Meal Prep Monday Podcast™

Whether you're a cooking veteran or just getting into it, choosing the best pans to cook with can be overwhelming! There are just so many options out there. In today's episode, chef and RD Allison Schaaf shares the only two pans she uses in her kitchen (plus a bonus!), and how to clean them. Nonstick pans contain chemicals that make them nonstick. If the nonstick coating starts to chip or degrade, that means it's getting into your food and you're ingesting it. Stainless Steel and Cast Iron pans last for a super long time and are safe to cook with. Stainless Steel: Calphalon is one good brand but there are other options out there too. Make sure there is no aluminum coating and go for pans that are as close as possible to being completely stainless steel. Always use oil or water to make sure the food doesn't stick. Keeping temperatures a little lower also helps avoid sticking. If something does stick, boil water and pour it in the pan right after cooking. Put the lid on and let it sit and then everything will come off easily! A sponge or dish brush is also useful. Cast Iron: Make sure your cast iron pan is well-oiled. The more you use it, the less care is needed. Pouring hot water on the pan works with cast iron as well if food does get stuck. You may need to buy a well fitting lid separately to help with cleaning. Avoid using soap on cast iron pans. A wire brush or a stainless steel sponge also work well for cast iron. Bonus: I use stainless steel baking sheets as well, which are great! 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! Calphalon Stainless Steel Pans: https://www.amazon.com/Calphalon-2029634-saute-pan-Silver/dp/B07MM3RWMN/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=stainless+steel+calphalon+pan&qid=1633117130&sr=8-5 Stainless Steel Sponge for Cast Iron: https://www.amazon.com/YASUOA-Chainmail-Scrubber-Silicone-Stainless/dp/B08RNBNSV7/ref=sr_1_27?dchild=1&keywords=stainless+steel+sponge&qid=1633116802&sr=8-27 Stainless Steel Baking Sheets: https://www.amazon.com/Checkered-Chef-Stainless-Baking-Sheets/dp/B07Z4NYXQ1/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=stainless+steel+baking+sheets+calphalon&qid=1633117044&sr=8-10

Today's episode wraps up Allison Shaaf's miniseries on efficiency. Today's tips can be applied to meal prep, but they're also applicable beyond cooking. Have a Plan It's always worth it to take a moment and think about a task before you begin. You may even want to do a short meditation, or at least gather your thoughts, before beginning a project or work session. Determine the most important thing you want to accomplish. Start with that #1 thing. This is specifically for work, but it can absolutely apply to home tasks as well. That way, even if you don't get everything done, you will have completed that most important task. Set a Time Constraint You may want to try the Pomodoro Method (https://todoist.com/productivity-methods/pomodoro-technique). Set a timer for 25 minutes before taking a few minutes for a break and repeating the cycle. Time constraints can help you focus and work as efficiently as you can. Strategic Placement of Things Sometimes having an extra item where you need it is worth it for efficiency gains. For example, I used to always go to the kitchen every time I wanted tea while I was working, but would frequently get caught up in other things that were going on in the house. Now I have an extra hot water kettle in my office and it's so much more efficient! Bonus: Avoid multitasking whenever possible! Doing one thing at a time makes for a calmer, more enjoyable life. Plus, multitasking is not usually actually more 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! How I Started Prep Dish - 5 Tips From an Entrepreneur: https://prepdish.com/podcast-show-notes/ep92/

