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How to Meal Prep Homemade Baby Food

June 19, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

Table of Contents
  • Why Should I Make Baby Food At Home? 
  • What Materials Are Needed?
  • What Should I Not Feed My Baby? 
  • What Should I Feed My Baby?
  • How To Make Homemade Baby Food 

Why Should I Make Baby Food At Home? 

Several factors contribute to new mothers switching to homemade baby food as opposed to store bought. One obvious factor is the rising cost of store bought baby food. The cost of baby food has always been on a steady increase, each year only increasing by small increments. However, in 2021, baby food prices skyrocketed compared to the fairly consistent trend of the past ten years. 

Although fresh produce costs are on the rise too, buying produce in bulk and using meal prepping techniques can yield extra savings. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of how you can start making baby food today! 

What Materials Are Needed?

Making homemade baby food will require some equipment to get started. Yeesh, already spending more money. I know! But these are one time purchases and will save you more than it costs to buy them. Not to mention it is possible to find these items for a good price. To make it even easier there are brands that sell baby food prep systems which include all necessary equipment; brands like Nutribullet Baby (pictured below). 

nutribullet Baby with batchbowl, easy pop freezer tray with lid, 6 storage cups with tray, short cup with lid.

Shop Now- $99

Otherwise, the equipment you'll be needing to get started is:

  • 4-ounce BPA-Free Plastic or Glass Baby Food Storage Containers 

Shop Now- $9

  • Vegetable Steamer Basket

Shop Now- $8

  • Food Processor

Shop Now- $49

  • Silicone Baby Food Freezer Tray

Shop Now- $10

Transitioning from breastfeeding or formula feeding to solids is not as simple as it may sound. It is a long process. Essentially, your baby is learning how to eat as a new functioning human and will need lots of patience, understanding, and time. Therefore, guidelines have been created to help new parents navigate this process. There are three stages to introducing solid foods to growing babies.

  • Stage 1: Single Ingredient Purees (4-6 months) 
  • Stage 2: Combination Purees (7-9 months)
  • Stage 3: Small, Soft, And Chewable Pieces (9-12 months)

What Should I Not Feed My Baby? 

It is wise for new parents to research the foods babies need to avoid. I'd suggest taking some time to become familiar with that list but here is a few important points new parents should be aware of:

  • No excess salt
  • No water under the age of 6 months 
  • No honey under the age of 1 year 
  • No cow milk under the age of 6 months
  • No thick peanut butter or peanut butter-like spread

What Should I Feed My Baby?

Stage 1

There is no evidence suggesting there is a "right order" of foods when introducing your newborn to solids. Introducing common fruits and vegetables is best. After all, these will be the foods present throughout your baby's life. The only thing to remember is to feed single ingredient purees. This will help pinpoint any allergic or digestive reactions. Great fruits and vegetables to puree are: 

  • Bananas 
  • Sweet Potatoes 
  • Apples/Applesauce 
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Prunes
  • Zucchini 
  • Carrots
  • Mango
  • Pears
  • Peas
  • Butternut Squash
  • Green Beans
  • Kiwi

Stage 2

Now you can begin combining fruits, vegetables, and small amounts of spices! Good spices to introduce to your baby are: 

  • Cinnamon
  • Ginger 
  • Garlic 
  • Turmeric
  • Black Pepper
  • Basil
  • Parsley
  • Oregano 

You can also add cooked meat into purees. For example, boiled chicken breast can be pureed easily. It is very important to triple-check for bones in the meat, as they can be potential choking hazards. 

Stage 3

It will be much easier to feed your baby when your baby has a few teeth and is starting to chew. Puree foods for less time to leave soft chewable chunks or cut fruits and veggies that are soft enough to be bit into, like bananas, mangoes, and avocados. You know your baby best. Just like breast or bottle feeding, this journey is still between you and your baby. It is okay to ignore anyone making comments like, "Your baby should be eating __________ by now". If you are aware your child has trouble chewing certain foods then it is okay to hold off longer while they develop their chewing technique with safer practice. 

How To Make Homemade Baby Food 

Making homemade baby food is very simple once you understand the basic rules. The biggest rule being: make foods soft to blend easier.

Basic Rules: 

  • Always wash your fruits and veggies, preferably in a fruit and veggie wash
  • Remove dangerous seeds ( ex. Apple, orange, lemon seeds)
  • Peel tough or unnecessary skins (ex. mango, bananas, potatoes)
  • Make hard fruits and veggies soft ( ex. boil potatoes, steam broccoli, cook apples, etc.)
  • Add a few ounces of water or milk before blending
  • Debone and fully cook meat

When it's time to start making your baby food and you've prepared your fruits and veggies using the basic rules, it's then as simple as adding ingredients to blend in the food processor. Make bigger quantities, store what is needed for the next few days in jars, and freeze the rest. Baby food can last up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge and up to 4 months in the freezer. When preparing leftovers for the freezer, use a freezer tray like the one discussed earlier. This will result in multiple baby sized portions of food that can later be separated into jars and stored to thaw in the fridge. Now, it's time for you to get started! Here are 15 recipes to spark some inspiration!

Stage 1 Baby Food Recipes

Banana Puree Recipe

Banana puree is both a great meal for your baby and a sweet treat! 

(Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 1g)

Sweet Potato Puree

No one loves and appreciates sweet potato puree like babies do. See for yourself with this super simple recipe.

(Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 1g)

Avocado Puree

As a parent you are allowed to apply a tax to all foods prepared for the baby. This is one of those recipes you'd like to tax. Avocado Puree for the baby and Guacamole for the adults!

(Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 11g)

Peach Puree

Give your baby a taste of summer with this sweet and refreshing peach puree.

(Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 1g)

Carrot Puree

A carrot puree is a tasty nutrient dense meal which is perfect for developing babies. 

(Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 1g)

Stage 2 Baby Food Recipes

Apple Cinnamon Puree

Apple and Cinnamon is an odd match when you think about it but the combination is so effortlessly delicious it somehow seems not so odd at all.   

(Carbohydrates: 9g)

Apple, Spinach, and Broccoli Puree

It is good practice to introduce vegetables that don't taste the best but are nutritious to your baby. Some say this can help prevent a picky eater. Pro tip: Mix veggies with Apple and the sweetness will make the vegetables taste better.

(Carbohydrates: 18g)

Chicken Puree

Chicken breast is the easiest meat to prepare and blend. Add seasonings into the mix and your baby will love this savory meal.

(Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 14g)

Chicken, Squash and Cauliflower Puree

This wholesome recipe has meat, veggies, and tastes amazing!

(Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 1g)

Carrots and Butternut Squash

Having a baby makes you try new things. If you haven't tried Butternut Squash yet, this is a great way to. It's subtly sweet and packed with nutrients. 

Stage 3 Baby Food Recipes

Sliced Avocado 

Avocados taste great and are the perfect texture for babies learning to chew. 

Scrambled Eggs, Strawberries, and Avocado

This is a great meal for your growing baby and a great meal for you too! 

Strawberries and Blueberries

Some babies refuse to eat anything good for them. It makes it a struggle to provide a variety of whole foods. Berries will become your new best friend! Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and so many more to choose from.

Peach Rice Pudding 

You don't want to miss trying this recipe. You and your baby will enjoy this sweet, creamy, and delicious pudding.

Chunky Summer Veggie Pasta

A great way to sneak veggies into your baby's diet is through pasta! Works like a charm.

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

June 19, 2023 by Nick Quintero 4 Comments

Slow Cooker lentil soup is chock-full of plant-based vitamins, fiber, and protein! Simply add ingredients to a slow cooker and let it do the work for a no-hassle meal that reheats in minutes.

Lentils have been eaten since prehistoric times. In fact, lentil remains have been dated to 11,000 BC from Greece's Franchthi cave! They are some of the oldest known remains. So you're really getting a wise-old treat with this Slow Cooker Lentil Soup! But wise and old isn't slow - it's bold and tasty! This meal prep recipe gives you the solid macros you want with super-powered simplicity.

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Ingredients

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
  • 8 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • ¼ cup coconut aminos
  • 2 cups dry lentils
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 2 cups canned diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup chopped sweet white onion
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups chopped kale
  • ½ cup chopped parsley for serving

How to Make Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Our team at MPOF loves this meal prep recipe because there are just two steps. First, combine nearly every ingredient in your slow cooker. Second, add in the kale at the end for just 5 more minutes of heat. Easy! It is the epitome of set it and forget it.

How to Store and Serve Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

This lentil soup meal prep recipe is a perfect one-portion meal. Just divide this meal prep recipe evenly in four single-compartment containers, fill your fridge or freezer, and forget about it! 

This lentil soup meal prep will last for about 5 days in the fridge, with one caveat. Lentils are best for your belly when they're as fresh as possible. To reduce the chances of belly-bloating, eat this meal prep recipe as soon after cooking and add the spice hing to support digestion if you are sensitive to legumes.

If you're freezing this soup, it will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge, right on the stovetop, or in the microwave, depending on your preference and how much time you have available.

We love to eat this soup as is, because it's a pretty complete meal, but do serve with a side salad if you want and, if you're not gluten-free, a hunk of crusty bread or a handful of crackers.

Substitutions and Variations

We have specified standard green lentils here, but you may notice there are a few different kinds. If you use red lentils, this soup will cook in much less time and the lentils will pop open and get starchy. That's because red lentils are different from green ones in that regard! You want to steer clear of the French puy lentils, which are best for salads and other cooked dishes.

You can vary the amounts of the ingredients if desired (just don't change the liquid amount). Add sweet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes, if you want something even heartier and love potatoes with lentils like we do. Lentil soup is a bit of a blank slate.

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

More Lentil Meal Prep Recipes

  • Try some of our other whole Plant-Based Meal Prep Recipes
  • Add chicken to legumes in Cauliflower Fried Rice with Legumes and Chicken Shish Kabobs
  • Another celebrated crockpot lentil recipe is our Crockpot Golden Lentil Soup

Tips for Making Slow Cooker Lentil Soup:

  1. Don't worry about soaking your lentils because the slow cooker will take care of the tenderness.
  2. Do rinse and sift your lentils before cooking because sometimes there are rocks. Remove debris now and you'll thank yourself later.
  3. Asafoetida (also known as hing) is an additional spice/powder known for reducing the gas-forming qualities of legumes, including lentils. If you are sensitive to beans, try it! 
Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
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Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Cozy up to this vegan slow-cooker lentil soup chock-full of plant-based vitamins,
fiber, and protein! Simply add ingredients to a slow cooker and let it do the work
for a no-hassle meal that reheats in minutes.






