What’s a simple plan for prepping meals using only 6 ingredients?

Question

How do you manage lunch preps for kids with attention issues? Learn about foods that may support focus and concentration during the school day.

Answer 1

Choose a protein, a carb, a vegetable, a healthy fat, a sauce/spice, and an herb/garnish. Combine these in different ways throughout the week for varied meals.

Detailed Explanation:

Meal prepping with just six ingredients is a fantastic way to simplify your cooking and save time. Here's a step-by-step plan:

1. Choose Your Ingredients: Select one item from each of the following categories:
   • Protein: Chicken breast, ground beef, tofu, lentils, canned tuna, or eggs.
   • Carb: Rice, quinoa, pasta, potatoes, sweet potatoes, or bread.
   • Vegetable: Broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, onions, carrots, or zucchini.
   • Healthy Fat: Avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds, or cheese.
   • Sauce/Spice: Soy sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, curry powder, lemon juice, or balsamic vinegar.
   • Herb/Garnish: Parsley, cilantro, basil, green onions, or sesame seeds.
2. Plan Your Meals: Think about how you can combine these ingredients in different ways. For example:
   • Chicken and rice with broccoli and soy sauce.
   • Ground beef with potatoes and bell peppers, seasoned with garlic powder.
   • Tofu stir-fry with quinoa, spinach, and sesame seeds.
3. Prep Your Ingredients: On your prep day (e.g., Sunday), cook the protein and carb. Chop the vegetables. Store everything separately in airtight containers.
4. Assemble Your Meals: Throughout the week, quickly assemble your meals by combining the prepped ingredients. Add your sauce/spice and herb/garnish for flavor.

Pro Tip:

Don't be afraid to double or triple your recipes. Leftovers are your friend! This makes meal prepping even more efficient and ensures you always have a healthy meal ready to go.