Prep Dish founder Allison Schaaf continues her miniseries on efficiency today, focusing on batching. Batching Breakfast: You can approach this two ways. First, you can prep breakfast for the week ahead. Examples include a big batch of oatmeal, a frittata or prepping veggies for a quick breakfast hash. My favorite way to batch breakfast is to create some freezer meals! Smoothie bags are great for this. Divide smoothie ingredients into individual bags so they're easy to toss in the blender. This works best if you freeze in a single layer before adding to the bags to avoid big clumps. Breakfast burritos are also great for stocking the freezer. These work really well for lunch or a filling snack as well. Muffins freeze well too. Don't forget frittata muffins! Egg and veggie or egg and sweet potato frittata muffins freeze quite well. Lunches & Dinners: First, you can batch ingredients. For example, make a big batch of a grain, such as rice pilaf, to eat a few times throughout the week. You can serve it with a different protein each time. Similarly, you can make a roast or other large protein to enjoy in different ways throughout the week. Batch your chopping through chopping all of your veggies all at once to save time throughout the week. Another way to batch lunches and dinners is, again, to use your freezer! Any type of casserole freezes well. Lasagna and shepherd's pie are some of my favorites. Sauces also freeze really well! Next time you make pesto or a marinade, make a double batch and freeze. Soups and stews also freeze well. Bonus: Batch your supplements! Get a days-of-the-week pill box and divide up your supplements to avoid opening different bottles every day. 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! Batching Beyond the Kitchen: https://prepdish.com/podcast-show-notes/ep4/ 4 Overlooked Items to Batch: https://prepdish.com/podcast-show-notes/ep36/ Orange Carrot Smoothie (w/ Smoothie Bag Tips): https://prepdish.com/recipes/orange-carrot-smoothie/ Very Berry Muffins: https://prepdish.com/recipes/very-berry-muffins/ Eggplant & Grass Fed Beef Lasagna: https://prepdish.com/recipes/eggplant-grass-fed-beef-lasagna/ Cook Once, Eat Twice Carnitas: https://youtu.be/rJIlLjI4LM0

Prep Dish founder Allison Schaaf shares her best tips for efficient meal prep today. Even little time savings really add up from week to week! Here are the meal prep tips: Stop and Think: Take a moment before you begin and think through what you need to get done and what will take the most time. If something needs to bake for an hour, start with that right away! Batch Wherever Possible: Wash Everything at Once! To maximize efficiency, wash all of your produce at once before you start chopping, instead of going back and forth to the sink. Set Up Your Station: Gather everything you need (trash can or compost, meal prep container, cutting board, knife). This is not only more efficient, it feels much calmer. Efficient Grocery Shopping: How many times per week do you grocery shop? Is there a way you could eliminate one of those shopping trips, or switch to grocery delivery? Could you outsource grocery shopping? Is there something you can bulk purchase to shorten your weekly grocery list? Set Aside Time: Make sure you actually schedule time for meal prep, rather than hoping available time will pop up. This will help ensure you're calm and prepared for meal prep, which is both more efficient and much more pleasant. A Place for Everything and Everything in Its Place: Meal prep (and life!) is so much more efficient if you can immediately find everything you need. 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! Washing Produce in Vinegar: https://prepdish.com/meal-planning/give-your-produce-a-vinegar-bath/ My First Trip to Costco: https://prepdish.com/podcast-show-notes/ep67/ Tips to Cut Meal Prep Time in Half: https://prepdish.com/podcast-show-notes/ep2/ Batching Beyond the Kitchen: https://prepdish.com/podcast-show-notes/ep4/ Details on Our Prep Dish Super Fast Menus: https://youtu.be/qzuuAn1jGgo

Today's episode is a little bit different! In honor of Thanksgiving, host Allison Schaaf is sharing the details of her daily gratitude practice, as well as other small ways she includes intentional gratitude in her life. Do you have a gratitude practice? We'd love to hear from you! Please share on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1537447836539716/ ) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/prepdish/) how you remember to be thankful in your life. I'm also sharing a few Thanksgiving resources below, so you won't be totally without meal prep inspiration this week :) Happy prepping and Happy Thanksgiving! 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! Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup: ​​https://prepdish.com/roundups/healthy-thanksgiving-recipe-roundup/ Dairy Free (Paleo) Mashed Potatoes: https://prepdish.com/recipes/dairy-free-paleo-friendly-mashed-potatoes/ Entertainment Bundle (w/ Prep Ahead Thanksgiving Menu!): https://prepdish.com/shop/party/

