Healthy Living

Spring Cleaning Your Meal Prepping: Quick, Easy, and Nourishing Meals for the Whole Family

17 March 2025

At Providence Health Plan, we believe that health starts at home – and that includes the meals we share with our families. But between busy schedules, picky eaters, and the endless demands of daily life, planning and preparing meals can feel overwhelming. The good news? With a little planning and creativity, you can create quick, easy, and nourishing meals that everyone will love.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Review Your Calendar

Before diving into meal planning, take a look at your family’s schedule for the week.

Make note of planned activities and meals that will be eaten away from home.
Create a planning calendar by marking each day as a column and each meal as a row. Fill in any meals that don’t need to be planned due to scheduled events.

This step ensures you’re only planning for the meals you’ll actually need to prepare, saving time and reducing stress.

2. Get Input and Inspiration

Involve your family in the planning process to ensure everyone’s tastes and dietary needs are accommodated.

Ask for meal ideas from everyone in your household.
Explore resources like The FIT Project or the Ellyn Satter Institute for tips on helping kids eat well.
Look for inspiration in cookbooks, magazines, apps, and blogs. Some of our favorites include EatingWell, Minimalist Baker, and Real Food RDs.

3. Establish Meals for the Week

When planning your meals, aim for balance and variety.

Fill half your plate with fruits and non-starchy vegetables.
Incorporate a mix of fresh, local produce and whole grains.
Try themed dinners (e.g., Taco Tuesday or Meatless Monday) to make planning fun and predictable.

4. Take Inventory

Before heading to the store, check your pantry and refrigerator to see what ingredients you already have on hand. This helps reduce waste and ensures you only buy what you need.

5. Create Your Grocery List

Organize your list to make shopping efficient and stress-free.

Group items by category or store layout.
Use tools like the Mediterranean Diet Grocery List, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or apps like Mealime.
Check your grocery store’s weekly flyer for sales to stay on budget.
Save your meal plan and grocery list for future use – especially for meals that become new family favorites.

6. Go Grocery Shopping

When it’s time to shop, stick to your list and focus on whole, nourishing foods.

Shop the produce section and the perimeter of the store, where fresh foods are typically located.
Minimize time in the aisles with processed foods.
Save time by using grocery pick-up or delivery services.

7. Meal Prep

Prepping ingredients in advance can save time during the week.

Wash and chop vegetables, cook grains, or marinate proteins ahead of time.
Explore meal prep strategies to find a method that works for your family’s schedule.

8. Cook Together

Turn meal preparation into a family activity!

Assign tasks to everyone, from chopping to stirring.
Check out age-appropriate kitchen tasks to involve even the youngest family members.
Cook mindfully—take in the sights, sounds, smells, and textures as you prepare your meal.

9. Eat Together

Sharing meals as a family is about more than just food—it’s an opportunity to connect and recharge.

Practice mindful eating by slowing down and savoring each bite.
Engage in meaningful conversations. Check out The Family Dinner Project or TableTopics for conversation starters.
Get feedback on the meal. Ask questions like: Is it a new favorite? What ingredients could make it better? Was it worth the time to prepare?

10. Store Leftovers

Don’t let leftovers go to waste!

Refrigerate or freeze leftovers for future meals.
Use leftover ingredients in creative ways, like stir-fries or sheet pan meals.

Why It Matters

When you’re healthy, you’re empowered to do great things. Healthcare is a human right, and we’re dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of every member of our community.

By planning and preparing nourishing meals together, you’re not just feeding your family – you’re building healthier habits that last a lifetime.