meal prep
Cooking in advance
Meal prep is the practice of preparing meals or ingredients in advance, typically for an entire week.
The term gained popularity with fitness culture and busy schedules: I spend Sundays doing meal prep so I don't have to cook after work.
It usually involves batch cooking proteins, portioning containers, and refrigerating or freezing components for quick assembly later.
Cutting into pieces
- dicingCutting into cubes
- sautéingQuick cooking in fat
- roastingCooking with dry heat
- grillingCooking on metal grates
marinating · seasoning · stir-fry · baking · steaming · blanching · simmering · braising
List of available dishes
- grocery listInventory for store trip
- shoppingAcquiring goods at retailers
- recipesInstructions for preparing dishes
- schedulePlan of timed events
budgeting · weekly · calendar · ingredients · checklist · batch cooking · rotation · variety
Objects for holding things
- portioningDividing into shares
- freezerSubzero storage compartment
- storageSpace for keeping goods
- bulkMain mass or size
tupperware · stackable · ziplock · labels · fridge · oven-ready · microwaveable · make-ahead
Reducing required duration
- streamlinedMade smooth and efficient
- workflowSequential task progression
- multitaskingDoing several things concurrently
- convenienceEase of use
In a state of equilibrium
- macrosAutomated command sequences
- proteinsAmino acid polymers
- carbohydratesSugar-based energy compounds
- leanLacking fat; incline
fiber · portion sizes · calorie counting · whole foods · plant-based · clean eating · nutrient-dense · low-sodium
chopping
Cutting into pieces
grilling · marinating · seasoning · stir-fry · baking · steaming · blanching · simmering · braising · searing
menu
List of available dishes
- grocery listInventory for store trip
- shoppingAcquiring goods at retailers
- recipesInstructions for preparing dishes
schedule · budgeting · weekly · calendar · ingredients · checklist · batch cooking · rotation · variety · themed nights
containers
Objects for holding things
- portioningDividing into shares
- freezerSubzero storage compartment
- storageSpace for keeping goods
bulk · tupperware · stackable · ziplock · labels · fridge · oven-ready · microwaveable · make-ahead · grab-and-go
time-saving
Reducing required duration
- streamlinedMade smooth and efficient
- workflowSequential task progression
- multitaskingDoing several things concurrently
balanced
In a state of equilibrium
- macrosAutomated command sequences
- proteinsAmino acid polymers
- carbohydratesSugar-based energy compounds
lean · fiber · portion sizes · calorie counting · whole foods · plant-based · clean eating · nutrient-dense · low-sodium · high-protein
- routinesmorning routine, habits, routines, morning routines, procedures
- student self-supportpart-time jobs, work-study, scholarships, grants, budgeting
- home economics humorleftovers, burnt toast, dish duty, kitchen gadgets
- diet trackingcalorie counting, food diary, food journal, calorie deficit, calorie surplus
- mommingbedtime routines, packing lunches, nap time, nursing, pumping
- resolutionslose weight, quit smoking, save money, eat healthy, get fit
meal prepeating out
Meals at restaurants
takeout · fast food · ordering in · dining out · drive-through
meal, prepare, meals, unprepared, preparation, mealtime, prep, preparedness, mealy