Start Your Week Strong: The Power of Having a Few Meal-Prepped Staples on Hand
I’m not a full-scale meal prepper—I don’t spend Sundays portioning out every single meal for the week. But I do love having a few go-to recipes ready to make breakfasts smoother, snacks easier, and lunches a little less chaotic. It’s a small effort that makes a big difference when juggling the week ahead!
By prepping just a few key items, I can quickly put together a balanced breakfast, grab a nourishing snack, or assemble a satisfying lunch without scrambling in the kitchen. And the best part? One of my favorite options doesn’t even require baking—just mix, chill, and enjoy!
If you’re looking for a way to simplify mealtime without committing to a full meal prep routine, these easy staples might just be the solution. Here are some of my favorite recipes to keep on hand!
One of my absolute go-to recipes is Spinach Breakfast Muffins, which a great friend introduced me to. They’ve been a staple ever since! Not only are they quick to grab in the morning, but they’re also the perfect way to use up spinach that’s on its way out and those extra ripe bananas sitting on the counter. I make a couple of modifications for our family. Due to sensitivities I leave out the hemp and flax and they still turn out great! I also adjust the sugar level depending on how ripe my bananas are I'll use less sugar and use maple syrup instead.
Lately, I’ve also been getting into sourdough bread making, which means my discard jar has been extremely full. Enter Sourdough Blueberry Breakfast Cake—a fun and delicious way to use up that extra starter! My kiddos absolutely love it, and let’s be honest, anything with berries is always a winner in our house. It’s soft, flavorful, and bursting with juicy blueberries—perfect for an easy breakfast or snack throughout the week.
And finally, the no-bake favorite! This last recipe is one my kids are used to having for dessert, but it’s packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a great snack that feels like a treat. Inspired by Love Sweat Fitness recipes, this one comes together quickly and is a lifesaver on busy days when we want something nutritious yet satisfying. Here it is:
Peanut Butter Balls
1 cup Peanut Butter ( I often use Costco's Organic one)
1-2 scoops of Vanilla Protein Powder ( I LOVE the Organifi Vanilla Protein Powder)
1-2 TBSP of Maple Syrup
1/2 cup of Lily's Dark Chocolate Style Baking Chips
Instructions:
Add peanut butter and protein powder int a bowl and mix. How much protein depends on how runny your peanut butter is. Mix well then add in your maple syrup to your liking.
Once everything is nicely mixed, fold in your chocolate chips. Then take a spoon or cookie scoop and taking a scoop and rolling them into inch sized balls. Begin to place them in an air tight container and place parchment paper between layers if needed. Then place in the fridge until chilled, about 45min-1 hour! but. we often don't wait that long to dive in. Enjoy!
Meal prepping doesn’t have to mean perfectly portioned containers for every meal—it can be as simple as having a few staples ready to go. I love knowing that I can pull together a quick, nourishing option without much thought, and my kids get to enjoy some of their favorites, too!
Do you have any go-to meal-prep staples that help make your week run smoother? I’d love to hear what works for you—drop a comment below and let’s swap ideas!