Save it for later? No Problem!
Meal preparation is a great way to efficiently spend time and money. We understand that life can be overwhelming, but these meal prep tips offer a solution. Making all of your meals for the week at once will take some stress of your back, so we want to make sure you have the tips to do so successfully.
Meal Preparation
Instead of putting your groceries away right after you get home, consider cooking them immediately! It's helpful to think of what meals you want to make before you go shopping, that way you can stick to a budget and stick to the essentials. Once you have all of your ingredients, you can get prepping in the kitchen. After making the recipe of your choice, follow these steps to safely store your food.
Tip #1
Refrigerate perishable foods so the total time they are at room temperature is less than two hours.
Tip #2
Freeze food in portion sizes you choose for your future meals. This will make the process of warming them up much simpler.
Tip #3
Slightly cool foods before it is refrigerated, this keeps it from getting spoiled.
Tip #4
Instead of packing your food in storage bags, use freezer bags. They are thicker and stronger, guaranteeing your food will be kept for a longer time.
Tip #5
Save space in your freezer by flattening your bags. Stacking up your meals will save space in your freezer!
Tip #6
Avoid thawing perishable foods left at room temperature. This will cause bacteria to grow. Instead plan ahead for a slow thawing in the refrigerator. For example, moving your dinner from the freezer to the fridge in the morning will assure that your food is ready to be warmed up at dinner time.
Tip #7
It is best to remove the food from a freezer bag or plastic container so that your food is safely cooked. Transferring it to a bowl or dish that is made to sustain heat is recommended.
Final Thoughts
By following these simple tips, you can keep your meals fresh, organized, and ready to enjoy! A little planning goes a long way, so take the time to prep smart and store your food properly so you can eliminate food waste and have quick, delicious meals at the ready!
