TechieMaMa

Working moms, let’s be real—balancing work, parenting, and feeding the family is no joke. But what if I told you that meal prep could be the secret to saving time, energy, and your sanity? Living in Germany, where shops close early and Sundays are sacred, I’ve found my rhythm with a once-a-week shop and Sunday meal prep routine. Here’s how I make it work:

My Weekend Meal Prep Routine

1. Saturday: Strategic Grocery Shopping

• I hit the store on Saturday morning armed with a detailed list. My rule? No list, no shop.

• Hack: Plan meals in advance and categorize your list by sections (produce, dairy, pantry) to minimize backtracking in the aisles.

2. Sunday: Meal Prep Like a Pro

• Sunday is prep day, and I treat it like a project with clear deliverables. Meals are cooked, portioned, and stored for the week ahead.

• Bonus: It’s a family activity! My partner handles chopping while the baby supervises from the high chair.

Meal Prep Hacks to Save Your Week

1. Plan Your Menu Around a Core Ingredient

• Use one main ingredient (like chicken or lentils) in multiple recipes. Think roasted chicken for dinner, wraps for lunch, and chicken soup for midweek comfort.

2. Batch Cook Staples

• Cook large batches of pasta, rice, or grains to mix and match throughout the week.

• Hack: Freeze portions in silicone molds for quick reheating.

3. Prep Snacks, Too

• Wash and chop fruits or veggies for grab-and-go snacks.

• Hack: Pack snacks into containers, so morning chaos doesn’t derail healthy eating.

4. Leverage the Freezer

• Double recipes and freeze half for the following week. Soups, curries, and stews are lifesavers!

• Hack: Label everything with dates and contents to avoid “mystery meals.”

Why Meal Prep Works

Meal prep isn’t just about saving time; it’s about reducing stress. Knowing you’ve got meals ready to go means fewer last-minute decisions, fewer takeout orders, and more energy for your family.

How do you handle meal planning in your home? Do you meal prep, or are you more of a day-to-day planner? Share your tips (or funny mishaps!)—let’s inspire each other to make mealtimes easier!