In today's episode host Allison Schaaf takes a break from meal prep talk to share the funny story of how her family acquired their new pet goat! Whether you live in the country and are interested in getting a goat or you just want to hear a funny story, this is a must-listen :) 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! Bee Keeping:https://prepdish.com/podcast-show-notes/ep98 Backyard Chickens: https://prepdish.com/podcast-show-notes/ep28/

In today's episode, chef and RD Allison Schaaf is sharing ideas for healthy snacks. Specifically, these snacks are meal prep friendly and include plenty of protein, healthy fats and veggies to actually keep you full! Hard Boiled Eggs - These are so great for meal prep! Chopped Veggies - If you do nothing else, wash and prep your veggies for the week! It's SO much more likely you'll choose veggies for a snack if they're ready to eat. Keep them front and center in your fridge so you remember to eat them. Cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower - so many veggies work well for this! If you're short on time, just buy a veggie tray :) Have a healthy dip on hand to make it tastier and more filling. Oatmeal Cups: Soaked oats (soak in water or your favorite milk overnight) with fruit and nuts makes a great snack. Oats are especially great for breastfeeding moms! Add yogurt for extra protein. Homemade Sausage Patties: Think outside the (snack) box! Prep some homemade sausage patties and store in the freezer to pull out when you need. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with fruit and nuts - so simple! Trail Mix: This is a healthier, less expensive version of energy bars! Mix your favorite dried fruit and nuts for easy snacks. Of course, a simple handful of nuts works too. Leftovers: There's no reason you can't just eat a small portion of a leftover meal for a snack. Avocado Dip: Guacamole or simply mashed avocado works great for a dip with veggies or crackers. Avocados are so nutritious and filling. Bonus: Chocolate Avocado Pudding! (recipe linked below!) This feels like a treat but it is so healthy :) Ants on a Log: Spread celery sticks with nut butter or cream cheese with raisins or dried cranberries on top. You can prep ahead or simply chop the celery ahead so it's ready to go. Tuna or Chicken Salad: Eat on crackers, veggie sticks or as-is! This is something you can easily add to your weekly meal prep as it comes together quickly. Energy bites also make a great prep-ahead snack. Get my tips and recipes for energy bites here: https://prepdish.com/podcast-show-notes/ep32/ 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! White Bean Hummus: https://prepdish.com/recipes/so-many-reasons-to-love-hummus/ Keto Fat Bomb (aka low carb snack) Roundup: https://prepdish.com/roundups/keto-fat-bomb-recipe-inspiration/ Guacamole Stuffed Mini Peppers: https://prepdish.com/recipes/stuffed-mini-peppers/ Chocolate Avocado Pudding: https://prepdish.com/recipes/paleo-chocolate-pudding-parfait/ Prep Ahead Chicken Salad: https://prepdish.com/recipes/chicken-salad-lettuce-wraps/

In today's episode, meal prep expert Allison Schaaf shares her recommendations for the best storage containers for your weekly meal prep. She shares why, from both a taste and health perspective, you may want to rethink plastic bags and containers for food storage. Make sure to use tempered glass. This means you'll be able to put them in the freezer and the oven (although they can still break with extreme temperature changes). Also look for durable, BPA-free lids. I've had the best luck with Glasslock (linked below). You can also use stainless steel bowls with a silicon lid or beeswax paper over the bowl to seal things in the fridge as a backup. Silicone bags, like Stasher bags, also work well, especially for dry food like trail mix. 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! Study on Plastic Containers and Health: https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.1003220 More Storage Container Recommendations: https://prepdish.com/meal-planning/best-meal-prep-containers/ Glasslock Containers: https://glasslockusa.com Silicone Lids: https://www.amazon.com/Goodful-Universal-Cups-Food-Dishwasher-Multicolor/dp/B08BQZ5YF5/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=silicon+lids&qid=1633087476&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExNURSMVJXWjROR1RLJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTA3OTIyS1JBSEI2TUtYREdQJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzMzIwNDMzNlg4TEFVWVc3Q0oyJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ== Stasher Bags: https://www.stasherbag.com/collections/the-stasher-ecosystem?gclid=CjwKCAjw49qKBhAoEiwAHQVTowMOngqNNgdz5iyfodJOSaYNKZXqJNTZ3Ea9Ys_A-AKhgm690m-azRoCo8gQAvD_BwE

