Meal Prep Monday Podcast™

In episode 179, Prep Dish founder Allison Schaaf discusses an idea mentioned in the podcast, I will Teach You to Be Rich. The concept is actively fighting complexity and embracing simplicity. This episode includes 5 tangible tips on how to simplify life. 1. Finances When it comes to something like credit cards, I do a lot of initial research but then commit to it and stick with it. I use this same strategy for investing. I don't continually research once I've made a decision. This saves so much brain space! 2. Food & Meals As you likely know, I'm a big fan of having a meal plan and figuring out the food for the week upfront. That way I don't have to continually revisit and start from scratch. 3. What I Drink I've determined that what I usually want to drink at a restaurant is a white French wine. I don't have to go through a complicated decision making process each time. This applies to other things like what I order for breakfast out, etc. Knowing your preferences simplifies things. 4. Clothing With our house renovations, we have a new closet. I'm trying to be very intentional about only keeping items I really love and having many things I can mix and match so I don't have an overwhelming volume of clothes. 5. Scheduling I try with both the kids' schedules and my schedule, to keep things simple. I try to avoid having too many meetings and calls. Instead, we have regular calls at Prep Dish with the same order and process each time. This keeps things simple and efficient. Connect with Allison: PrepDish.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prepdish/ Get your FREE mealplan at PrepDish.com/podcast OR text the word mealprep to 33777 Resources mentioned in this podcast: Get your free trial at prepdish.com/mpm for two weeks of free meal plans! I Will Teach You to Be Rich podcast: https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/podcast/ Simple Path to Wealth: https://www.amazon.com/The-Simple-Path-to-Wealth-audiobook/dp/B0725RFDPY/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=410026134426&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9019256&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=3141049689044845714&hvtargid=kwd-242242542487&hydadcr=21937_11243204&keywords=the+simple+path+to+wealth+jl+collins&qid=1687464084&sr=8-1 The Curated Closet: https://www.amazon.com/Curated-Closet-Discovering-Personal-Building/dp/1607749483/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=241895256400&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9019256&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=12682220489114390089&hvtargid=kwd-196831307824&keywords=the+curated+closet&qid=1687464254&sr=8-1

In episode 178, Prep Dish founder Allison Schaaf shares 3 ways you can incorporate seasonal items into your weekly meal planning. Visit a Farmer's Market Farmers markets are a great way to support local farmers and to also keep in touch with what's in season. Go on an In-Person Grocery Trip If you're like me and do most of your grocery shopping online these days, take an in-person trip to the grocery store to see which produce is in season at the moment. Be on the lookout for local items as well! Grow Your Own Fruits & Veggies If you're growing anything edible, talk to a friend or neighbor about doing a swap. For instance, you may be able to swap some of your tomatoes for some of their zucchini so you can enjoy more local, seasonal produce without growing many different items. Bonus - Use Prep Dish meal plans! Our Prep Dish meal plans take advantage of seasonal produce items so you don't have to think about it. Whether it's cherries in the summer or delicata squash in the fall, we'll help you tap into those seasonal items. Connect with Allison: PrepDish.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prepdish/ Get your FREE mealplan at PrepDish.com/podcast OR text the word mealprep to 33777 Resources mentioned in this podcast: Get your free trial at prepdish.com/mpm for two weeks of free meal plans! My Experience with Lettuce Grow: https://prepdish.com/podcast-show-notes/ep97/

In episode #177, Prep Dish founder Allison Schaaf shares what happened when she gave up TV, podcasts and reading for a week based on Julia Cameron's book, The Artist's Way. ‌Connect with Allison: PrepDish.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prepdish/ Get your FREE mealplan at PrepDish.com/podcast OR text the word mealprep to 33777 ‌ Resources mentioned in this podcast: Get your free trial at prepdish.com/mpm for two weeks of free meal plans!

Episode #176 is inspired by Julia Cameron's book, The Artist's Way. It's a morning workbook so it is a bit of a commitment. One aspect of the program is daily journaling, first thing in the morning. I really look at mealtime as a sacred time I want to be present for. I find practices like daily journaling can help me achieve that presence. ‌ Connect with Allison: PrepDish.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prepdish/ Get your FREE mealplan at PrepDish.com/podcast OR text the word mealprep to 33777 ‌ Resources mentioned in this podcast: Get your free trial at prepdish.com/mpm for two weeks of free meal plans! The Artist's Way: https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-Spiritual-Higher-Creativity/dp/1585421472/ref=sr_1_4?hvadid=616863381057&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9019256&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=16098706020834368236&hvtargid=kwd-468317885&hydadcr=24659_13611768&keywords=the+artists%27+way&qid=1685528325&sr=8-4

