We all love dining out, but it’s essential to focus on an efficient meal prep strategy that keeps your finances in check.
With social gatherings back on the calendar, it’s easy to overspend while enjoying time with friends and family. A recent Nielsen/Wizer Impact study found that 62% of Americans miss dining out more than any other change in lifestyle. However, we shouldn’t forget the savings we've enjoyed by cooking at home.
Looking for a way to stay on budget and eat well? Meal prepping is your answer! If you’ve never tried it or thought it was just for fitness enthusiasts, now’s the perfect moment to start. Meal prep doesn’t require you to spend your entire weekend planning and cooking. You can begin with small steps. We’ve got a simple formula to help you meal prep like a pro while still allowing for some nights out!
Getting Started with Meal Prep
If you’re new to meal prep, simplicity is key. Take a moment to plan your grocery list before shopping. You don’t need to become a culinary expert; just focus on a protein, a vegetable, and a starch, as suggested by Matt Kearns, author of Meal Prep on a Budget.
Jessica Fisher, founder of GoodCheapEats, recommends preparing a specific dish ahead of time to complement other meals throughout the week. For instance, grill chicken, bake salmon, or sauté onions and peppers, then mix and match these with salads, rice, or pasta during the week.
Another smart tip is to never shop on an empty stomach. Shopping hungry often leads to extra spending and impulse buys, including unhealthy snacks. Focus on a list to ensure you buy ingredients that can create satisfying meals for days.
Simplicity is Key
Establishing a new routine takes patience. Start with simple food prep and gradually build your skills. Fisher suggests choosing one meal to prep each week and reserving a separate day for a quick “no-recipe recipe,” like a quesadilla or basic pasta dish. The specific days don’t matter much. As you get more comfortable, you might find that one cooking session yields multiple meals. Aim for efficiency! Check out mix & match meal prep and adding variety to your meal prep to maximize your efforts.
Consistency in your chosen approach is crucial, Kearns emphasizes. For instance, if you love pot roast, double the recipe next time and freeze portions for busy days when cooking isn’t feasible.
Maximize Your Savings
Buying in bulk when possible, especially at warehouse stores like Costco, can lead to significant savings. Just ensure you have enough freezer space and containers to store everything properly.
With the money saved from meal prepping, you can enjoy dining out without guilt. Support your favorite local eateries, and keep an eye out for specials like “Taco Tuesday” deals. Following restaurants on social media can help you stay updated on promotions.
Dining out offers convenience, social experience, and tasty food. No one enjoys declining an invitation due to budget concerns. That’s why meal prepping for the week allows you to manage your finances effortlessly, letting you savor those fun outings with friends.