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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 4 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
Course: dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: gluten free, Lentils, Meal Prep, vegan, vegetarian
Servings: 4 meals
Calories: 290kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • 8 cups vegetable stock
  • ¼ cup coconut aminos
  • 2 cups dry lentils
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 2 cups canned diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped sweet white onion
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups chopped kale
  • ½ cup chopped parsley for serving
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Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients except kale and parsley in a crockpot. Stir well. Turn crockpot to high setting. Cover and cook 4 hours.
  • Stir in kale and continue to cook 5 minutes longer until wilted. Remove the bay leaf. Serve the soup in bowls, nice and hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Notes

WW Smart Points= Green:11  Blue:3  Purple:3

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 49.4g | Protein: 14.8g | Fat: 1.6g | Fiber: 8.7g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!


AB&J Fat Bombs Meal Prep

June 18, 2023 by Nick Quintero 4 Comments

Fat bombs! They taste like peanut butter and jelly and they'll get you through a rough afternoon in a pinch!

Admittedly, the term "fat bombs" isn't really the most appetizing. But if you're following a paleo or keto diet, you're always on the look for snacks with protein and fat that will keep you satisfied in between meals. Or perhaps even taste great after a workout. And let's face it, because they're so much more time-consuming, we tend to focus our easy meal prep recipes around, well, meals. But snacks, we need them.

Having access to healthy snacks throughout the day can be a surefire way to ensure you're staying on track with your macros. Those in-between meal times can be tricky; we're most vulnerable to the donuts in the break room or that fast food restaurant that's on your way home from work. So we came up with these satisfying fat bombs- the perfect snack allies!

AB&J Fat Bombs Meal Prep

What Are Fat Bombs?

Fat bombs are exactly what they sound like: Snacks that prioritize fat over all other nutrients. These almond butter and jelly ones here, come in at a whopping 23 grams of fat per serving. Fat bombs are essential snacks for folks on a keto diet, as it can sometimes be challenging to get enough fat from meals alone. But they're also a great snack to have on hand for anyone working a physically or mentally draining day. Fat is a great way to stay fuller longer and to activate brain function! Fat bombs typically have a base of coconut oil, coconut butter, and/or nut butter (non-peanut if they're paleo), and are a great vessel for getting in a few servings of healthy spices and supplements such as cinnamon, ginger, collagen, or medicinal mushrooms.

AB&J Fat Bombs Meal Prep

AB&J Fat Bombs Ingredients

  • ¾ cup frozen blackberries, or berries of choice
  • 1-2 tablespoon filtered water
  • ¾ cup creamy almond butter, no sugar added
  • ¾ cup coconut oil
  • 1-2 tablespoon sweetener, if desired

How to Make AB&J Fat Bombs

These are pretty easy. Line a muffin tin with some paper liners. And the blackberries are cooked down with a little bit of water. Then in a separate saucepan, melt the almond butter and add the coconut oil together. If you want a big of sweetness, go ahead and add some honey or maple syrup here. (Or agave). Put the almond butter layer on the bottom and dollop some blackberries on top. Swirl it together with a toothpick and refrigerate until firm.

How to Store and Serve Fat Bombs

Keep these in the fridge, full stop. You don't want them at room temperature, they'll start to get soft. Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container for a week or so, or freeze for much longer.

How to Customize

We used blackberries because we love the contrast of their fruity tang against the richness of the fatty coconut and almonds, but we encourage you to experiment with any of your favorite low-sugar fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or cherries would all make great alternatives! Because they're vegan, these fat bombs have quite a long shelf life in the fridge. Make plenty ahead of time and enjoy for weeks! This easy meal prep is one for the keto books.

More Awesome Snacks to Meal Prep!

  • Sugar-Free Coconut Balls (Fat Bombs)
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Recipe
  • Protein Peanut Butter Energy Bites
  • Cinnamon Raisin Energy Balls
AB&J Fat Bombs Meal Prep blog
AB&J Fat Bombs Meal Prep

AB&J Fat Bombs Meal Prep

Satiating fat-based snack bites packed with almond butter, coconut oil, and fresh berries.
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Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Meal Prep
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 229kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup frozen blackberries or berries of choice
  • 1-2 tablespoon Water
  • ¾ cup Almond Butter no sugar added
  • ¾ cup Coconut Oil
  • 1-2 tbs sweetener optional
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Instructions

  • Line a muffin pan with 12 parchment paper liners and set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the frozen blackberries and water. Bring to a boil and the reduce the heat and simmer 5 minutes. Mash the berries with a fork.
  • In a large saucepan, combine the almond butter and coconut oil over medium heat, whisking until melted. Add optional sweetener, if desired.
  • Divide the melted almond butter mixture among the 12 cups then add ~1 TBS of blackberry mixture and swirl with a toothpick.
  • Refrigerate until firm and store in the refrigerator until serving.

Notes

Nutrition per serving:
3.6g Protein | 3.9g Carbs | 23g Fat | 2.5g Fiber | 229 Calories

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 3.9g | Protein: 3.6g | Fat: 23g | Fiber: 2.5g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!

Corn and Edamame Succotash

June 18, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

Corn and edamame succotash is your new favorite side dish, great for any time of the year. Vegetarian and loaded with protein.

Forgive us if we make a Warner Brothers joke here, but "sufferin' succotash," this dish is GOOD STUFF! If you're looking to use up some frozen veggies like edamame and corn, along with new ways to enjoy them, this side dish is for you. It comes together really quickly and couldn't be simpler. You can make it ahead, you can make it at the last minute, but whatever you do, just make this plant-based, high-protein meal prep!

And let's just pause for a moment about the origins of this dish. You may be wondering, cartoon jokes aside, where this came from. It's a dish that is believed to have been introduced to the colonists by Native Americans and typically includes corn and lima beans. Ours is a bit of a twist on that.

Corn and Edamame Succotash Ingredients

Corn and edamame succotash ingredients
  • 1 Tbsp. olive or avocado oil
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups frozen corn
  • 1 ½ cups frozen shelled edamame
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Optional ingredient: chopped fresh cilantro

How to Make Corn and Edamame Succotash

corn and edamame succotash

Cook the garlic, onion, and peppers together in a skillet with a bit of oil. This will only take a few minutes, just until the ingredients have softened a bit and become aromatic. Then, add in the frozen corn and shelled edamame and stir together with the rest of the ingredients, adding the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Again, this cooks fast. The heat of the pan will quickly defrost the frozen veggies. Finish it off with fresh lemon juice and optional chopped fresh cilantro. And that's that!

How to Serve and Store Corn and Edamame Succotash

We love this for an easy meal prep. This will keep in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or so. You can eat this cold, at room temperature, or warm it back up if you like. But it feels like a simple side dish you don't really need to do too much with to make it delicious. Sometimes fewer ingredients are better, as long as those ingredients are really good ones.

This succotash is a side dish that goes with a lot of mains. Try it with something like fried, barbecued, or roasted chicken, spicy shrimp, fried catfish, ham, or even a grilled flank steak. It goes with a lot of different foods, but we keep feeling like chicken is the winner here. I mean, we did put it in the photo with the prepped containers and everything.

corn and edamame succotash

Substitutions and Alterations

Corn is traditional, and so are lima beans, so feel free to swap limas for edamame. You could also use something pretty neutral tasting like white beans if you've got those on hand, but they're not as firm as edamame. The texture will be different, and you'll want to add the white beans separately, after the corn cooks, because otherwise, they'll get too mushy. They'll just need to be heated through.

You could also use parsley instead of cilantro (we understand, cilantro can be divisive), and lime juice instead of lemon juice, and it will still be flavorful and work ok.

Regular paprika can be swapped for smoked, or a good chili powder would work if you don't have paprika at all or want to try something a little different.

And of course, feel free to use an orange, yellow, or green bell pepper instead, but we're fond of the red ones because it brings another colorful veggie into the mix here. But use what you've got and it'll still be great.

MORE CORN, EDAMAME, AND OTHER DELICIOUS COMBOS!

  • $4 Edamame Pasta with Tofu and Veggies
  • Sheet Pan Butter Herb Shrimp Corn and Potato Bake
  • Mexican Street Corn Dip

Corn and Edamame Succotash

This delicious side dish is sweet, plant-based, and goes with just about everything you'll eat during the summer
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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Keyword: plant based
Servings: 4
Calories: 179kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 ½ cups frozen corn
  • 1 ½ cups frozen shelled edamame
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Lemon juice as needed
  • Cilantro chopped, optional
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Instructions

  • Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté for 5 minutes, or until onion is translucent but not browned. Add the garlic and continue cooking for 30 seconds, stirring constantly
  • Stir in the frozen corn and edamame. Sauté until heated through, about 5 minutes more.
  • Season with the smoked paprika, then add the salt and pepper, to taste. Dress with lemon juice to taste and fold in cilantro., if using.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 554mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1415IU | Vitamin C: 54mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!

Whole30 Breakfast Snack Boxes Meal Prep

June 17, 2023 by Nick Quintero 4 Comments

Whole30 Bento Box Meal Prepblog

Breakfast snack box! This meal prep is loaded with easy food to eat at your desk for breakfast or lunch; or breakfast for lunch!

Snack boxes are fun! Food is more enjoyable when it is cute and bite-sized and made for eating with fingers. Maybe the love of this type of food is all nostalgia; think TV dinners, cafeteria platters and Lunchables of our childhoods. But think of this meal prep recipe as a breakfast picnic at your desk and we're pretty confident you'll fall in love with it, too. Eat it for breakfast, a snack, or lunch. Doesn't matter. It's awesome.

A Word About Whole30 Meal Prepping

Although this meal prep recipe can be enjoyed by anyone at any time, we wanted to focus on creating a compliant breakfast option for those brave souls currently embarking on the Whole30 journey. The most important (and challenging) part of the Whole30 experience? Prep! It's so helpful to be well prepared so that you are armed against the pangs of unexpected cravings and hunger. This box includes a little bit of everything: protein, healthy sugars, and healthy fats- all represented in both sweet and savory flavors.

Whole30 Breakfast Snack Boxes Meal Prep ---3

A Word About Sweet Potatoes and Avocados and Whole30

Sweet potatoes are a nutrient powerhouse and probably one of the best choices you could make for any meal. (It's why we love sweet potatoes at breakfast in particular, and why Whole30 plans do, too). Their rich orange color is an indication of the presence of Vitamin A and various antioxidants that protect our bodies against free radical damage. Plus they are a near-perfect complex carbohydrate. Sweet potatoes keep your blood sugar sustained and help us feel fuller for longer.

