New Year, New You

Anyone else trying to recover their bodies (and wallets) from their holiday to New Year’s bender? If you say no, you’re probably lying. Packing your own food is cheaper, healthier, and easier, but trust me, I know how hard it is to start after a crazy few weeks.  Lucky for you, I’m here with all of the meal prep tips + recipes, so we can start 2023 off fresh (your bank account will thank you too). 

First things first, I’m not letting you walk around with an ugly lunchbox or paper bag (no surprise here).  If you don’t already have your MP, it’s time to get one, and I’m not just saying that because I have to. Everyone needs a chic, functional lunchbox that will actually make you excited about packing lunch. If you need help deciding, take our quiz here. 

If anyone knows how to meal prep, it’s the MP team. I asked them what their lunch packing tips and favorite recipes are, and here’s what they have to say: 

Hannah, Marketing: 

I typically plan my meals for the week on Sundays before I go grocery shopping. Knowing what I want to make for the week + having a list ready makes grocery shopping so much easier, and I’m not wasting money on things that I won’t end up eating. My go-to lunch is usually a big salad (with lots of toppings), and some protein. I like to switch up the protein so I don’t get sick of it! 

I'm a sucker for TikTok recipes. A weekly staple of mine is definitely the Emily Mariko salmon bowls (so basic but so good).  I recently recreated the American Bar chopped salad and it was amazing! 

Ali, Founder + CEO: 

I love doing a big food shop on Sunday's so I'm all ready for the week! In terms of meal prepping, I keep it easy and not going to lie eat the same thing pretty much every day - tuna or a salad (or both)! 

Amber, Operations + Partnerships

Take a dinner recipe + make extra so you have lunch for the week! I live with my boyfriend and most recipes feed 4 people so there are always 2 extra servings for a weekday lunch. I’m really bad at eating both breakfast and lunch because I like to drink a lot of water first thing in the morning. My lunch usually ends up being oatmeal and fruit or whatever leftovers I saved! 

I have so many favorite recipes, but the ones I am making the most right now are the Kale Bacon Salad from half baked harvest, Chicken Dumpling Soup from Skinny Taste, and then air fried chicken with vegetables is a weekly favorite! 

Caeley, Social Media + Graphic Design 

Do all of your shopping on Sunday's + store in your fridge / freezer for the week! I love to prep a yogurt parfait, and it's super helpful to pack your topping separate from the yogurt. 

My favorite thing to make for lunch is a Shwarma bowl: baby kale, pickled onions, roasted chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, roasted cauliflower, and vegan caesar dressing