I have no patience when it comes to food.
Scratch that…I have no patience. Long lines, traffic and slow walkers drive me crazy. The last one is odd because I’m a really slow walker.
So when it comes to food, when I want it, I want it now. Or preferably 5 minutes ago.
Breakfast: 2 bowls of oatmeal with Barney Butter and strawberries + green tea (almost finished by this point)
This is where food prep and simple meals come in handy. Make a lot at once and reheat when needed? Sounds good to me. I end up cooking three or four times a week and, for the most part, I’m pro-food prep. However, there are instances when I want a fresh-out-of-the-oven meal instead of a microwaved dinner.
Mid-morning snack: Already cut-up watermelon (thanks, food prep) after the oatmeal.
Meals taste a little more like home when they’re eaten right after cooking. The warming, familiar smells fill my apartment and overpower the remnants of any foods my roommates (or I) have eaten that don’t have a pleasant smell.
Yet food prep, even if it’s just making lunches or the “base” of meals in advance, is extremely helpful. I feel like I really have my life together when I can grab my already made lunch, stuff it in my Lululemon lunch bag and head to campus without much thought. Especially when it’s early in the morning.
Lunch before mixing…
Lunch after mixing…1/2 avocado, deli turkey, tomatoes, sliced almonds, spinach and a coconut balsamic dressing
I’d prefer to always prep food on the weekends but, as we all know, life happens. Yet, sometimes, that “life” is me being lazy or not having all the ingredients on hand. For example, last Thursday I made a batch of roasted vegetables and planned on making quinoa at the same time. Not having any quinoa in my pantry threw a wrench into my plans so I made it on Friday. It was less overwhelming and I still got it done.
Snack: Almonds + my new favorite flavor of kombucha
Dinner: Dijon salmon + baked sweet potato + roasted mixed vegetables. Everything was made the night before.
My only other so-called complaint with food prep is the clean-up. When I’m home I have a deal with my mom…every night she makes dinner I will clean up completely. I think if you cook, you shouldn’t have to clean. Right? Good deal in my mind.
Well, because I’m on my own most of the time, I have to put on my big-girl pants and hand wash lots of bowls, pots and pans. My apartment kitchen is really small so I feel a cramped when I’m cooking and cleaning. But that’s a third world problem that I’m more than willing to live with.
Snack: Apple + almond butter
As of now, I have a small list of “food prep foods” (sweet potatoes, quinoa, roasted vegetables, some baked protein). One of these days I will branch out and prep something crazy like a full Thanksgiving turkey dinner.
Just don’t hold me to it.
Thanks for hosting, Jenn!
I think your next apartment should come with a dishwasher. It’d make things even easier for you :) Hah!
To answer your question – the only thing I food prep these days is chicken.
Jessie recently posted…I Cant Remember The Last Time…
Oops! I should have mentioned that I do have a dishwasher but it’s really small and doesn’t fit much. I typically prep chicken eery week too!
Don’t even get me started on doing the dishes after food prepping. It is the worst! I look at the pile of dishes when I am done food prepping, or even just cooking a big meal, and get so overwhelmed. It’s not bad once I start doing it, but when I have a family in the future, I’ll do the cooking and hope someone else will take over dish duty for me ;)
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…A Day in the Life #3
I usually make myself clean up before I eat or else it’s never getting done! You’re right, it’s not too bad when I start but it’s still not something I enjoy doing.
I used to be so good with food prep on the weekends (and by food prep, I mean I would chop up all the veggies for my salads) but lately I’ve been super lazy. It’s usually worth it though because when I’m hungry, I’m HUNGRY. And I don’t really think about what I’m eating until it’s too late to prepare a legitimate meal. But no dishwasher? That is the worst!
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…Never Enough Time.
I go in waves of being lazy and “on my game” with food prep. I get hungry and hangry very easily so it’s for everyone’s benefit that I have dinner ready to go. I should have mentioned that I DO have a dishwasher but it’s really small and doesn’t fit my cook ware :(
Bahaha, that’s so me.. I want it 5 minutes ago!
I always prep at least a few different options for myself on the weekends, so when I get home from work, my dinner is basically ready to go. I can’t imagine a scenario where I’d have to cook myself dinner every night. I’d be too hangry by the time it was done! ;) Haha.
Totally feel you on the cleanup though.. my kitchen is a disaster zone on Sunday evenings. :’)
Emily @ Sweets and Beets recently posted…It’s Monday and I Ain’t Even Mad
Hangry. Yes. Something I know all to well! I should probably start making a variety of things when I prep.
I wish that were true that the cook doesn’t have to clean! That’s one of the many reason my dinner always feels rushed. And I love that we are Kombucha twins for the day :)
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…WIAW: Off My Game
My mom isn’t always as excited about that deal as I am haha :) I can’t get enough of that flavor!
I agree, food prep is so helpful but sometimes I want a fresh cooked meal, not something out of a Tupperware. But if I don’t prep meals ahead of time, I end up filling up on cereal and protein bars instead of cooking full meals.