We know we don't have to convince anybody about the glory of avocados. But in case you forgot, a great breakfast is incomplete without a serving of healthy fats. And avocados are a great option! Creamy, delicious, and, well… perfect. Hard-boiled eggs bring this meal prep recipe up to 16g of protein per serving. Polish it off with a few bites of fresh sweet strawberries. Yes, yes, and yes. Your Whole30 breakfasts will never be the same!

Whole30 Breakfast Snack Boxes Meal Prep Ingredients

  • 8 eggs
  • 1 pint strawberries
  • 2 avocados, sliced
  • 4 sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1" rounds (about 4 cups)

How to Make Whole30 Breakfast Snack Box

This is so easy! It requires very little cooking, which is so helpful. Just hard boil 8 eggs (or more, if you want, as they will keep!) and slice the sweet potatoes into rounds and roast them in the oven. The other ingredients are avocado and strawberries, and those just get sliced and washed, respectively.

How to Store and Serve

These prep easily and will keep for 4 to 5 days in the fridge in airtight meal prep containers. Give everything except the strawberries a healthy dousing of salt and pepper right before serving. You might consider

Variations and How to Customize

We like to roast sweet potatoes with herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage. Parsley is also great. None of those will interfere with a Whole30 protocol.

You could swap out the strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.

Whole30 Breakfast Snack Boxes Meal Prep ---3

More Breakfast and Snack Box Recipes You'll Love to Meal Prep!

  • Scrambled Egg Stuffed Sweet Potato Meal Prep
  • Easy Healthy Snack Box
  • Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Snack Boxes
  • Cream Cheese Fruit Dip Snack Boxes
  • Summer Breakfast Salad Meal Prep
Whole30 Bento Box Meal Prepblog
Whole30 Breakfast Snack Boxes Meal Prep ---4

Whole30 Snack Boxes Meal Prep

Snack boxes served breakfast style with hard-boiled eggs, sweet potato, avocado, and fresh berries.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Egg, Meal Prep
Servings: 4 meals
Calories: 403kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 pint strawberries
  • 2 large Avocado sliced
  • 4 large sweet potatoes cut into 1" rounds
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Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add sweet potato rounds to the sheet in an even layer. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until tender and browned.
  • While the sweet potatoes are baking, boil your eggs. Add them to a large pot of boiling water and cook for ~10 minutes. Rinse and peel under cool water. Halve them and set aside.
  • Divide the baked sweet potato, strawberries, avocado, and boiled eggs between meal prep containers and store in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Notes

Nutrition for 1 out of 4 boxes:
16.7g Protein | 40.5g Carbs | 20.4g Fat | 10.8g Fiber | 403 Calories

Nutrition

Serving: 1meal | Calories: 403kcal | Carbohydrates: 40.5g | Protein: 16.7g | Fat: 20.4g | Fiber: 10.8g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!

12 Delicious Waffle Recipes for Meal Prep

June 17, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

Best Waffle Recipes Ever! They're not tough to make and cook really fast. The trick is to have what you need on hand. These are 12 of our faves!

Waffles are a classic breakfast dish consisting of a batter or dough cooked between hot plates that leave squared impressions. Brought to the Americas by the Dutch, French, and Belgians, the waffle is surely an international delight. By the 1930s, waffle irons were a standard kitchen appliance produced primarily by General Electric. Waffles are typically fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, buttery, and drizzled with maple syrup. We have put together a list of our favorite 12, delicious, waffle recipes for you and your family to enjoy. We even threw in a few healthier options for those who crave waffles but are on dietary restrictions!

Freezer Friendly Chocolate Waffles

Breakfast is a breeze with these freezer-friendly chocolate waffles. Reheat these on busy mornings. They're made with antioxidant-rich cacao powder for a guilt-free chocolate fix!

(Carbs: 63g - Protein: 6g - Fat: 17g)

Protein Freezer Waffles

These protein freezer waffles are so easy and delicious! With just six ingredients, this recipe is easy and high in protein. Double or triple the batch and keep them in the freezer for upcoming weeks.

(Carbs: 49g - Protein: 26g - Fat: 16g)

Sweet Potato Hash Brown Waffles

Switch up your normal breakfast routine with these sweet potato waffles made with this herb-forward Paleo seasoning.

(Carbs: 26g - Protein: 14g - Fat: 6g)

Savory Waffles with Kale & Bacon

Waffles get a savory Paleo makeover in this hearty recipe topped off with smoky bacon and sautéed kale.

(Carbs: 17g - Protein: 13g - Fat: 32g)

Kabocha Squash Waffles

Kabocha Squash Waffle Meal Prep is a unique, paleo-friendly twist on regular waffles that will turn your breakfast into a vitamin-A packed, sweet and healthy meal. Gluten-Free. 

(Carbs: 22g - Protein: 17g - Fat: 11g)

Sweet Potato Waffles

We are declaring this Sweet Potato Waffle Meal Prep recipe the ultimate breakfast idea! Two crispy sweet potato waffles filled with eggs and fresh spinach.

(Carbs: 23g - Protein: 27g - Fat: 25g)

Allrecipes' Waffles

This waffle recipe is the only one you'll need to make homemade waffles with your waffle iron. Serve waffles hot with whipped cream and fresh fruit or with butter and maple syrup for either breakfast, brunch, or a snack.

(Carbs: 38g - Protein: 9g - Fat: 22g)

The Salty Marshmallow's Belgian Waffles

This Homemade Belgian Waffle Recipe is easy and makes delicious, authentic, Belgian waffles. These waffles are perfectly crisp and golden on the outside while being light and fluffy on the inside.

(Carbs: 35g - Protein: 6g - Fat: 17g)

Spend With Pennies' Fluffy Waffles

Crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these waffles are delicious drizzled with melted butter and syrup. The perfect start to any weekend morning!

(Carbs: 40g - Protein: 8g - Fat: 13g)

Classic Waffles

We have been making these delicious classic waffles nonstop at our house. I'm not joking when I say that my kids request them every weekend. Pair these waffles with buttermilk syrup and fresh fruits. It's a match made in heaven.

(Carbs: 48g - Protein: 10g - Fat: 18g)

Jessica's Vegan Waffles

When made properly, homemade vegan waffles taste like they're fresh from your favorite diner or breakfast spot. These are the BEST Vegan Waffles! They are crispy, so fluffy, and very simple.

(Carbs: 36g - Protein: 6g - Fat: 10g)

Keto Waffles

Learn how to make the BEST keto waffles in under 15 minutes and I promise they're so much better than the "regular" stuff. These waffles are a keto dieter's dream come true at only 2 net carbs each! And yes, there is keto-friendly syrup for your waffle enjoyment!

(Carbs: 5g - Protein: 10g - Fat: 27g)

Crispy Fish Sticks

June 17, 2023 by Nick Quintero 2 Comments

Crispy Fish Sticks

Are you a fan of fish and chips, but need a gluten-free version? Then look no further than our gluten-free and Paleo-friendly Crispy Fish Stick fish meal prep recipe! We dredge pieces of flaky cod fillets in herb-seasoned Paleo powder, bake them to crispy perfection, and serve with lemon wedges along with a side of sweet potato fries. Our crispy fish sticks are a filling and healthy meal for lunch or dinner, and this fish meal prep recipe is easy peasy. 

Crispy Fish Sticks

This childhood favorite gets a grown-up reboot using Paleo-friendly almond flour coating that's full of herb and lemon flavor. A side of sweet potato fries adds fiber and staying power, keeping you full.  

How long will Crispy Fish Sticks last for?

Your crispy fish sticks will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Store your four crispy fish sticks meals in airtight containers for maximum freshness. 

Can Crispy Fish Sticks be frozen?

You can! If you want to freeze the entire meal, use containers, not freezer bags. Our MPOF meal prep containers are freezer safe and keep your meals together for easy reheating and eating on the go. 

Crispy Fish Sticks

Crispy Fish Sticks Ingredients:

For Fish Sticks 

  • 20 oz. cod fillets 
  • 2 large eggs, beaten  
  • ¼ cup tapioca flour  
  • ½ cup Paleo Powder Almond + Flax + Paleo Powder Herbed Salt Free Blend  
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt  

For Sweet Potato Fries 

  • 1 lb. sweet potatoes 
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil  
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt  
  • ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper  

For Serving  

  • 4 lemon wedges  
  • ½ cup Paleo ketchup (we used primal kitchen)  
Crispy Fish Sticks

How do you make Crispy Fish Sticks?

Here comes the fun part! Cooking this fish meal prep recipe is short and easy. You don't need many ingredients and we cook everything using one pan. Plus, your oven does most of the work and you spend less than 30 minutes preparing the meal. 

Gather your ingredients, grab your sheet pan, and some bowls for dipping and dredging the fish. Preheat your oven, line your sheet pan with parchment paper, and cut half-inch thick sweet potato fries. Toss them in a bowl of olive oil, black pepper, & sea salt then place them on the baking sheet. Now, it's time to prepare the fish sticks. You need three bowls for dipping and dredging. Cut your cod filets into 1 ½-inch thick pieces and cover in tapioca flour, egg, and Paleo powder. Add the fish to the sheet pan with the fries and cook for 30 minutes total, tossing and flipping the sweet potato fries halfway through cooking. Once your 30 minutes are up, remove your crispy fish and fries from the oven and get ready to plate it up!

How to portion Crispy Fish Sticks?

Get four dual-compartment meal prep containers. Place fish, lemon wedges, and Paleo ketchup in the bigger compartment and the sweet potato fries in the smaller compartment. Store and enjoy! 

