Meal Prepping Essentials

Written By Sydney Haney

If you’ve ever wished for healthier meals, less stress during the week, and more time back in your day, meal prepping might just become your new favorite habit. Whether you’re a busy parent, working long hours, or simply trying to eat more intentionally, having the right essentials makes all the difference. Here’s your go-to guide for building a meal prep routine and all of the essentials you will need to make it simpler.

1. Start With the Right Containers

Your containers are the foundation of successful meal prep. In my opinion, glass containers are the only option for storing your meals. They will outlast any plastic container, are microwave-safe, and won’t stain. Try out this 10-pack of different-sized glass containers on Amazon - Glass Containers.

Also equally as important as the glass containers are meal prep jars. These are great for overnight oats, salads, soups, and snacks. Check out these also on Amazon - Meal Prep Jars.

Investing in high-quality containers keeps your food fresh longer and helps you stay organized.

2. A Set of Sharp, Reliable Knives

Chopping ingredients is often the most time-consuming part of meal prep. A good chef’s knife (and a small paring knife) can drastically speed up your prep time and make cooking feel smoother and safer. If you don’t already have a good set, this is a perfect one on Amazon that I use almost every day. Knife set

3. Sheet Pans, Pots & Skillets

Meal prepping doesn’t require a fully stocked kitchen—just the basics:

With these three items, you can prep almost anything.

4. Time-Saving Appliances

You don’t need fancy gadgets, but a few tools can make prepping faster:

These are especially helpful if you prep multiple meals at once.

5. Meal Prep Staples to Keep on Hand

Stocking your pantry with versatile basics makes planning easier:

  • Grains: rice, quinoa, couscous, whole-grain pasta

  • Proteins: chicken, tofu, beans, canned tuna or salmon

  • Veggies: broccoli, peppers, carrots, leafy greens, frozen vegetables

  • Healthy fats: olive oil, nuts, avocado

  • Seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper

With these staples, you can mix and match ingredients without overthinking meals.

6. A Weekly Plan (Even a Simple One)

Meal prepping doesn’t mean eating the same thing every day. Instead:

  • Choose 2–3 proteins

  • Add 2–3 veggies

  • Prep one grain

  • Add sauces or seasonings for variety

A simple plan prevents overwhelm and keeps your meals exciting.

7. A Clean, Clear Workspace

Before you start prepping:

  • Wipe your counters

  • Lay out ingredients

  • Set up containers

  • Make space for cooling meals

You’ll move faster and enjoy the process more when everything is organized.

8. Labeling Makes a Big Difference

It sounds small, but labeling your meals with:

  • The name

  • Date prepared

  • Reheat instructions (optional)

…keeps your fridge organized and helps reduce food waste.

Final Thoughts

Meal prepping isn’t about perfection—it’s about making your week easier, healthier, and less stressful. With a few key tools and a simple plan, you can set yourself up for success and actually enjoy the process.

Sydney Haney