Prep Ingredients for a Week of Stress-Free Cooking

Does dinnertime sometimes feel like a mad rush? A little prep at the start of the week can save you loads of time and stress when it’s time to cook. From chopping veggies to cooking grains, small steps now mean quick, hassle-free meals later.

Here are some simple tips to get you started on a week of smoother, stress-free cooking!

1. Chop Once, Cook All Week

Spend 30 minutes chopping your vegetables for the week. Store them in airtight containers with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

2. Portion Proteins for Faster Meals

Divide bulk meats into meal-sized portions before freezing. Pre-marinate chicken or beef for flavour-packed meals with no extra effort later.

3. Cook Grains in Advance

Batch-cook grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous on Sunday and store them in containers in the fridge.

4. Create Grab-and-Go Snack Packs

Prepare snack-sized portions of fruits, nuts, and crackers in reusable containers. This makes it easy to grab healthy snacks for lunchboxes, work, or after-school munchies.

5. Make a Sauce or Dressing – A simple homemade vinaigrette, stir-fry sauce, or marinade can add flavour to meals in seconds.

6. Pre-Wash Salad Greens – Washing and drying lettuce, spinach, or kale in advance means fresh salads in no time.

A little prep at the start of the week makes dinnertime (and snack time!) so much easier. By taking small steps like chopping veggies, cooking grains, and portioning proteins, you’ll save time, reduce stress and make mealtimes a breeze. Give it a go this week and see the difference!