The underlying principle is simple: by front-loading the work of cooking, you save time and stress throughout the week. But what might surprise you is that it can also be an economical decision, one that makes a significant impact on your overall food budget. Here we will discuss some ways in which meal prepping is cost-effective.
Planning Meals Based on Sales and Discounts
Strategic meal planning that aligns with store sales or coupons can lead to significant savings. Apps and websites can help you track the best deals, allowing you to base your meals around those discounted items.
Utilizing Affordable Ingredients
Staples like beans, rice, lentils, and frozen veggies are not just nutritious, they’re also incredibly affordable. Incorporating these into your meal plans can cost you a fraction of what preparing meals with premium cuts and exotic produce might.
Batch Cooking and Freezing Meals
Cooking in larger quantities and freezing portions for later can save you time and money. Certain dishes, like soups, stews, and casseroles, actually taste better when they’ve had time to meld in the freezer.
Repurposing Leftovers
A roast chicken on Sunday can become a chicken salad on Monday and a chicken stir-fry on Wednesday. Learning to repurpose leftovers ensures that all your ingredients get fully used, again reducing waste and the need for additional store runs during the week.
The bottom line- Meal prepping is not only good for your health and your time—it’s good for your wallet too. Start small, with just a couple of meals a week, and watch the savings—and satisfaction—add up. Give it a try and take control of your budget one delicious, prepped meal at a time.