Crispy Fish Sticks

More fish meal prep recipes:

  • Baked Fish and Chips Meal Prep
  • Sheet Pan Salmon Fajitas
  • Broiled Cod with Mango Relish
  • Asian Air Fryer Salmon
  • Sheet Pan Salmon Burgers
  • Baked Salmon with Blackberry Quinoa Salad
  • Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
  • Cauliflower Tabouli and Salmon Meal Prep
  • Sheet Pan Sriracha Honey Glazed Salmon
  • Salmon Cobb Salad Meal Prep
  • Cauliflower Rice Salmon Poke Bowl Meal Prep
  • Apricot Salmon Meal Prep
  • Teriyaki Salmon & Pineapple Skewer Meal Prep
  • Turmeric Ginger Salmon in Foil Meal Prep
  • Smoked Salmon & Lentil Breakfast Salad
  • SELFStarter Review + Salmon Tacos w/ Beets Recipe
  • Coconut Sugar Sriracha Shrimp Meal Prep
  • Sesame Salmon with Baby Bok Choy and Mushrooms
  • Easy Avocado + Mango Sushi Roll
  • Shrimp Quinoa Broccoli Meal Prep | Garlic Shrimp Recipe
  • One Pan Baked Cod and Veggies
  • Easy Chile Lime Salmon Meal Prep
  • Perfectly Seared Scallops Meal Prep
  • Ghost Pepper & Tamarind Salmon Meal Prep
  • Apricot Sesame Chicken & Shrimp Meal Prep Recipe
Crispy Fish Sticks

Other tips for making Crispy Fish Sticks:

  • We use cod, but you can also use halibut or catfish. 
  • If you don't want to dip your fish in eggs, you can use heavy cream or only olive oil. 
  • Don't overcrowd your sheet pan so everything can cook evenly. 
  • This fish meal prep recipe doesn't have to be Paleo or gluten-free if you don't want it to be. Replace the Paleo powder and tapioca flour with all-purpose flour and Panko breadcrumbs. You can even use crushed up potato chips or cereal as "breadcrumbs." 
  • Also, if you're gluten-free, you probably already have the ingredients on hand to make your own breading, here's How to Make Gluten-Free Breading.
Crispy Fish Sticks
Crispy Fish Sticks

Crispy Fish Sticks

This childhood favorite gets a grown-up reboot using Paleo-friendly almond flour coating that's full of herb and lemon flavor. A side of sweet potato fries adds fiber and staying power, keeping you full.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
Course: dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dinner, gluten free, lunch, paleo, pescatarian, Sheet Pan
Servings: 4 meals
Calories: 540kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

For Fish Sticks

  • 20 oz. cod fillets
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • ¼ cup tapioca flour
  • ½ cup Paleo Powder Almond + Flax + Paleo Powder Herbed Salt Free Blend
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

For Sweet Potato Fries

  • 1 lb. sweet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper

For Serving

  • 4 lemon wedges
  • ½ cup Paleo ketchup primal kitchen
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Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice sweet potatoes into ½-inch-thick strips and toss in olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper in a medium mixing bowl, spread on the bottom half of pan.
  • Add tapioca flour to a shallow bowl, beaten egg to another, and Paleo Powder and sea salt to a third bowl. Blot cod fillets with a paper towel and slice into 1 ½ -2-inch-thick pieces.
  • Coat each piece lightly with tapioca flour then dip in egg, shaking off excess and finally dredge in Paleo Powder. Place fish sticks on baking sheet ½ inch apart. Bake for 15 minutes. Gently toss sweet potato fries and return to oven for 15 minutes longer.
  • Divide sweet potato fries between 4 1-cup compartments of teal MPOF containers. Add 3-4 fish sticks to the large compartments and add ketchup and lemon wedges alongside fish sticks.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 540kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 6g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!

5 Ways to Cook Greens

June 16, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

5 Ways With Greens! We love them raw, but they're so versatile and once the seasonal produce rolls in, we can't use them fast enough! Here are 5 favorite ways to use them!

There are many ways to cook your favorite green vegetables; you can keep many of them raw like in salads. Many people seek ways to incorporate more green vegetables in their diet, whether vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore, because of the benefits that come with eating them. Green vegetables pair well with many dishes and can be served as the main course of a meal. Some examples of green vegetables include (but not limited to) spinach, arugula, watercress, Swiss chard, mustard greens, lettuce, cabbage, bok choy, collard greens, endives, microgreens, and broccoli.

What's So Great About Green Veggies?

Green vegetables are usually high in fiber, vitamins (e.g. A, C, K, etc.), magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium. Green vegetables can help with overall health, as well as specifics like aiding heart health, potentially fighting cancers, may help slow the aging process, create glowing skin, assist in fighting diabetes, and so much more. To help you with your meal prepping and recipe needs, we have put together a list of 5 ways of cooking some greens for you and your family to enjoy. We have plenty more available throughout the website!

Sautéed Greens

Sautéing is a method of lightly cooking on a hot pan with a small amount of fat, usually from oil or butter, and tossing back and forth in order to evenly brown the surface. The word sautée originates from the French, meaning 'jump.' This dry-heat cooking method is used for thinner cuts of meats, fish, and vegetables. Since it does not cook intensely throughout the food, it is a great way to retain more nutrients than other cooking methods. 

Vegan Mushroom Quinoa Breakfast Hash

This Vegan Mushroom Quinoa Breakfast Hash is a high-protein recipe that replaces traditional eggs with a complete protein, quinoa. Quick to make and gluten-free. 

(Carbs: 29g - Protein: 7g - Fat: 6g) 

Spinach Artichoke Dip

This Paleo-friendly spinach dip is rich and filling, perfect for curbing midday hunger without any gluten. Nutritional yeast adds cheesy flavor without the lactose of regular dairy cheese.

(Carbs: 8g - Protein: 3g - Fat: 25g) 

Baking with Greens

Baking is a dry-heat cooking method that usually incorporates putting items into an oven to cook. Many dishes that are baked are associated with bakery products such as bread, pastries, muffins, cookies, and turkeys. However, many dishes outside of these can be cooked with the baking method. 

Watercress Leek Butternut Squash Quiche

This autumn quiche comes complete with a gluten-free buttery crust. The crust is filled with sautéed watercress, leeks, and butternut squash before baking adding a hefty dose of vitamin C. Serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner for a protein-packed meal.

(Carbs: 30g - Protein: 15g - Fat: 23g)

Boiling 

Boiling is a method of cooking that submerges the food in water at the boiling point which is around 212°F (~100°C) and cooks until the food is thoroughly cooked. Slow boiling is when the boiling water is moving with small bubbles, while a full boil is when the water is moving quickly with larger full rolling bubbles. 

Boiled Leafy Greens

Boiled greens, or horta vrasta (HOR-tah vrah-STAH), are a staple in any Greek household. They are easy to prepare, and when dressed with a bit of olive oil and lemon, you will really enjoy the clean, pure taste.

(Carbs: 19g - Protein: 6g - Fat: 8g) 

Steaming

Steaming is a method of cooking where water is boiled and the steam vapors released are what cook the food held over the boiling water. The steam cooks the food thoroughly and leaves it moist. An easy method of steaming includes filling a pot with water, setting it to boil, with a steam basket resting on top, and putting the food to be steamed into the basket over the boiling water. Steaming is also a great way of preserving more of the health benefits of cooked food. There are steaming devices for kitchens for home and commercial use. 

Vegan Broccoli Arugula Pesto Pasta

Pasta of your choice is dressed with a quick homemade arugula pesto and tossed with zucchini, green peas, and broccoli. This vegan pasta dish tastes great chilled or hot.

(Carbs: 62g - Protein: 28g - Fat: 34g) 

Fry 

Frying is traditionally a cooking method that immerses the food in hot fat or oil. With modern technological advancements, the same outcome of crisping the food can be accomplished without the use of fat or oils, but instead with an air fryer. Air fryers circulate air rapidly around the food producing a crispiness while saving calories. 

Air Fryer Spinach Chips

If you love spinach, you're going to go crazy for these air-fried spinach chips! They are the perfect healthy snack that is both delicious and guilt-free. Plus, they're really easy to make - you only need a few minutes and an air fryer!

(Carbs: 1g - Protein: 1g - Fat: 1g) 

Beef Zucchini Enchilada Meal Prep

June 15, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

Zucchini enchiladas are a low-carb answer to a comfort food favorite that are extra good when this veggie is in season!

Enchiladas are the stuff of dreams. A warm wrap stuffed with meat and topped with melted cheese and any variation of delicious chili sauces. Honestly, what's not to love? But these bad boys can get heavy. And if you're on any sort of low-carb regimen, you probably thought this type of food was off-limits, right? Wrong, friends! We created these low-carb enchiladas so anyone can enjoy the ooey-gooey goodness of this Mexican classic. The rest of your meal prep recipes are already jealous.

Beef Zucchini Enchilada Meal Prep--6

Beef Zucchini Enchiladas Meal Prep Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb beef chuck
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • sea salt
  • black pepper
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 cup red sauce
  • 4 large zucchini, sliced with a mandolin
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

How to Make Low Carb Beef Zucchini Enchiladas

So how exactly did we transform a dish that is built around flour tortillas into a low carb meal prep recipe? We called in our good friend zucchini, of course! If you've been around here for a little while, you know we love using zucchini in our low carb meal prep recipes. From low carb lasagna to pad thai, this vegetable is invaluable for lightening up all kinds of heavy favorites. And these low carb enchiladas are no exception!

Beef Zucchini Enchilada Meal Prep--6

The thinly sliced ribbons of zucchini bake beautifully in the oven, creating a delicious outer casing that is rich in both flavor and nutrients. It's a good source of fiber and B Vitamins (B6 and folate, to name a few), and a great source of Vitamin C. One medium zucchini averages out to about half of our required daily intake for this important immune-supporting vitamin! So if you're enjoying these low-carb enchiladas in your meal prep recipes throughout the week, you're also getting a fantastic boost of nutrients.

And if we haven't sold you yet, this meal prep recipe also employs the use of a slow cooker. Simply set it in the morning, go about your day, and finish the minimal amount of prep when you get home in the evening! Done and done. Enjoy!

Beef Zucchini Enchilada Meal Prep--6

How to Store and Serve Beef Zucchini Enchiladas

Store these right in meal prep containers that you've sealed tightly. Keep them in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven--cover with foil if you pop them in the oven. Feel free to add a little extra cheese to the tops if you like when you reheat it! You can also freeze this meal prep, as long as it's tightly wrapped. It should be good for up to 3 or 4 months. The texture of the zucchini noodles might suffer a little but it will still be good.

Beef Zucchini Enchilada Meal Prep--6

How to Customize Beef Zucchini Enchiladas

You can make this dish with pulled pork or chicken that you've cooked in the slow cooker or braised slowly on the stovetop for a couple of hours. It will work well with these flavors and textures. Feel free to change up the cheese type, too; Monterey jack works great, and you can amp up the heat by using a jalapeno cheddar or jack cheese if you want!

MORE ENCHILADA DISHES FOR MEAL PREP!