Have you tried freezer meal prep? Here at Prep Dish, we've just wrapped up a freezer challenge, which was super fun! We strategically stocked our freezers with breakfasts and dinners to make the busy fall easier. Today, chef, dietitian and mom of two shares what exactly is in her own freezer right now! Breakfast Items: We rotate between oatmeal (hot or overnight oats), eggs with potatoes or sweet potatoes, and pancakes or waffles on the weekend! My freezer now has breakfast burritos (great for lunch too!), a frittata, zucchini muffins and mini frittata muffins. Lunches / Dinners: Shepherd's Pie, Sloppy Joes, Taco Soup, and another batch of soup. Tip: Freeze a more condensed version of the soup (less liquid) and add water or broth when you reheat. Proteins: Fish, meat, etc. I always keep this on hand in the freezer so I have options for dinner. Homemade Broth: I love making homemade broth and always have some in the freezer to use in soups and other dishes. Frozen Fruits & Veggies: I keep a few items like cauliflower rice, broccoli and frozen berries to use when we're low on fresh produce. Bonus: Dark chocolate! This is a must :) 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: I need your help! Post on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1537447836539716/ ) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/prepdish/ ) with what you'd love to see in the next Prep Dish challenge. We love feedback! Get your free trial at prepdish.com/mpm for two weeks of free meal plans! Childcare Options - Au Pair vs Nanny vs Daycare: https://prepdish.com/podcast-show-notes/ep87/ How to Make Bone Broth: https://prepdish.com/podcast-show-notes/ep48/ 3 Foods I make from scratch (and 3 I don't!): https://prepdish.com/podcast-show-notes/ep15/ Chai Spiced Zucchini Muffins: https://prepdish.com/recipes/chai-spiced-zucchini-muffins/ Turkey Taco Soup: https://prepdish.com/recipes/turkey-taco-soup/ Healthy Sloppy Joes: https://prepdish.com/recipes/healthy-sloppy-joes-recipe/ Shepherd's Pie: https://prepdish.com/recipes/healthy-shepherds-pie/ Freezer Marinades: https://prepdish.com/podcast-show-notes/ep94/

Add a little Halloween fun to your meal prep with one of these mostly healthy Halloween snack ideas! Host Allison Schaaf shares ten simple, non-candy Halloween food ideas, perfect for a party or for giving your kiddos an extra festive Halloween. Banana Ghosts (Boonanas!): https://prepdish.com/roundups/healthy-halloween-treats/ Apple Bites: https://ohsheglows.com/2012/10/15/3-ingredient-halloween-apple-bites/ Veggie Fingers with Sliced Almond Nails: https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/photo-gallery/19428205/image/19522939/Veggie-Fingers-Dip Caprese Eyeballs: https://www.evilmadscientist.com/2008/high-cuisine-for-halloween-eyeball-caprese/ Fruit Spiders: https://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.com/spooky-spider-snack/ Layered Dip with Sour Cream Drizzled Over Top Like Spider Web: https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/recipes/a9948/spiderweb-nacho-spread-recipe-121386/ Jack-o-Lantern Hummus with an Olive Face: https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/photo-gallery/19428205/image/19527895/Jack-o-Lantern-Hummus-Plate Snow Pea Mouth with Slivered Almond Teeth and Tomato/Bell Pepper Tongue: https://www.snixykitchen.com/goblin-grins-and-monster-mouths/ Baybel or Mozzarella Ball with Olive in the Middle with a dot of ketchup: https://www.carterscozynest.com/spooky-mini-babybel-eyeballs/ Clementine Pumpkins: Buy cuties and draw a face on with a sharpie! Or, peel the orange and use a tiny celery stem on top as a stem. https://www.armelleblog.com/2012/10/halloween-play-date.html 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!