Hi, my name is Brooke, and I’m excited to share one of my passions with you: meal prepping.

 

My journey with meal prepping began about a year ago. For several years, my health had been a growing concern, and I knew it was time to make some changes. That’s when I connected with Jess from Homesteading Hippie. She started meal prepping for me, and over time, her passion for it became my own.

 

When Jess decided to close her business, I realized it was time for me to take on meal prepping myself. At the time, I was commuting weekly for doctor’s appointments, and my family’s well-being was my top priority. I wanted to ensure they had access to good, wholesome meals, even when I wasn’t there. And so, my food prepping journey began.

 

So what does my weekly routine look like? I dedicate Thursdays to prepping all my produce, which significantly speeds up the meal prep process. On Fridays, I prepare snacks and breakfasts for the week. Some of my favorite breakfast meals are chorizo egg casserole with bell peppers, onions and sweet potatoes. Mashed sweet potatoes with nuts and fresh fruit and banana protein muffins. Our favorite snacks are mixed nuts, date protein balls, apples with date caramel sauce, fruit salad, deviled eggs and protein boxes with hard boiled eggs, meat, cheese and grapes. I have a massive sweet tooth, so by having some healthier options available, it helps satisfy those “cravings”. By spreading the workload over several days, I’ve been able to reduce the strain of meal preparation.

 

In the past, I attempted to complete all the prep work in a single day, which would take up to 8 hours to complete. Now, with the produce prepped in advance, I focus on cooking everything on Saturday mornings. This system runs smoothly, and from start to finish-including cleanup the process takes about 3 hours.

 

What do my meals look like? They primarily consist of whole, nutrient dense foods. A typical meal includes a lean protein, such as chicken, turkey and beef, paired with plenty of fresh, colorful vegetables. Healthy fats, like avocado, olive oil and nuts are incorporated into meals. Some of my favorite meals are Salisbury steak with sautéed veggies and mashed cauliflower, harvest salad with pork panko crusted chicken and eggplant lasagna. This way of eating minimizes processed foods, high-fat foods, and those high in sodium, sugar, and dairy.

 

I strongly recommend meal prepping, as it has freed up my evenings, allowing me to spend quality time with my family. While I do spend a bit more at the grocery store, it keeps us eating at home instead of dining out. When factoring in the cost of eating out, I’ve found that it balances out and even helps us save money in the long run.

 

Find someone who shares the same passion with you, someone to help keep you accountable. For me, Ashley has been that person-offering constant encouragement and support. Sharing recipes and meals with her has made the process not only easier but also much more enjoyable.

 

For anyone considering making a change, take the leap and invest in your health-it’s absolutely worth it. We are fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible gym community that offers support and guidance to help navigate your journey!