Emma @ Em-powered Wellness recently posted…Nobody Likes You When You’re…
I’m with you…a fresh cooked meal feels “special” compared to something out of Tupperware. I like to have a few of each during the week :)
I do not believe in food prep! I just need to buy my staples each week and I’m good! It never takes long to cook what I need!
And o girl…you know I am ALL about the sardines!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Which Food Must Go?
I’m curious, why don’t you believe in it? Maybe when I become a better cook things won’t take too much time to make at night. But sometimes I’m too impatient!
I’m terrible with food prep, especially since in my small apartment the size of the kitchen means I am covering every surface and sticking my elbow into things that are boiling! I end up compromising a lot – I try to cook and not rely on any prepared meals, but I use things like steamer bags in the microwave to steam fish, and pair it with frozen veggies that I throw in the microwave while a potato bakes in the oven. Whatever works for your health and happiness is my motto.
Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…WIAW #3
That’s exactly how I am! I feel like I can barely move in the kitchen. I end up piling bowls on-top of each other because there’s no space. I like your motto :)
I love meal prep! It’s really relaxing for me to sit down on Sundays and cut up veggies or prepare lunch for the week. I feel more calm during the week because I don’t have to stress out about getting food ready. I love it :) and that salad looks so good!
If I allow myself enough time to food prep I actually enjoy it! The time spent is more than worth not stressing during the week.
Your food looks good :) My husband is the same way…Impulsive & impatient! I don’t really prep food…My husband was talking about doing it with smoothies. And no, I don’t like sardines.
Marissa recently posted…WIAW #6: St Patrick’s Day Edition
Thanks, Marissa! I’ve seen people put together plastic bags of smoothie ingredients and stick them in the freezer. Seems helpful!
I never used to food prep…until I moved to New York City! I used to love cooking every day, but this city will wear you out. At the end of the day now, all I want is something quick and ready-to-go. Food prep to the rescue!
Love all your eats!
Faith Vandermolen recently posted…WIAW: My History with Food
If I ever live in NYC (or a big city) I can see myself food prepping regularly, for the same reason as you. Just the commute home and dealing with all the people would wear me out at night.
Mmm! Apple + almond butter might be the best snack combo ever!
Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles recently posted…WIAW: back at it!
There is never a day that I don’t want apple + nut butter. Classic!
At my house, we have the same rule of whoever cooks doesn’t have to clean up! Luckily, I’m always the one who cooks ;) But in college, it’s all me. I really like prepping food in advance, but I’ve found that sometimes my weekends are crazier than my weekdays! So it doesn’t always work out for me to do it.
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…Thoughts After 7 Day Sugar Detox
I agree, sometimes weekdays are less busy for me. That’s when I end up making one random thing one night and another the next. As long as it gets done!
I would totally switch cooking for cleaning. (Though now that I’ve moved Michael does both…I guess that’s a win win for me!) My favorite meal prep is to make chicken in the crock pot on Sundays to take for lunches during the week. It’s way better than processed meat from the deli, but doesn’t take much time to do!
Rebecca @ MyEagerFeet recently posted…No Longer a Michigander
I changed my mind…I want your deal! I think if I had a crock pot I would be more enthusiastic about food prep.
I am so with you on the patience thing – especially with the slow walkers! Admittedly, I am a really fast walker (despite being short). :)
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Banana Walnut Protein Pancakes [Recipe] + WIAW
I’m a fast walker when I want to be. My family thinks that because I run somewhat fast that I should be a fast walker. Nope!
Yup yup yup! I usually wait till I’m ravenous to start cooking so if I can make my dinner in less than 15 minutes I’m probably chewing off my arm. Also I hate traffic more than anything – I don’t know why but I become a mean mean person in traffic. Not pretty… anywhoo we could soo share a lunch box. Love GTS kombucha! (and almond butter ;) )
Georgie Morley recently posted…What I Ate Wednesday: Routine Hacking
You make smoothie bowls for breakfast and I’ll cover lunch. Deal? ;)
We have the “cook doesn’t do dishes” rule at our house and since I am the one who always cooks, it works out pretty well ;) I usually bake muffins or granola, cut veggies, and prep a protein like chicken or turkey on Sunday evenings. Sometimes it’s hard for me to find the motivation to do food prep, but I just remember how much easier it is during the week when I have things all set to go! And that watermelon looked delish – I want summer!
Remembering how much easier dinners are during the week is my motivation for food prep, too. Sunday evenings seem to be the best time for me too. I eat watermelon year round (I’m addicted), but I’m excited for cheaper and sweeter summer watermelon!
i always tell people i food prep because it’s easy… but honestly, i love it because FOOD ASAP when i want a meal! finally others who feel the same way.
and i pack my lunch but i’m so stealing that idea of packing ingredients in ziploc then assembling! it would save SO much space vs using containers!!
masala girl recently posted…soft & fluffy gingerbread – molasses cookies
YES. I get hangry like no-one’s business, so I need the food ASAP.
That’s a great idea to save space!