Chicken Enchiladas

Instant Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup

Salsa Verde Chicken Enchilada Meal Prep

Beef Zucchini Enchilada Meal Prep--6
Low Carb Beef Enchilada Zucchini Meal Prep blog
Beef Zucchini Enchilada Meal Prep--6

Beef Zucchini Enchilada Meal Prep

Low-carb enchiladas made with sliced zucchini and shredded crockpot beef.
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Prep Time: 8 hours hours
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 8 hours hours 20 minutes minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Beef
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 444kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound beef chuck
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup red sauce
  • 4 large zucchini sliced with a mandolin
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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Instructions

  • Add beef chuck to a slow cooker along with olive oil, beef broth, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder. Cook on medium for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Remove from the crockpot and shred with a fork.
  • Preheat oven to 350ºF.
  • Using a mandolin slicer, slice zucchini into long thin slabs. On a cutting board, lay out three or four zucchini slices, slightly overlapping them. Add 2 to 3 tablespoon of shredded beef and roll up to make an "enchilada." Transfer to a baking dish. Repeat with remaining zucchini and shredded beef.
  • Top with ½ red sauce and shredded cheese.
  • Bake for approximately 20 minutes and until cheese is melted.
  • Divide the remaining red sauce among four meal prep containers. Divide zucchini enchiladas between meal prep containers and store in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat before serving.

Notes

Nutrition for 1 out of 4 servings:
27.5g Protein | 15.5g Carbs | 29.9g Fat | 4g Fiber | 444 Calories

Nutrition

Serving: 1meal | Calories: 444kcal | Carbohydrates: 15.5g | Protein: 27.5g | Fat: 29.9g | Fiber: 4g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!

Sweet and Sour Cauliflower Bites Meal Prep

June 15, 2023 by Nick Quintero 2 Comments

 Vegan Sweet and Sour Cauliflower Bites Meal Prep

Sweet & Sour Cauliflower Bites Meal Prep

We love Asian food. Honestly, who doesn't? But just like other cuisines, going out to eat can sometimes mean receiving portions that are way too big, or meals that have too much sodium or calories per serving. So we wanted to blend the recent cauliflower bites phenomenon with those craveable Asian flavors to make a healthier alternative. This easy meal prep is vegan and gluten-free, without compromising any of the flavors you expect when you think of Asian food! Perfect for when you're craving takeout, or are just looking for something new for work lunches.

Sweet & Sour Cauliflower Bites Meal Prep

The once-dreaded cauliflower is now the king of grain-free eating. Remember when it was everyone's least favorite vegetable? These days you'll find it in pizza crusts, as a rice substitute, under buffalo sauce, and as varying delicious versions of cauliflower bites. We love these as a healthy vessel for all kinds of sauces and flavor treatments. The secret to successful cauliflower dishes is getting the right amount of moisture, which is typically little to none. If you're making cauliflower bites and they're not coming out crispy enough, try patting and drying your cauliflower with paper towels before cooking, or leaving it a bit longer in the oven. The tell-tale texture of successfully cooked cauliflower bites is a crunch!

Sweet & Sour Cauliflower Bites Meal Prep

Pro Tips:

We're pretty excited about the homemade sweet and sour sauce in this easy meal prep. Caramel color, preservatives, and loads of sugar and sodium are common in store-bought versions. With zero added sugars (only what's present in ketchup and maple syrup), our DIY version is a lot lighter and cleaner, but still just as tasty. Plus we chose apple cider vinegar as the tang component for this Chinese classic, an ingredient that has supportive and curative effects on our digestive systems and inflammatory responses. You know we love to come up with easy meal preps that are also loaded with healthy (or healthier) ingredients, and these cauliflower bites are no exception!

Sweet & Sour Cauliflower Bites Meal Prep

Sweet & Sour Cauliflower Bites Meal Prep Ingredients:

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, broken into large florets
  • 2 cups mixed seasonal veggies
  • 2 TBS avocado oil
  • 2 TBS GF flour
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • Diced scallion

SWEET AND SOUR SAUCE

  • 2 TBS maple syrup
  • 2 TBS Soy Sauce (or coconut aminos if you're gluten free)
  • 2 TBS apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 TBS ketchup
  • Filtered water, as needed, to thin
Sweet & Sour Cauliflower Bites Meal Prep
Sweet & Sour Cauliflower Bites Meal Prep

Sweet & Sour Cauliflower Bites Meal Prep

Asian inspired vegan and gluten free cauliflower and veggie dish served with jasmine rice.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Course: Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Vegetarian
Keyword: Meal Prep
Servings: 4 meals
Calories: 296kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Equipment

  • sheet pan

Ingredients

  • 1 large head cauloflower broken into florets
  • 2 cups mixed seasonal vegetables
  • 2 tbs avocado oil
  • 2 tbs gluten free flour
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice

Sweet & Sour Sauce

  • 2 tbs maple syrup
  • 2 tbs Coconut Aminos
  • 2 tbs Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 2 tbs ketchup
  • Water as needed to thin sauce
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Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Add the cauliflower to a large bowl and toss with avocado oil and GF flour.
    Sweet & Sour Cauliflower Bites Meal Prep
  • Add to the baking sheet with seasonal veggies and bake for 20-25 minutes, until cauliflower is tender-crisp but not soggy.
  • Meanwhile, whisk together the sweet and sour sauce by adding all ingredients to a small bowl and mixing with a fork.
  • Once the cauliflower is done baking, remove from the oven and toss with the sauce to lightly coat.
    Sweet & Sour Cauliflower Bites Meal Prep
  • To assemble, divide jasmine rice and cauliflower/veggie mixture between meal prep containers and top with diced scallions.
    Sweet & Sour Cauliflower Bites Meal Prep
  • Store in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Video

Notes

Nutrition for 1 out of 4 meals:
8g Protein | 52g Carbs | 7.2g Fat | 296 Calories

Nutrition

Serving: 1meal | Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 7.2g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!
Vegan Sweet & Sour Cauliflower Bites Meal Prep

Meal Prep Menu 2023: Week 24

June 15, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

 

Pineapple Coconut Overnight Oats Meal Prep

June 15, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

Pineapple coconut overnight oats are delicious, tropical, vegan, and gluten free. Boost it with collagen or protein powder!

Overnight oats are everywhere these days, and for good reason! Not only are oats incredibly nutritious, they're also easy to make. We love how versatile they are; almost any flavor and topping combination will taste great. Oats are a blank slate!

And our favorite part about overnight oats? They make great meal prep ideas! Overnight oats are delicious, healthy, and satisfying, and if you spend just a few precious minutes prepping on Sunday evening- they'll be ready for you all week!

What's So Great About These Overnight Oats?

Pineapple Coconut Oats Meal Prep

We wanted this breakfast meal prep idea to be a bit of a break from the norm. The usual suspects make their appearance of course, because who doesn't love a splash of omega-rich chia seeds? Each serving of these overnight oats is a quick trip to the tropics with a blast of sweet and tangy pineapple and delicious coconut shavings.

And in case you need a little extra nutritional boost, our recipe makes room for a scoop of your favorite protein or collagen powder. Each serving of oats contains 13 grams of protein on its own though, so any powder or nut butter you add is making that number that much more plump!

Pineapple Coconut Oats Meal Prep

Pineapple Coconut Overnight Oats Meal Prep Ingredients

  •  1 cup GF rolled oats
  • 4 teaspoon white chia seeds
  • ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 1 cup frozen pineapple
  • 2 cups coconut milk
  • 2 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 scoop Vanilla protein powder (optional) or collagen protein powder
  • 1 TBS maple syrup

Nutrition of Oats

Speaking of a serving of oats, we've got some more to share with you about the nutrition of oats. One serving of these overnight oats will also provide you with 191% of your daily value of manganese (a trace mineral that's important for many bodily functions), along with magnesium, antioxidants, B vitamins, iron, and zinc. And most importantly? Oats are loaded with a powerful soluble fiber called beta-glucan. Once digested, this fiber helps you to stay fuller longer, supports healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and feeds good gut bacteria.

How to Make Pineapple Coconut Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are mercifully easy to pull off. Because that's what you need to the night before, right? Just a little kitchen puttering and then pop it in the fridge. Combine the ALL of the ingredients (except the optional granola) in a bowl and then divide between two glass jars with an airtight lid. Stick them in the fridge for a few hours and up to overnight is optimal.

Pineapple Coconut Oats Meal Prep

How to Store and Serve Overnight Oats

Since the storing is part of the prepping, there's not much to do here. Eat it right out of the jar! Add some granola on top! Top with more shredded coconut and some granola, for some crunchy contrast. We don't recommend freezing this, though! Just a heads up! Keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Pineapple Coconut Oats Meal Prep

How to Customize Overnight Oats

  • Mango would be amazing with coconut, either in addition the pineapple or instead of it! Plus, it's still tropical that way!
  • You can use frozen or fresh fruit in this recipe; it's fine either way.
  • Feel free to add things like hemp seeds (a tablespoon or two), or maybe even flax seeds, for extra nutrients and protein (in the case of hemp, naturally).
  • Skip the protein powder or go chocolate instead of vanilla for a totally different taste.
  • Swap the maple syrup for honey or agave nectar.
  • Use a different kind of plant-based milk.
Pineapple Coconut Oats Meal Prep
Pineapple Coconut Oats Meal Prep

Pineapple Coconut Oats Meal Prep

Vegan and gluten-free breakfast that's perfect for busy mornings! Packed with tropical coconut and pineapple flavors and an optional protein powder boost.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Meal Prep
Servings: 2
Calories: 394kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats gluten free, if needed
  • 4 teaspoon chia seeds
  • ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 1 cup frozen pineapple
  • 2 cups coconut milk full fat or unsweetened low calorie
  • 2 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder or collagen powder
  • 1 tbs dark maple syrup
  • granola optional
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Instructions

  • Divide all ingredients between two mason jars and whisk with a fork to combine.
  • Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, stir and serve with your favorite granola.
  • Leftovers keep in the fridge for 5 days.

Notes

Nutrition for 1 out of 2 servings:
17g Protein | 49g Carbs | 16g Fat | 10g Fiber | 394 Calories
*nutrition facts calculated using 1 scoop of Vital Protein Collagen Powder

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 394kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 10g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!
Pineapple Coconut Overnight Oats Meal Prep

Top 3 Supplements for Muscle Recovery

June 14, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

Table of Contents
  • Protein Powder
  • Creatine
  • Caffeine
  • Wrap Up
  • Sources

Big, strong muscles are made in the gym, right? 

