5 Meal Prep Essentials Every Kitchen Needs

When you have the right tools, meal prep can be made much easier. This isn’t about buying all the things, it’s more about how you can make meal prep as simple and easy as possible.

You know that when you meal prep, it helps you to avoid fast food, sugary snacks and last-minute frustrations – and also helps you meet your fitness and health goals.

Over the years I’ve found that there are five essential items that will help you on your way to becoming a master food prepper.

Measuring devices are important. You don’t need to spend much, but you do need measuring cups and measuring spoons. Wanna get a gold star add in a food scale. You can easily find them at Target, Marshalls or even your local grocery store.

Invest in a good cutting board. Every good chef has his or her favorite type of cutting board. It’s a good idea to have two boards to keep one for meat preparation and one for such foods as vegetables and fruit.

Choose from inexpensive, plastic or wooden ones to meet your chopping and slicing needs. Eventually, you’ll likely want to try other types and sizes, but in the beginning, just have the basic two on hand.

Oils, herbs and spices will enhance any of your pre-planned meals by adding flavor to your meats and vegetables. This is my JAM; spices are what make clean eating go from boring to za za zing. Here are some of my favorite spices oregano, cilantro, garlic, sage and rosemary. Don’t ignore oils they add a little flavor.

Get a good crock pot. My mom gave me one when I moved out and thought why the heck would I want that. NOW it’s one of the most used appliances in my house. In the context I’m using crock pot and insta pot in the same way. Trust me, you’ll want one of these, It will save you tons of time and effort during busy days and provide your family with nutritious meals.

Make sure you also have on hand some sharp knives, wooden spoons and other helpful gadgets you’ll use to speed up and simplify your prep time.

If you’ll be preparing on-the-go meals for you and your family, a portable bag is also an essential you’ll need to consider. Some are insulated and have compartments for beverages.

I’d love to hear what some of your favorite kitchen accessories are, leave me a comment below.

Still have questions about meal prep’ Grab my new meal prep guide.