If you’re looking to save money and time, meal prepping is a great place to start. But it can be difficult to know where to begin, especially if you’re on a budget and you’re a busy stay at home mom. Here are some tips to help you get started.
How To Get Started Meal Prepping on a Budget for Busy Stay At Home Moms
Plan your meals in advance
One of the best ways to save money when meal prepping is to plan your meals in advance. This way you can make sure you have all the ingredients on hand and you won’t be tempted to order takeout or eat out. Planning ahead also allows you to take advantage of sales and seasonal produce.
Use leftovers and pantry staples
Another great way to save money when meal prepping is to use leftovers and pantry staples. If you have leftover cooked chicken, for example, you can use it in a variety of dishes like salads, soups, and wraps. And if you have staples like rice and beans in your pantry, you can create a variety of affordable and healthy meals.
Shop for sales and seasonal produce
To save even more money, be sure to shop for sales and seasonal produce. Planning your meals around what’s on sale can help you save a lot of money, and buying seasonal produce is usually cheaper than buying out-of-season produce.
Invest in reusable containers and storage bags
Investing in some reusable containers and storage bags can also help you save money in the long run. You’ll be able to reuse these containers over and over again, which will save you money on Tupperware or other disposable containers. And if you meal prep regularly, you’ll eventually recoup the cost of the containers.
Meal prep on the weekends or during your free time
Finally, be sure to meal prep on the weekends or during your free time. This will save you time during the week when you’re trying to cook dinner after a long day. And if you have leftovers, you can always pack them up for lunch the next day.
Meal prepping is a great way to save money and time. By following these tips, you’ll be able to get started without breaking the bank. And once you get into the habit of meal prepping, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Erika Finn, founder of Stacking Acorns, is an attorney who graduated from law school at University of California, Berkeley. She was a member and editor of the California Law Review and won the Prosser Prize for Legal Accounting. She holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Southern California (USC) and a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University- Bloomington. Stacking Acorns is a personal finance website for women by women. We help mid-life women achieve financial freedom through real estate investing and other streams of passive income.