Sort of. Before you go crazy and call all your gym-going buddies liars, let's consider really quickly what you are doing when you are at the gym. At the most basic level, you are creating small tears in your muscles. Lifting weights and the small tears it creates will initially leave you worse off. Consider how you feel immediately after a workout, not only are you more tired but your muscles can't push as hard as they did when you started. This is stage one of progress in lifting weights. This is the part everyone loves to focus on and rightly so, you can't expect to get stronger without pushing yourself. 

However, there's a second stage we like to ignore - recovery. What is recovery? Recovery involves everything you do outside of the gym. Your lifestyle, job, family, and friends have a huge impact on recovery. Recovery is critically important. You see, our muscles are worked in the gym, but in order to get stronger, the muscles need to heal. Recovery primarily happens through proper sleep, nutrition, stress management, water intake, and rest days. There are plenty - and I mean plenty - of tools out there that tell you they will improve your recovery. Tools like massage guns, compression technology, and many supplements promise greater recovery; however, until you nail down the basics these things have little benefit. 

While many supplements overpromise and underdeliver, there are a few that I believe can help you in your recovery process. 

Let's look at them:

Protein Powder

Our bodies rely on protein to rebuild our muscles, so one of the best ways to ensure your recovery is optimized is to eat enough protein. It is typically recommended that you consume between .8-1.2g/lb of body weight. If you do the math there, that is a lot. For simplicity's sake, if you are a 150-pound male, you are looking at about 150 grams of protein daily. This is absolutely doable, but not easy. It requires some planning for sure - so check out our weekly meal prep recipes for help planning! 

While we want the majority of our protein to come from food - think meat, dairy, nuts, or some vegetables - consuming protein powder can be a good way to supplement additional protein in your diet. Not only does protein help your muscles repair, but it also helps you stay full longer which can be quite helpful if you are trying to lose fat. 

Look for a powder with limited ingredients and no artificial sweeteners. Whey protein is my favorite, but if dairy isn't for you there are many great plant-based options as well. 

Typically you don't want to consume more than two shakes a day, with one probably being ideal. 

Click here for more information on all things protein powder.

Creatine

Creatine is one of the most effective and well-researched supplements on the market. The positive effects of creatine can include the ability to train harder - especially in sprints or strength training - improved body composition, and even brain health. 

Creatine can help in many ways with recovery, one of which is thought to be decreasing the amount of soreness following a workout. Don't let soreness be the reason you miss a workout.

Creatine is also one of the most inexpensive supplements on the market. 

Typically, individuals take 3-5g per day. 

Caffeine

Okay, so this one may not necessarily be recovery, but I'll tie it back in. Imagine you didn't get perfect sleep and you have to work out early before work because otherwise, you won't have time. In this moment, your recovery hasn't been perfect, but caffeine can be a great way to get that kickstart. 

Now, I wouldn't recommend becoming reliant on caffeine - you should be able to work out without it. But, in certain situations, it can be a great idea to give you that little extra boost. I had a nutritionist tell me one day that caffeine is not energy it is only a stimulant, food is energy especially carbs. So be sure to eat and hydrate and you can use caffeine as the little extra bump. 

So while caffeine may not be a superhero supplement for recovery, it can help you get the most out of your workout especially if you weren't able to recover as well as you would have liked. 

Most energy drinks and pre-workouts are filled with harmful ingredients. It is probably best to get your caffeine from coffee or caffeine pills. 

Wrap Up

Remember, supplements are just that - supplements. All three of these supplements can be helpful in your recovery process, but if you aren't sleeping well, eating the right foods, managing stress, hydrating, and taking proper rest, these supplements will just be icing on a stale cake. 

As always we are here for you and would love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out with any questions or leave us a comment below. Here's to crushing your recovery!

Sources

Pickering, Craig. "Creatine: Not Just for Muscle." SimpliFaster, 17 Apr. 2020, https://simplifaster.com/articles/creatine-optimizing-sports-performance/. 

Eggplant Meatballs and Zoodle Meal Prep

June 12, 2023 by Nick Quintero 2 Comments

Eggplant meatballs might fool you! They're savory and filling and a great plant-based alternative! Gluten-free, too!

 Eggplant Meatballs and Zoodle Meal Prep

Italian food is so satisfying, isn't it? The tang of rich tomato sauce paired with gooey cheese and perfectly cooked pasta is the stuff of dreams. We conceived this easy Eggplant Meatballs and Zoodle meal prep to incorporate the traditional Italian flavors that we all love, but with a few lightened-up substitutions. These eggplant meatballs are actually meatless, and we subbed traditional wheat flour or breadcrumbs for almond flour, making them gluten-free as well.

These are the perfect Meatless Monday dinner, and are even Whole30 compliant! They do take a little while to bake, but the actual hands-on preparation time is minimal, making these perfect for an easy meal prep or a comforting weekend dinner.

eggplant meatball meal prep

Eggplant Meatballs and Zoodle Meal Prep Ingredients

eggplant meatball and zoodle meal prep
  • 1 large eggplant
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Sea salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¾ cup almond flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon of sea salt
  • 2 zucchini, spiralized to make zoodles
  • 1 jar pasta sauce, Whole30 compliant if necessary

Eggplant Nutrition Info

Though typically thought of and treated as a vegetable, eggplants are actually fruits, because they have seeds and grow from flowering plants. Their deep purple color is an indication of the presence of a range of antioxidants, which are crucial for cell health and longevity. Eggplant is also a good source of fiber, and its mild flavor makes it pretty easy to add to just about anything. We love the taste and texture of it blended with garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning for these Eggplant Meatballs and Zoodle Meal Prep.

eggplant meatball meal prep

What's a Zoodle?

Spiralized fruits and veggies are a consistent way to enjoy a lightened version of a huge range of dishes. However, instead of traditional pasta, the use of zucchini noodles as a base for the Eggplant Meatballs and Zoodle Meal Prep allows for significantly lower caloric intake, plus the added benefit of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium, and fiber. Plus, using zoodles basically ensures that you're getting at least one extra serving of vegetables in each portion, all without compromising any flavor or convenience. And who doesn't want that? This easy meal prep is both light and satisfying.

Ultimate Guide to Meatballs:

Meatballs have come a long way. No longer are the days of just pasta, meatballs and sauce. From beef to turkey, to chicken, pork, lamb or even vegetarian recipes the possibilities are endless with meatballs! And don't even get us started on the sauces! There is a recipe out there for every palate! And the best part? Meatballs are easy to make, inexpensive and transport in your containers without a hitch! Read More Here

eggplant meatball and zoodle meal prep

How to Store and Serve Eggplant Meatballs with Zoodles

Easy peasy! Pop these into meal prep containers that seal well. Store them in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven, covered. Add a little more sauce if need be, if things start to look a little too dry.

Here's an important tip, though. Zoodles release a lot of water when reheated, so if you plan to reheat your meals later, pack the zoodles raw. 1 minute in the microwave is enough to cook them and they won't get soggy.

We wouldn't recommend freezing the zoodles, but you could freeze the eggplant meatballs. We recommend defrosting them in the fridge first, and then reheating them in a moderate oven (about 350 F works), wrapped in foil, until they're completely hot all the way through. Zoodles just won't hold up well to freezing and then defrosting and reheating. It's not hard to do, so you can always double batch the meatballs and then just make the zoodles as needed!

eggplant meatball and zoodle meal prep

More Zoodle and Eggplant Recipes

  • Eggplant Lasagna
  • Creamy Garlic Zoodles with Chicken
  • Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant Salad
  • Chicken Pad Thai with Zoodles
eggplant meatball and zoodle meal prep

Related Article: Ultimate Guide to Making Meatballs

Whole30 Eggplant Meatball and Zoodle Meal Prep blog
eggplant meatball meal prep

Eggplant Meatballs and Zoodle Meal Prep

The perfect meatless Monday dinner, and Whole30 compliant! These take a while to bake, but the actual hands-on preparation time is minimal, making these perfect for meal prep or a comforting weekend dinner.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes
Course: Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Eggplant, Meal Prep
Servings: 4 meals
Calories: 351kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • 1 large eggplant
  • 1 cup onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbs olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¾ cup almond flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ tso sea salt
  • 2 large zucchini spiralized
  • 1 jar pasta sauce Whole30 compliant, if needed
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Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Dice the eggplant and place on a lined rimmed baking sheet along with onions and garlic. Lightly coat with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Bake vegetables for 30 minutes. Then, lower the oven temperature to 375 degrees.
  • Add roasted vegetables, almond flour, egg, and seasonings to a blender or food processor, and pulse until a sticky dough forms, leaving some chunks of eggplant and onion in the dough.
  • Dip a cookie scoop in water, and then scoop up small balls of eggplant batter, and place on a cookie sheet. Alternately, use wet hands. The dough is very sticky so is difficult to work with, but a cookie scoop with a release makes the work easier.
  • Bake meatballs for 40 minutes. They will be soft when first taking them out of the oven, so remove from pan carefully. The meatballs become more dense as they cool.
  • Serve on zoodles cooked to liking, and top with hot marinara sauce. Note: Zoodles release a lot of water if reheated, so if you plan to reheat your meals later, pack the zoodles raw. 1 minute in the microwave is enough to cook them and they won't get soggy.

Video

Notes

WW Smart Points= Green:8  Blue:8  Purple:8
__
Nutrition for 1 out of 4 servings:
11.1g Protein | 39.6g Carbs | 18.4g Fat | 13.6g Fiber | 351 Calories

Nutrition

Serving: 1meal | Calories: 351kcal | Carbohydrates: 39.6g | Protein: 11.1g | Fat: 18.4g | Fiber: 13.6g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!

Blueberry Pie French Toast Meal Prep

June 12, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

Blueberry Pie Gluten Free French Toast Meal Prep is loaded with antioxidants and just enough sweetness!

Is it breakfast? Maybe it is dessert? Or perhaps it is a breakfast-like dessert or a dessert that you can have for breakfast? Either way, it's a great way to start the day and an even better way to eat blueberries, especially when they are in season!

Some people might say breakfast sweets have no place in a healthy regimen. We would definitively say nay to that, and ask those people to reconsider their view over a plate of this delicious French toast meal prep. Traditionally heavy and overly sweet, we lightened up this favorite by swapping butter for avocado oil cooking spray, eggs for egg whites, and highlighting the option to use your milk of choice.

