Hello my people! Cooking for a family of four is no small task. Between picky eaters, busy schedules, and the temptation to order takeout, it can feel like a constant uphill climb. For a long time, cooking was just another item on my to-do list—something I had to do, not something I enjoyed.
But recently, I’ve decided to shift my mindset. Instead of approaching meal prep as a chore, I’ve been trying to turn it into a moment for creativity and connection. It’s not always easy, but a few simple changes have made all the difference.
One big step? I started using recipe books, like Tiana’s Cookbook, to get inspired (you can find it here). Having new, exciting recipes right in front of me has been a game-changer. No more staring blankly into the fridge wondering what to make! Plus, the kids love when I show them the pictures and let them “help” pick meals for the week.
Here’s what’s been helping me simplify meal prep and bring some fun back into the kitchen:
1. Get Inspired
Recipe books, food blogs, and even TikTok cooking accounts are packed with fresh ideas. I used to rely on the same 5 meals over and over, but now I’m slowly building a rotation of recipes we love.
2. Plan Ahead (But Keep It Simple)
I’m not here to meal prep for hours every weekend. Instead, I’ve started writing down 3-4 meals for the week and making sure my grocery list matches. Theme nights also help cut down on decision fatigue.
3. Batch Cooking = Life Saver
I’ll double recipes whenever I can. Half goes on the table, and half gets frozen for those “I can’t even” nights. Future me is always grateful!
4. Make It a Family Affair
Cooking is way more fun when everyone’s involved. My daughter love simple jobs like mixing ingredients or sprinkling toppings, and my husband handles cleanup. Bonus: the kids are way more excited to eat what they helped make.
Why This Matters
For me, this journey isn’t just about getting a meal on the table—it’s about finding joy in something I used to dread. It’s about creating moments with my family, showing my kids the value of home-cooked meals, and taking pride in what I serve them.
If you’re struggling with meal prep, know this: you don’t have to go from zero to gourmet overnight. Start small. Try one new recipe a week, or pick up a cookbook that inspires you. And most importantly, give yourself grace. Some nights, it’ll be frozen pizza—and that’s okay, too.
Check out the links in my photo here to shop everything in my kitchen setup and grab Tiana’s Cookbook! Trust me, it’s worth it.
What’s your go-to trick for making meal prep easier? Let’s share tips in the comments—I’m always learning!