In this episode, host Allison Schaaf shares 8 simple ways to avoid toxins in your home. 1. Removing Shoes in the House This is such an easy one that keeps dirt and other things your shoes have picked up out of the house. 2. Reduce Exposure to Cell Phones, Wifi, etc. You can set your wifi on a timer or simply unplug it. We also try to keep our phones away from our bodies, and especially away from our kids. We also have a kill switch that switches off the electricity in our house. The exposure is so constant, I like having some breaks. 3. Cleaning Products I love the brand Force of Nature for household cleaning. You receive a little pouch and make the cleaning solution fresh every week or so. 4. Laundry Detergent We love the Molly's Suds laundry detergent in our home. 5. Cloth Diapers We used cloth diapers for both of our boys and found that it really wasn't that time-intensive. 6. Using Microfiber for Cleaning Microfiber picks up a lot of germs even just with water. 7. Use Cloth Napkins This is more environmental than about avoiding toxins but it is a nice habit that also elevates our meals a bit. 8. Opening the Windows Letting in some fresh air can help clean the air in your home, especially if you use a gas stove, a fireplace, have just cleaned a lot or have recently painted. Even if you have air filters, opening the windows is helpful as well. ‌ Connect with Allison: PrepDish.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prepdish/ Get your FREE mealplan at PrepDish.com/podcast OR text the word mealprep to 33777 ‌ Resources mentioned in this podcast: Get your free trial at prepdish.com/mpm for two weeks of free meal plans! Force of Nature Cleaner: https://www.forceofnatureclean.com/ Laundry Detergent: https://mollyssuds.com/collections/powder-laundry-detergent?tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=19509948361&gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4NujBhC5ARIsAF4Iv6f2snGzT6EdGlNgqM0w922kKGQCAqiFjG8cnuqAZYr5Ofl0GnOi3q8aAo9hEALw_wcB

In episode 174, Prep Dish founder Allison Schaaf shares how she's used the same habit formation tools she uses for meal planning toward a new family goal - teaching kids Spanish. The hardest part about meal prep isn't the chopping and cooking, it's forming the weekly habit so that meal prep becomes a way of life. It's the same way for other habits! Connect with Allison: PrepDish.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prepdish/ Get your FREE mealplan at PrepDish.com/podcast OR text the word mealprep to 33777 Resources mentioned in this podcast: Get your free trial at prepdish.com/mpm for two weeks of free meal plans! Ep #77 - Creating Prompts for New Habits (Habit Stacking): https://prepdish.com/podcast-show-notes/ep77/ Flip Flop Spanish - https://www.flipflopspanish.com/

This page contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support! Prep Dish founder and meal prep expert, Allison Schaaf, talks about perhaps the #1 road trip key to success with kids: Snacks. Road trip snacks for kids (and adults!) are essential for the flexibility in routine a road trip requires. With meal times thrown off, kids may need more snacks on road trips. Keep in mind, your kids may eat less at meals if they've had a snack, but that beats a meltdown in my book! My Ten Favorite Road Trip Snacks for Kids: 1. Fruit - Apples, berries, oranges, bananas. Bonus - fruit is hydrating, unlike salty snacks! 2. Crackers 3. Cheese sticks 4. Chips or popcorn 5. Meat sticks 6. Baby carrots 7. Olives 8. Nuts 9. Veggie sticks or a veggie tray 10. Almond Butter Rice Crispie Bars (or other homemade treat) Bonus - If you buy eggs at an Airbnb, hard boil any leftover eggs for the road! ‌ Connect with Allison: PrepDish.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prepdish/ Get your FREE mealplan at PrepDish.com/podcast OR text the word mealprep to 33777 ‌ Resources mentioned in this podcast: Get your free trial at prepdish.com/mpm for two weeks of free meal plans! Planning a Road Trip with Kids: https://prepdish.com/podcast-show-notes/ep171 Road Trip Meals with Kids: https://prepdish.com/podcast-show-notes/ep172 Kids Cook Real Food (https://kidscookrealfood.com/prepdish

Meal prep expert and travel enthusiast, Allison Schaaf, shares tips on road trip meals with kids. ‌ 1. Road Trip Breakfast If you're staying in a hotel, definitely look for one with included breakfast. If you're staying at an Airbnb, pick up some easy breakfast supplies so you don't have to rush out to find breakfast for the kiddos first thing in the morning. ‌ 2. Restaurants with Kids When going to restaurants, especially if you have little kids, try to find somewhere where they can run around a bit outside either before the food comes or after they're done eating. ‌ 3. Gluten Free on Road Trips I also highly recommend the Find Me Gluten Free app if anyone in your family is gluten free. It shows all of the restaurants with gluten free options in the area. ‌ Connect with Allison: PrepDish.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prepdish/ Get your FREE mealplan at PrepDish.com/podcast OR text the word mealprep to 33777 ‌ Resources mentioned in this podcast: Get your free trial at prepdish.com/mpm for two weeks of free meal plans! Planning a Road Trip with Kids: https://prepdish.com/podcast-show-notes/ep171 Find Me Gluten Free app: https://www.findmeglutenfree.com/

