Despite what you hear in the news we are in a recession. The cost of living, especially food, is so high eating out immediately puts a strain on our wallets like never before. Sure, we live absurdly hectic lifestyles that deter us from utilizing traditional cooking styles from decades past which promote the consumption of nutrient dense foods. But, there are a few hacks I’ve learned that have worked wonders at helping me tackle this issue head on. Food prep is at the top of my lists and helps me get meals on the table quicker and more efficiently than ever before. Food prep may not be suitable for everyone or every lifestyle. However, for many of us, especially young moms on a budget, it offers numerous advantages. Finding a food prep routine that works for you can contribute to a more organized and balanced approach to eating and save you money in the long run.
Food prep, or meal prepping, involves preparing and portioning meals or ingredients in advance, typically for several days or even months if you’re smart about it. There are several benefits to food prep that make it a popular and beneficial practice for many individuals like myself and my family of 3. For starters, can we say, “Time Efficiency!” Without a doubt, food prep saves time in the long run. By dedicating a specific time to prepare meals for the upcoming days, you can minimize the time spent on daily meal preparation. This is crucial for individuals with busy schedules or limited time for cooking during the week. On top of that, food prep allows you to have better control over your meals and helps promote consistency in your diet. By planning and preparing your meals in advance, you can ensure that you have healthy balanced options readily available, reducing the chances of over indulging in unhealthy fast food or convenience foods.
My daughter, Ché is 2 now and eats like she’ll never be served food again sometimes. So, trust, I’ve found a few hacks around the kitchen to save time but still put nutrient dense options in front of her. My advice to new moms especially, is to equip yourself with a few tools that help you operate in the kitchen more efficiently. You should have a stash of BPA free, reusable storage containers readily available for use, in a range of materials as well; some plastic some, glass containers with secure lids are great for having a well rounded kitchen. This will ensure you have microwave safe and freezer safe options on hand. But, aside from storage containers I want to share with you my all time favorite cooking gadgets for a small household. There are a number of gadgets I rely heavily on to help me get the job done month in and month out.
Here are my Top 5 recommendations:
1.) High Powered Blender - Blenders are great for creating smoothies, soups, or sauces. They can quickly blend ingredients into a smooth consistency, saving time and effort. Look for a blender with different speed settings and a powerful motor for efficient blending.
2.) Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: These appliances are ideal for preparing meals that require long, slow cooking or hands-off cooking. They allow you to set and forget your meals, making it convenient for busy individuals. I love preparing stews, soups, and proteins like chicken or pot roast in them.
3.) Food Processor: A food processor is as versatile as it gets. This tool can assist with all the tedious tasks nobody enjoys doing: chopping, slicing, shredding, and even pureeing ingredients. It can save a significant amount of time when it comes to food prep tasks like chopping vegetables, making sauces, or blending ingredients.
4.) Cast Iron Skillet: This is the most versatile pan in my entire kitchen. It can be used for various cooking techniques, such as sautéing, frying, searing, baking, and even broiling. You can use it to cook a wide range of ingredients, from meats and vegetables to grains one pan meals.
5.) Non Stick Pan: These babies have a coating that prevents food from sticking to the surface. This makes it easier to cook delicate ingredients like eggs, fish, or pancakes without worrying about them sticking and breaking apart. Also, it simplifies the cleanup process. I’m like, say less!
Just keep in mind, while these gadgets can streamline your meal prep process, they are not necessary for everyone. Choose gadgets based on your specific needs and the types of meals you enjoy preparing. Start with the ones that align with your cooking style and gradually expand your collection as you find value in additional tools. It is worth noting that most of these gadgets require proper care to maintain their beneficial qualities. Always clean every single gadget on this pan after use. Allow pans to cool before submerging in water and avoid using metal utensils that could scratch the coating. Everything on this list has been convenient and practical choice for meal prep for me and my family. I hope you find some treasures in here too to use for yourself. Happy cooking!
