Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen every day trying to prepare a healthy and delicious meal for yourself or your family? Meal prepping is the answer! By spending a little time planning and preparing your meals in advance, you can save time, money, and stress throughout the week. To help you get started, here are 11 meal prep hacks that will make lunches and dinners a breeze.

One of the keys to successful meal prep is to plan your meals in advance. Take some time at the beginning of each week to decide what you want to eat for lunch and dinner. This will help you create a shopping list and ensure that you have all the ingredients you need on hand.

Investing in high-quality, reusable containers is essential for meal prepping. Look for containers that are microwave and dishwasher safe, and that come in various sizes to accommodate different portion sizes. Having a good set of containers will make it easier to store and transport your prepped meals.

Using a slow cooker is a game-changer for meal prep. You can simply throw all your ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal in the evening. This is a great way to save time and ensure that you have a hot meal waiting for you at the end of a long day.

When you find a recipe that you love, consider doubling or even tripling the recipe to make extra servings. This will save you time in the long run, as you can simply reheat the leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week. It’s also a great way to stock up your freezer with ready-to-eat meals for busy days.

To make meal prep even easier, consider prepping and freezing ingredients in advance. For example, you can chop and freeze vegetables, cook and shred chicken, or portion out grains and pasta. Having these prepped ingredients on hand will save you time when it comes to assembling your meals.

One-pot meals are a lifesaver for meal prep. Not only are they easy to make, but they also result in fewer dishes to wash. Look for recipes that allow you to cook everything in one pot or pan, such as soups, stews, stir-fries, and casseroles. This will save you time and hassle in the kitchen.

Mason jar salads are a great way to prep healthy and delicious salads in advance. Simply layer your favorite salad ingredients in a mason jar, starting with the dressing at the bottom and ending with the lettuce on top. When you’re ready to eat, just shake the jar to mix everything together, and enjoy a fresh, pre-made salad.

Having a meal prep schedule can help you stay organized and on track. Dedicate a specific time each week to plan your meals, create your shopping list, and do your meal prep. Whether it’s on a Sunday afternoon or a Wednesday evening, having a set time for meal prep will make it easier to stick to your routine.

Rotisserie chicken is a versatile and time-saving ingredient for meal prep. You can use it in sandwiches, salads, wraps, casseroles, and more. Instead of cooking and shredding chicken yourself, take advantage of the convenience of rotisserie chicken for quick and easy meal prep.

Overnight oats are a simple and convenient breakfast option for meal prep. All you have to do is mix oats, milk, and your favorite toppings in a jar, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious breakfast ready to go. You can also prep several jars at once for the week ahead.

When it comes to meal prep, simplicity is key. Focus on easy recipes with minimal ingredients and preparation. This will help you save time and reduce the stress of meal prepping. Don’t overcomplicate things – stick to the basics and make meal prep work for you.