Meal Prep Sunday: Batch Cooking

My oh my. Where did the last couple of months go?! I have been completely MIA lately trying to get a hold of some sort of 'balance'. Which means, less posting about healthy living. Holidays... you got me. While the holidays DID get my time... I didn't let it get my healthy living. Routines and the knowledge of how great it feels to eat well kept me on track. Can I get a 'whoop whoop' for progress!!

As the new year approaches, I want to focus more on cooking batch meals to help simplify our life, save money and maybe get a couple of minutes back into our day. Each week, it is my GOAL to post one meal that is an easy, healthy batch cooking option. But first... let's start with the basics.

What is batch cooking?

Basically, its preparing all of your meals for the week at one time. I focus on batch cooking all of my breakfasts and lunches for the week as this is where I need to save time and also where I fall off track the most. When the meals are in the fridge, packaged to perfect proportions and on plan... you are set up for success.

Why batch cook?

• Saves time. Need an extra 10 mins in the morning... you've got it. Need an extra 15 at lunch...BAM it's there. Take an hour or less and make all your meals for the week. Use your 'free' time to save yourself for when you are at your busiest. 
•  Simplify. Take the thought and confusion out of "what do I eat" while standing with the fridge door open, hoping a great idea for a meal will come through. Plan ahead, make ahead, simply, reduce confusion.
• Success ahead. If its already made, you will be less tempted to cheat. PERIOD.

How do I batch cook?

First, plan out your weekly meals according to your macros. For us that use the Beachbody 21 Day Fix containers, you will plan your days and meals based on the number of containers you get, that match to you goals. I try to make my breakfasts and lunches similar throughout so that I can batch cook or assemble them on Sunday. It doesn't have to be boring

Second, head to the store with your list in hand. ONLY buy what's on your list. This alone will save you on your grocery bill. 

Third, start to cook. I like to start with what takes the longest first. 

1. Cook your rice. I use a pressure cooker to save time.
2. While rice is cooking, put your chicken breasts in the oven. I don't eat chicken, but Chris does so, in it goes. 350 bake for 15-20 mins. Season before baking.
3. Cut up all of your veggies.
4. Start to assemble your meals into containers. 

Got it? 

Here is a simple lunch to make this week. For us 21 Day Fixers out there, this is one red (chickpeas), two greens and an orange. This recipe was adapted to fit 21 Day Fix from the Garden Grazer.

Greek Chickpea Salad

• 2 cucumbers
• 5 roma tomatoes
• 1 green bell peper
• 1/2 red onion
• 15oz chickpeas

Dressing

• 4 tbsp of olive oil
• 4 tbsp of red wine vinegar
• 2 tsp of oregano
• 1/4 tsp of salt

Steps:

1. Cut up all veggies. 
2. Place in separate container. For each container:
• 1st green container (1 cup)
• 3/4 roma tomatoes
• 1/4 red onion
• 2nd green container (1 cup)
• 3/4 cucumber
• 1/4 green bell pepper
• 1 red container (3/4 cup)
• Chickpea
3. Mix all dressing ingredients into small bowl. Stir to combine. For each container:
• 1 orange of dressing
4. Stir to mix throughout. 

And you're done!