It’s 5:30 pm. The kids are whining, “I’m hungry”. You’re staring blankly into the fridge, wondering what you can whip up with the items you have in there.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone in experiencing such a situation. For many Aussie families, weekday evenings can feel like a mad scramble, juggling homework and after-school activities alongside household chores and bedtime routines. But that is why meal prepping can make life a lot smoother.
Meal prepping isn’t about being a “perfect parent”. It’s about giving yourself a break and creating calmer, more enjoyable nights with your kids.
Even a small change in your weekly routine can have a big impact on your stress levels and your family’s wellbeing. Here’s how meal prepping can help you reclaim your evenings as a parent.
Why meal prepping works for families
One of the main benefits of meal prepping is that it saves time. However, it also gives you more space to enjoy your family and less pressure at the end of a long day.
By planning and preparing meals in advance, you’re removing yourself from one of the biggest nightly stressors — that dreaded “what’s for dinner?” question. Additionally, you also cut down on mid-week supermarket runs and reduce the urge to grab a takeaway.
Meal prep can make the weekday dinner rush much easier for busy parents
Prepped meals help you stick to a menu of healthy meals for kids when you would otherwise be time-poor.
You may also notice that your weeknight routine becomes smoother, your budget stretches further, and even the kitchen feels more organised. Moreover, if you use a ready-made meal service like Bondi Meal Prep, a lot of the work is done for you.
Getting started with meal planning
Some people put off meal planning because they think it’s complicated. But it doesn’t have to be.
If you would rather not use a meal delivery service, the best thing to do is start by choosing half a dozen meals your family enjoys, for instance, spaghetti bolognese, tacos or beef stew that you know are easy wins. Once you’ve picked your meals, write a shopping list with only the ingredients you need. Do your grocery shop with these meals in mind and dedicate an hour or two on Sunday to prep what you can. Chop veggies, marinate meat, or even cook the whole meal if time allows.
Batch cooking ideas don’t have to take up your whole day, although if it does, it will save you time during the week.
Easy family dinners that work for everyone
One of the most challenging aspects of dinner time is catering to everyone’s preferences, especially if you have fussy eaters. But thankfully, meal prepping helps you find a happy middle ground. A good tactic when planning ahead is to pick meals that are customisable or can be easily tweaked to suit different people’s tastes.
Taco bowls are a great example because everyone gets to build their own plate. Likewise, chicken tray bakes are another go-to, as they’re easy to prep and customise, and then throw in the oven.
You could also try baked pasta dishes that reheat well or use a slow cooker to ensure you have something hearty ready at the end of the day. Whatever you decide, these easy family dinners save you time and mental energy, while still delivering meals your tribe will actually eat. Here are some healthy meal options you might like.
Make school lunch prep less painful
The magic of meal prepping isn’t limited to dinners, because it makes school lunches easier too. When you’re already cooking, it’s simple to make extra to eat for the next day. Leftovers like pasta, meatballs, or roast veggies can all become the base of a healthy school lunch.
You can also prepare lunchbox items in advance. Make a batch of mini muffins, slice up fruit and freeze it in portions, or put together veggie sticks and dip them in reusable containers. The great thing about doing this is that school lunch prep doesn’t have to be a 6 am panic. Instead, it can be a calm, two-minute job if you’ve got things ready to go.
Not only does this reduce stress, but it also helps ensure your kids have balanced lunches all week long.
Time-saving kitchen hacks
Meal prepping becomes even easier when you include a few smart kitchen hacks. For example, it’s a good idea to keep frozen vegetables on hand, as they’re already chopped and cook quickly. Additionally, a slow cooker or pressure cooker is another must-have, as all you need to do is throw everything in during the morning, and dinner’s ready when you walk in the door.
It is also worth cooking double batches of your favourite meals and freezing the extras in flat storage containers that stack well in the fridge or freezer. You can even get the kids involved by asking them to wash produce or chop up vegetables. It’s a great way to teach them about food and lighten your load.
Getting your evenings back
One of the biggest benefits of meal prepping is that it gives you back time. When dinner is already taken care of, you can sit down and help with homework, go for a walk with your kids, or enjoy a quiet moment after work.
A more relaxed evening routine sets the tone for better family time and easier bedtimes. Instead of running around, you can actually be present with your children. That’s a huge win, especially after a full day.
And if you’ve ever found yourself eating dinner at 8:30 pm or giving in to takeaway three nights in a row, you’ll appreciate just how powerful a little prep can be.
Spanning Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond, Kids on the Coast is an online guide and printed free magazine for parents. With kids events and activities, attractions & things to do with kids, schools and education, school holiday guides, health & wellbeing for families, parenting and lifestyle news. Located on Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane, QLD.