This page contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support! Meal Prep Monday host, Allison Schaaf, shares 4 tips on road tripping with kids based on her recent East Coast family roadtrip. ‌ 1. Choosing Your Route Roadtrippers is a great app to use to plan locations and route. Think about the total driving time and don't forget to consider high traffic times in cities. ‌ 2. Where to Stay We mostly did Airbnbs and hotels, though staying with family or friends can be a great option as well depending on the ages of your kids and the sleep situation. Don't forget to consider laundry! Kids go through a lot of clothes and, for an extended road trip, you'll likely want to include some spots with laundry. Airbnbs are often not as budget-friendly though, especially if you're only staying one night, so you may want to balance out hotels and house rentals. Tip: Give yourself a buffer. We stayed in many spots for just one night but we planned the last stop for three nights. That way we had a buffer if it took longer to get there. It also gave us a chance to really relax before we returned home. ‌ 3. Buying Ahead We ordered a box of Dry Farm Wines (https://tracking.dryfarmwines.com/aff_c?offer_id=1&aff_id=1378 ‌ 4. Routines Establishing a bit of routine is really helpful when traveling with kids. We usually drove during nap times, which helped them get some rest. We also had a mealtime routine - more on that in the next episode! ‌ Connect with Allison: PrepDish.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prepdish/ Get your FREE mealplan at PrepDish.com/podcast OR text the word mealprep to 33777 ‌ Resources mentioned in this podcast: Get your free trial at prepdish.com/mpm for two weeks of free meal plans! 5 Things to Prep for a Road Trip with Kids: https://prepdish.com/podcast-show-notes/ep96/ Roadtrippers App: https://roadtrippers.com/ Dry Farm Wines (): https://tracking.dryfarmwines.com/aff_c?offer_id=1&aff_id=1378

Prep Dish founder and Meal Prep expert Allison Schaaf shares 11 changes you can make at the grocery store to save money, without sacrificing quality. ‌ 1. Swap Packaged Snacks for Whole Foods / Larger Packages For example, swap apple slices for apple sauce pouches. Not only is this less expensive, it's also healthier and better for jaw development. 2. Switch Ground Meat for Beans I sometimes do half and half, or ¼ beans with ¾ ground meat to stretch the meal further. I've also added in mushrooms to bulk up a meal. 3. Buy Large Packages of Oats Instead of Small Packets There is a huge price difference here! 4. Swap for Cheaper Seafood If you're a Prep Dish subscriber and you see halibut on the menu, know that swapping out proteins is usually pretty easy. You could use any white fish in place of halibut. You can interchange trout and salmon as well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times. Don't hesitate to ask the person behind the fish counter! 5. Substitute a Different Ground Meat If your freezer is stocked with ground beef, use that in place of bison or turkey! Again, make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed. 6. For Steak, Choose a Smaller Amount You can save money by buying a smaller amount of steak and bulking up the sides. You can also swap portobello mushrooms 7. Go Homemade for Salad Dressings This is SO easy, SO much healthier and SO much less expensive! Olive oil and balsamic vinegar is a super easy combo but we have a lot of great ones on our meal plans. 8. Buy Shrimp on Sale if Buying Frozen This applies to other items as well! Stock up when you see it on sale. 9. Purchase Ugly Fruits & Veggies There are a few companies now selling misshapen produce that would otherwise be tossed. I use Imperfect Foods. 10. Grow Your Own Herbs If you use our Prep Dish meal plans, you know we use a lot of fresh herbs. They provide a ton of flavor and elevate meals. Some are pretty easy to grow at home. Mint is pretty easy and rosemary is quite easy where I live. Ask around about your area! 11. Have a plan! This is the best way to save money at the grocery store. Our Prep Dish meal plans do this for you and make sure your meals actually use the perishable items on your grocery list so you're not left with half packages of produce. ‌ Connect with Allison: PrepDish.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prepdish/ Get your FREE mealplan at PrepDish.com/podcast OR text the word mealprep to 33777 ‌ Resources mentioned in this podcast: Get your free trial at prepdish.com/mpm for two weeks of free meal plans! DIY Salad Dressing Tips & Recipes: https://prepdish.com/roundups/diy-salad-dressing-tips/ Video on How I Cook with Herbs: https://youtu.be/0E1Kxd_NZ1A