Blueberry Pie French Toast Meal Prep

How to Make Blueberry Pie Gluten-Free French Toast

There are two main parts to this recipe. The toast, and the blueberries. So, you can of course use whatever kind of bread you like, we specifically wanted to feature gluten free bread for this easy meal prep. Things are hard enough out there people, we don't need to perpetuate a lack of French toast across any demographic. And because this recipe works with whatever kind of milk you'd like to use and that little swap of cooking butter for avocado oil spray, this French toast meal prep is also dairy free. French toast for everyone!

Blueberry Pie French Toast Meal Prep

How to Make the Blueberry Topping

Blueberry Pie French Toast Meal Prep

The topping for this easy meal prep is a simple compote, which is basically a fruit-based syrup. We decided to feature blueberries for this aspect, which just happen to have the highest antioxidant count of any fruit! They're also a great source of potassium and fiber and are just plain delicious, though we know we don't have to tell you that. We also incorporated another little extra bump of Vitamin C by adding orange juice to the compote. The flavor combination of sweet blueberries and tangy orange juice is the perfect topping for this French toast meal prep. And we won't tell if you add a little extra syrup too! Blueberries love citrus, but it's a different move to pair it with orange (it usually gets paired with lemons or limes!)

Blueberry Pie French Toast Meal Prep Ingredients:

  • 8 slices GF bread
  • Avocado oil spray
  • ½ cup egg whites 
  • ¾ cup milk of choice
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 cups frozen blueberries
  • 1 TBS orange juice
  • 2 TBS maple syrup
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
Blueberry Pie French Toast Meal Prep

How to Store and Serve Blueberry Pie French Toast

Once it's all cooked, pop it into meal prep containers and stick it in the fridge, where it will be good for 4 or 5 days. Keep the blueberry "pie" topping (or compote, really) separate so it doesn't get the toast soggy. Reheat in the microwave or the toaster or toaster oven (we love the toaster oven). Heck, even the air fryer could work!

If you start this off as part of, say, a delicious weekend brunch, it can easily turn into a recurring weekday lift. There are a lot of things to get up for in the morning, and a perfect French toast meal prep is definitely one of them!

Plus, French toast is an awesome meal prep because you can also freeze it! Every aspect of this recipe works well once you freeze it. You can pop it right in the oven or toaster (or toaster oven) to reheat it. Maple syrup optional.

Tips About Substitutions

Feel free to make this with blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, or some combo thereof. You can also cook the berries down from frozen; they'll just take a little longer because they're more aqueous. But it'll work!

More Breakfast Meal Preps You'll LOVE!

  • The Best Paleo Blueberry Muffin Recipes
  • Stuffed French Toast Meal Prep
  • One Dish Baked Blueberry Oatmeal
Blueberry Pie French Toast Meal Prep
Gluten Free Blueberry Pie French Toast Meal Prep blog
Blueberry Pie French Toast Meal Prep

Blueberry Pie French Toast Meal Prep

Gluten free French toast made with egg whites served with an easy blueberry compote!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Meal Prep
Servings: 4 meals
Calories: 245kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • 8 slices gluten free bread
  • avocado oil spray or spray of choice
  • ½ cup liquid egg whites
  • ¾ cup milk of choice
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups frozen blueberries
  • 1 tbs orange juice
  • 2 tbs maple syrup
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
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Instructions

  • Preheat skillet over medium high with a bit of avocado oil spray.
  • Whisk together the egg whites, milk, and cinnamon to make a batter.
  • Dip the bread into the batter, fully saturating the slice, then set on the preheated skillet. Cook for 5 minutes on each side, until browned and crispy. Repeat for all bread slices.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the blueberry compote by heating frozen blueberries in a medium saucepan with a bit of orange juice and a drizzle of maple syrup. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer for 5 minutes, until thick and syrupy.
  • To assemble, add 2 pieces of French toast to each meal prep container and top with fresh blueberries. Divide blueberries compote into separate containers for storage and combine just before serving. Keeps in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Notes

Nutrition for 1 out of 4 servings:
8.5g Protein | 43.4g Carbs | 5g Fat | 245 Calories

Nutrition

Serving: 1meal | Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 43.4g | Protein: 8.5g | Fat: 5g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!

Crockpot Golden Lentil Soup

June 12, 2023 by Nick Quintero 1 Comment

Crockpot golden lentil soup is golden thanks to the turmeric and uses red lentils. Vegan, gluten-free, and very plant based!

Fam, we've got a super hearty and delicious newcomer to add to your favorite meal prep recipes. Vegan lentil soup might sound boring, but this one is anything but. Rich, herbaceous, and touched with a bit of heat; your winter lunches have never looked (or smelled!) so good. And this easy recipe only gets better throughout the week as the spices are absorbed by the lentils. Let it sit for as long as you can stand to wait!

Crockpot Golden Lentil Soup Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils, soaked for 2 hours
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ginger
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can coconut milk (full fat)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 6 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • Pinch of cayenne, optional
  • Cilantro, to garnish, optional
golden lentil soup

How to Make Slow Cooker Golden Lentil Soup

This meal prep recipe takes a bit of extra planning because the lentils require a two hour soak in water. All you have to do is put them in a bowl of water and let them do their thing. Soaking lentils before cooking might sound tedious, but it offers some benefits. The outer layer of legumes such as lentils and beans contains sugars called oligosaccharides, which can be a bit tough on our stomachs. Soaking these ingredients before use softens this outer layer, making it easier for our digestive system to break down and ultimately utilize these nutrient-rich ingredients. Soaking legumes before use also reduces the effects of phytic acid, the organic compound that is the culprit of the classic bean aftermath. We promise: The extra step to soak is worth your time!

golden lentil soup

What Are the Benefits of Golden Lentil Soup?

Though this lentil soup can be enjoyed all year round, we packed it with healthy anti-inflammatory spices to support you throughout the dark and chilly winter months. Ginger and turmeric are closely related (think of them as cousins), and though their benefits come from two different primary constituents, they both do wonders for supporting the immune system and promoting a healthy inflammatory response. Cinnamon is a wonderful ally for balancing healthy blood sugar levels, and its addition makes this spice trio both powerful and delicious.

How to Store and Serve Golden Lentil Soup

Soup is one of our favorite things to prep and this one is in the top five currently. It will freeze well (up to 3 months, maybe longer) and keeps in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. This soup prep is great on a cold evening but delicious all year round. Just make sure it's in an airtight container and you might consider storing it in serving sizes that make the most sense for you.

Substitutions and Customizations

As written, this recipe is plant-based. You can change that and use dairy, or substitute another nondairy milk instead of coconut milk. You can also thin out coconut milk if the taste is too rich for you; just use half or a third water rather than the full amount of coconut milk specified.

Regular lentils will work here, too, but they will take longer to cook than the red ones, which are thinner and more starchy.

Swap kale for spinach if desired. You can also add a chopped carrot, too, to boost the vegetable content here. Other veggies will be good, too, such as a chopped sweet potato or regular potato.

More Awesome Soup Recipes

  • Paleo Chicken Soup with Kale
  • Vegan Lasagna Soup
  • One Pot Vegan Minestrone
Vegan Crockpot Golden Lentil Soup Meal Prep
vegan lentil soup 2

Crockpot Golden Lentil Soup

A deliciously creamy vegan soup packed with healthy anti-inflammatory spices. This easy recipe only gets better throughout the week, as the spices are absorbed by the lentils. This is the perfect freezer recipe and is such a comforting meal to pull out on a chilly evening.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours hours
Total Time: 2 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Course: Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Lentils, Meal Prep
Servings: 6 meals
Calories: 251kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry red lentils soaked for 2 hours
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon Ginger
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • 15 ounces diced tomatoes
  • 15 ounces full fat coconut milk
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 6 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 tablespoon lime juice
  • pinch cayenne pepper optional
  • cilantro to garnish, optional
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Instructions

  • Soak lentils for 2 hours, and then drain well.
  • In a frying pan, saute onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent over medium high heat.
  • Add salt and spices, and stir for about a minute. Add a couple tablespoons of vegetable broth, and continue to heat for another minute.
  • To the crockpot, add lentils, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, onions and spices, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
  • Slow cook on high for 2 ½ hours, or on low for 4 hours.
  • Stir in fresh spinach, and season with lime juice, cayenne, and salt, to taste.
  • This soup freezes well for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Notes

Nutrition for 1 out of 6 servings:
9g P | 28.6f C | 13.1g F | 8.3g Fiber | 251 Calories

Nutrition

Serving: 1meal | Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 28.6g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 13.1g | Fiber: 8.3g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

June 12, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad solves your craving for something spicy and is ready in a jiffy thanks to pre-cooked chicken (psst, grab a rotisserie bird from the grocery store!)

Table of Contents
  • Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Ingredients
  • How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
  • How to Serve and Store Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
  • Substitutions and Alterations
    • Want ALL the Buffalo Chicken Dishes? Read ON!
  • Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

If you love Buffalo chicken, you're going to love this pasta salad. It's super flavorful, of course, but it's also DEAD EASY because you start with pre-cooked chicken. Don't have any lying around in the fridge? Grab a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Done and done! And need to make it gluten-free? Change out the pasta. You'll love how easy this is and the fact that it's a great addition to any barbecue, picnic, or outdoor gathering. It's a super quick healthy meal prep.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Ingredients

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad ingredients
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta
  • ½ cup whole milk plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup buffalo-style hot sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp. ranch seasoning 
  • 1 cup matchstick carrots
  • ¾ cup thinly sliced celery
  • ½ cup sliced green onion
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups diced cooked chicken breast 

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Start with cooking some rotini pasta and setting it aside. You can do this ahead of time if you like.

In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, along with the Buffalo-style hot sauce, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning. So much flavor! Then add the carrots, celery, green onion, cheddar cheese, and cooked chicken. Toss it all together so it's evenly distributed and eat immediately. Or chill it.

How to Serve and Store Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Once this Buffalo chicken pasta salad comes together you can meal prep it like we've shown in the photo. There's something especially nice about packing this up with strawberries; the sweetness is a delicious contrast. Store this in the fridge for up to 4 days. The best part of this meal prep is that you can eat it cold right out of the fridge. We love this for lunch, for that very reason!

You can certainly serve this as it is, or alongside a green salad instead of the strawberries. Or maybe split the difference and add strawberries to a salad, and top it with some blue cheese or ranch dressing.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad Meal Prep in containers with strawberries

Substitutions and Alterations

This Buffalo chicken salad pasta is easy to adapt. You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts, no problem there. Feel free to substitute any other short stubby pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or even cavatappi (which is a pretty fun shape).

