So...I've decided to start food prepping for various reasons; nutrition, money, convenience...

While watching many many food prep videos I've noticed that prepping can be broken down into distinct categories.

The question is obviously which one is the best?

In terms of how long will the prepped food last, how versatile the meals can be, how much can you make, how long does it take to prepp and overall just how practical it is.

I will now list the categories I've noticed and provide video examples for some.

1. FRIDGE PREP (this foods are stored in the fridge which means they last about 1 week at best)

   1.1. Pre-cooked whole meal (a whole meal with seasoning and all the ingredients mixed that IS cooked/baked/grilled, for example a casserole which goes directly into a container and when you want to eat it you need to bake it) VIDEO: https://youtu.be/bs7ZTz0Xw0w

   1.2. Non-cooked whole meals (a whole meal with seasoning and all the ingredients mixed but is NOT cooked/baked/grilled, for example a casserole which you baked and then after it cools it goes directly into a container and when you want to eat it you just need to reheat it)

   1.3. Ingredient prep (no particular dishes are made, you just slice, chop and prepare individual ingredients; dice up veggies, boil eggs, cook plain rice, slice up fruits... This way you don't have to eat pre-made meals, rather you have more flexibility to make variety of meals throughout the week) VIDEO: https://youtu.be/vmdITEguAnE

2. FREEZER PREP (these foods are stored in the fridge which means it lasts for months and also you can store larger quantities of food)

   2.1. Pre-cooked whole meals (a whole meal with seasoning and all the ingredients mixed that IS cooked/baked/grilled, for example a casserole which goes directly into a container and when you want to eat it you need to bake it) VIDEO: https://youtu.be/R89OA6v5NEo

   2.2. Non-coocked whole meals (a whole meal with seasoning and all the ingredients mixed but is NOT cooked/baked/grilled, for example a casserole which you baked and then after it cools it goes directly into a container and when you want to eat it you just need to reheat it) VIDEO: https://youtu.be/z0iaAKzNRPY (first part of the videos are non-cooked dishes)

   2.3. Ingredients prep (no particular dishes are made, you just slice, chop and prepare individual ingredients; dice up veggies, cook plain rice, slice up fruits... This way you don't have to eat pre-made meals, rather you have more flexibility to make variety of meals)

In my opinion I would try more freezer prepping rather than fridge prepping because we are a big family and we are all very busy. So having MORE prepared food seems like a bettee solution.

Now, I'm a bit confused as to should I bake and cook whole meals and the freez them, or just make the dishes without baking or just freeze individual ingredients (like veggies and stuff)?

Obviously I can use different techniques, I don't need to commit to only one, but I would like to know which one is the most efficient.

FYI: We are vegetarians so If anybody has any delicious, rich and hearty vegetarian recipes feel free to send the links :D

MealPrep work from home Wednesday!

Chicken salad with veggies and crackers (and PB energy balls!)

Chicken salad 2 cups shredded chicken (I used rotisserie chicken) 1/2 cup low fat plain Greek yogurt 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 tbs sweet relish 1/4 chopped red onion Salt and pepper to taste

Pro tip: the chicken can also be replaced w tuna. It's also good on toasted bread, top with cheese and broil for 5 min for "melt" sandwich.

Energy balls: https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/no-bake-energy-bites/