Meal Prepping for the Back-to-School Season: Save Time and Keep More Money in Your Pocket
The back-to-school season always approaches quicker than we think. The hustle and bustle of getting back into the routine of earlier mornings, after-school events, and homework can make meal planning seem like the last thing you want to do.
However, meal prepping can be a game-changer when it comes to time and your budget. Sources have said that meal prepping could save you over $250 a month, which can equate to up to $3,000 per year!
Here are some practical tips and benefits of meal prepping to help you and your family navigate this busy season with ease!
The Benefits of Meal Prepping
The benefit is obvious – meal prepping can save you TIME & MONEY!
- By planning you will reduce any impulse purchases at the store. It can also help you avoid high-dollar dine-in or last-minute take-out.
- Minimizes Food Waste: With a meal plan in place, you only buy what you need, reducing the chances of wasting food or over buying on things you already have at home.
- Streamlined Shopping: Whether it’s a well-planned grocery trip or streamlined online ordering, by planning you free up time for other activities.
Tips for Successful Meal Prepping
- Plan Your Meals for the Month
- Start by creating a monthly menu. It can be over-detailed, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Or you can just look at the big picture and time savers like dinner.
- Line up your recipes that use common ingredients to minimize the number of items you need to buy.
- Create a Grocery List for the Week
- Based on your monthly meal plan, make a detailed grocery list…and a budget! Don’t forget to check your fridge, freezer, and pantry before shopping!
- Consider Meal Prepping
- Dedicate a few hours once a week to do a large batch of cooking. Prepare large quantities of staples like your grains, proteins, and vegetables that can be mixed and matched throughout the week. This will save you a ton of time when you’re at your busiest during the week.
- Grab & Go Meals
- Don’t overlook grab-and-go meals for busy mornings, lunches, or on-the-go evenings. A meat and cheese roll up can be affordable and go a long way when you’re in a hurry but hungry!
- Fill Up on your Freezer-Friendly Meals
- Some meals freeze better than others. Soups, stews, casseroles, and cooked proteins can be made in advance and stored in the freezer for later!
There’s no better time than the back-to-school season to get into the swing of things and start meal prepping to better help you manage your time and your money!
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