Meal Prep Time Blocking Best Practices
Efficient meal preparation strategies using time blocking for batch cooking and kitchen organization.
Overview
Meal prep can feel overwhelming, but time blocking breaks it down into manageable steps. These best practices help you prep a week's worth of meals efficiently and consistently.
Best Practices
Plan Before You Shop
Block 15-20 minutes to plan meals for the week, create shopping lists, and review recipes. This prevents decision fatigue later.
Examples:
- Sunday morning: Meal planning
- Create organized shopping list
- Choose recipes with overlapping ingredients
Batch Prep Work
Group all prep work (chopping, washing, marinating) into one block. This is more efficient than prepping as you cook.
Examples:
- Prep all vegetables at once
- Marinate proteins while prepping vegetables
- Use food processor for large batches
Cook in Batches
Cook multiple dishes simultaneously. Use oven, stovetop, and slow cooker together to maximize efficiency.
Examples:
- Oven: Roasted vegetables and proteins
- Stovetop: Grains and sauces
- Slow cooker: Soups and stews
Clean As You Go
Clean up during cooking breaks to avoid a massive cleanup at the end. This makes meal prep less overwhelming.
Examples:
- Wash dishes while waiting for things to cook
- Wipe down surfaces between tasks
- Put away ingredients as you finish with them
Portion and Store Properly
Block 20-30 minutes for portioning meals into containers, labeling, and storing. This final step ensures meals are ready for the week.
Examples:
- Use portion control containers
- Label with contents and date
- Store properly to maintain freshness
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Trying to prep everything in one day
Not planning meals in advance
Prepping as you cook (inefficient)
Not accounting for cleanup time
Over-prepping and wasting food
Advanced Tips
Prep on Sunday for the week ahead
Freeze portions for later weeks
Use slow cooker and instant pot for hands-off cooking
Prep components (chopped vegetables, cooked grains) separately
Create a meal prep routine that becomes automatic
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does meal prep take?
Most people can prep a week's worth of meals in 2-3 hours total: 20 min planning, 30 min shopping, 60-90 min prep/cooking, 30 min storage.
What's the best day for meal prep?
Sunday afternoon is popular, but choose what works for your schedule. Some people prefer splitting prep across two days: Sunday for planning/shopping, Monday for cooking.
How do I make meal prep less overwhelming?
Start small with 2-3 meals per week. Use time blocks to break the process into manageable steps. Focus on simple recipes initially.
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