, and goulash.
Cook Once, Eat Twice (or More)
Double your recipes! If you’re making chili or soup, make enough for a second meal. Freeze leftovers in portion-sized containers. Future you will thank you on busy nights.
Use Store-Bought Shortcuts
There’s no shame in pre-chopped veggies, pre-cooked meals, or sauces in a jar. These save time and reduce the stress of prepping everything from scratch. Bagged salad mixes? Yes, please!
Batch Cook the Basics
Dedicate an hour to cooking staples for the week. Roast a big batch of chicken, boil a pot of rice, and prep some roasted veggies. Mix and match these for quick meals like bowls, wraps, or stir-fries.
Stock Up on No-Cook Staples
Not every meal has to involve cooking. Keep things like deli meat, cheese, hummus, nuts, and fresh fruit on hand. A charcuterie-style snack plate makes for a quick and satisfying meal.
Related: 5-Day Clean Eating Challenge
Invest in Gadgets That Save Time
Kitchen gadgets can make a world of difference. My slow cooker, instant pot, and air fryer are lifesavers. Throw ingredients in, press a button, and let the machine do the work.
Make Sundays Count
Even though I cook daily (except Fridays), Sundays are for big family meals. It’s my time to slow down and enjoy creating something special. The leftovers from these meals often double as a head start for Monday’s lunch. In fact, since the hubby has gone back to work, I have been making sure to prepare a little extra each night so he can have a warm meal the next day.
Give Yourself a Break
If meal prep feels overwhelming, start small. Prep just lunches or dinners for a few days. Gradually build your routine to avoid burnout. And remember, it’s okay to order takeout sometimes.
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.
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