Swap the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack. If you can't get enough heat, up the spice level and use cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno in it. Or, take a total detour from the cheddar/jack situation and go classic by mixing in some crumbled blue cheese.

You can add other veggies to this pasta salad, but it will take it out of the territory of a traditional Buffalo chicken profile. Finely chopped bell peppers would complement the other flavors, however. In some cases, it's often best to keep it simple. Right?

You can turn this whole dish vegan by using vegan mayo, yogurt, and cheeses, and changing it to tofu instead.

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad in a bowl

Want ALL the Buffalo Chicken Dishes? Read ON!

  • Whole30 Baked Buffalo Chicken Casserole
  • Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins
  • Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pepper Meal Prep
  • Minute Rice Buffalo Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

Buffalo chicken in pasta salad form is ready for your picnics, BBQs and easy meal prepping!
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Prep Time: 1 hour hour 4 minutes minutes
Total Time: 7 minutes minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Keyword: buffalo chicken
Servings: 4
Calories: 487kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces rotini pasta gluten free if needed
  • ½ cup whole milk plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup Buffalo-style hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoon ranch seasoning
  • 1 cup matchstick carrots
  • ¾ cup celery thinly sliced
  • ½ cup green onion thinly sliced
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups diced cooked chicken breast
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Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain in a colander, rinse under cold running water, and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, hot sauce, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl, along with the carrots, celery, green onion, cheese, and chicken. Toss well to combine.
  • Divide into meal prep containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 487kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 1263mg | Potassium: 539mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 5717IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 178mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!

BBQ Jackfruit & Avocado Slaw Meal Prep

June 11, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

BBQ Jackfruit & Avocado Slaw Meal Prep! Easy BBQ jackfruit paired with a creamy avocado slaw for the perfect vegan and gluten free summer meal! 

If you're thinking to yourself, What's a jackfruit, anyway, you have come to the right place!

It's a great question, especially because jackfruit is not very popular or well-known in Western countries. It is, however, increasingly used in plant-based recipes because it's an ingredient that is really versatile. Thriving mostly in India and Southeast Asia, the jackfruit is considered the largest tree-growing fruit in the world! They can grow up to 3 feet in length and 100 pounds each! The jackfruit also has a bumpy flesh on the outside, and when eaten fully ripe, has the flavor of mango, banana, or pineapple. Take a look...

jackfruit on the tree

The jackfruit is highly adaptable. In spite of its fruity, sweet flavor when raw, it actually soaks up any flavors it's cooked with, and has a fabulous stringy texture! And that, friends, is why this BBQ jackfruit meal prep recipe makes for an on-point vegan summer food-it tastes just like BBQ pulled pork! For real!

BBQ and cole slaw. We can't think of a more iconic duo? That's why we've included a totally fresh take on slaw in BBQ jackfruit meal prep recipe! The earthy flavors of avocado, raw cashews, and optional (but always recommended) fresh cilantro and lime come together.

BBQ Jackfruit & Avocado Slaw Meal Prep

If you are a vegan or vegetarian, don't worry! MPOF has you covered with this BBQ jackfruit meal prep recipe, so you don't have to go hungry this summer while having family fun in the sun! Not to mention, you can have this meal anywhere, and at any time, and you won't even need a barbecue grill to enjoy it!

BBQ Jackfruit & Avocado Slaw Meal Prep

BBQ Jackfruit & Avocado Slaw Meal Prep Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon avocado oil
  • 2 (20-ounce cans) jackfruit in water
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup filtered water
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce of choice (ensure vegan/gluten free brand)
  • Himalayan sea salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups shredded cabbage (purple and green, or a mix)
  • 2 cups shredded carrots
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • ½ cup almond milk yogurt
  • 1 lemon, squeezed
  • Optional for serving: raw cashews, cilantro, fresh lime

How to Make BBQ Jackfruit and Avocado Slaw

This starts with canned jackfruit. Two cans of it! Cook it in a little avocado oil once you've drained the fruit from the cans. Add the seasonings and the barbecue sauce; pick your favorite and make it vegan/gluten-free if that's how you roll. It cooks quickly, which is super helpful. Then, you assemble the slaw, which is cabbage and carrots, mostly, shredded and tossed with some almond milk yogurt, lemon juice, and avocado. We love to add raw cashews, some chopped cilantro, and fresh lime wedges to really add some zing to this slaw.

BBQ Jackfruit & Avocado Slaw Meal Prep
BBQ Jackfruit & Avocado Slaw Meal Prep

How to Store and Serve BBQ Jackfruit and Avocado Slaw

Keep all this right in meal prep containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The best part of a dish like this? You can eat it straight out of the fridge if you want to! Chilled barbecue anything (jackfruit or otherwise!) is delicious, and we kind of like to mix it all together. But you can eat it separately, too. Your call! We like the way the flavors mingle that way, though. We wouldn't recommend freezing the slaw, but you probably knew that, right? You can freeze the jackfruit part if you want, though, if you happen to have leftovers. Keep it in an airtight container. But honestly, this cooks so fast and is so easy, it's not a big deal to make it from scratch.

BBQ Jackfruit & Avocado Slaw Meal Prep

More Fun BBQ Recipes!

  • BBQ Pulled Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
    BBQ Lentil Taco Meal Prep
  • BBQ Pulled Mushrooms
Vegan BBQ Jackfruit & Avocado Slaw Meal Prep blog
BBQ Jackfruit & Avocado Slaw Meal Prep

BBQ Jackfruit & Avocado Slaw Meal Prep

Easy BBQ jackfruit slaw paired with a creamy avocado slaw for the perfect vegan and gluten free summer meal!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Course: Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Jackfruit, Meal Prep
Servings: 4 meals
Calories: 360kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

BBQ Jackfruit

  • 1 teaspoon avocado oil
  • 14 ounces canned or fresh jackfruit
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce of choice ensure vegan/gluten free brand, if needed
  • Himalayan sea salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Avocado Slaw

  • 4 cups cabbage shredded (green or purple)
  • 2 cups carrots shredded
  • 1 large avocado
  • ½ cup almond milk yogurt we use Kite Hill Unsweetened
  • 1 lemon juiced

For Serving, optional*

  • raw cashews for garnish
  • cilantro chopped, for garnish
  • fresh lime juice for garnish
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Instructions

  • Drain and rinse jackfruit and shred with a fork.
  • Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the jackfruit and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to get some color.
  • Next, add the jackfruit, smoked paprika, garlic powder, BBQ sauce, and ½ cup water. Stir and cover, then turn heat down to medium-low. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with Himalayan sea salt and black pepper.
  • To make the avocado slaw, combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and smash until well combined. Refrigerate until ready for use.
  • To assemble, divide BBQ jackfruit and avocado slaw between meal prep containers. Top with optional cashew, cilantro, and a lime wedge. Keeps in the fridge for 3-5 days.

Notes

Nutrition for 1 out of 4 servings:
5g protein | 67g Carbs | 10g Fat | 360 Calories
*not included in nutrition facts

Nutrition

Serving: 1meal | Calories: 360kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!

17 One-Skillet Dishes with Ground Meat

June 11, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

Meal Prep Recipes with Ground Meat

When we are looking for meals to meal prep, we are often looking for recipes that are quick and easy to make, cost-effective, and delicious. After all, one of the main goals of meal prepping is to save time, money, and stress! By using one skillet, or pan, you can eliminate much of the mess and cleaning time that comes with more elaborate cooking recipes. In addition, when using ground meats such as ground beef, ground chicken, ground turkey, or ground pork, you can save money with these cost-effective meats and cooking time since they cook so much faster. If you love saving time, money, and stress when meal prepping, you're going to love this list. We have put together a list of 17 delicious recipes that only use one skillet, or pan, and use ground meat for you and your family to enjoy!

One-Skillet Spaghetti Squash & Meatballs

This quick and easy one-skillet spaghetti squash and meatballs recipe requires only a few simple ingredients. It's the ultimate comfort food! Gluten Free. Grain Free. Low Carb.

(Carbs: 13g - Protein: 38g - Fat: 15g) 

Taco Skillet

Packed with Keto-friendly ingredients, this simple-to-make Taco Skillet Meal Prep is perfect for any day of the week! 

(Carbs: 18g - Protein: 32g - Fat: 44g) 

Korean Beef Bowl II

15 minutes to meal prep delicious Korean beef bowls, and with only one skillet to clean this makes it a perfect go-to.

(Carbs: 48g - Protein: 34g - Fat: 41g)

Carrot Meatballs with Mint Cauliflower Rice

These easy 15-minute prep meatballs are loaded with Italian flavors and a hidden veggie. Pair it with lemon mint cauliflower rice for a filling, low-carb meal!

(Carbs: 8g - Protein: 28g - Fat: 15g)

Keto Parmesan Chicken Patties

These Keto cheesy patties are a low-carb way to satisfy your craving for chicken parmesan, complete with a marinara sauce for dipping!

(Carbs: 8g - Protein: 28g - Fat: 29g)

Beef & Vegetable Fried Rice

The versatility of Ground Beef has made it one of America's all-time favorite go-to cuts. From burgers to lasagna, tacos to meatloaf, pasta sauce to wraps, Ground Beef offers quick, easy, and delicious options for any meal and any occasion.

(Carbs: 46g - Protein: 32g - Fat: 11g)

Greek Meatballs

These herb-filled meatballs are an exotic spin on classic meatballs with robust herbs like dill, mint, and oregano. Served alongside tangy lemon rice, fresh tomato, cucumber, and olive salad, it's like a trip to the Greek islands without leaving your house!

(Carbs: 64g - Protein: 40g - Fat: 21g)

10-Minute Chili

It doesn't get any easier than this! Keeping a recipe on hand for 10-Minute Chili Meal Prep makes for a fast and easy Sunday meal prep, a quick 10-minute weeknight dinner, or even a fast game day meal. Paleo. Gluten-free. Whole30. 

(Carbs: 12g - Protein: 24g - Fat: 18g)

One-Pan Asian Turkey Meatballs

These tender and juicy hoisin meatballs are high in protein and feed a hungry appetite with 4 meatballs per serving, white rice, and pea pods. They're browned on the outside and cooled before storing in a zip-top bag with an Asian hoisin sauce. This makes for less work on busy days. Just thaw and simmer in the sauce!

(Carbs: 73g - Protein: 33g - Fat: 20g)

Taco Seasoned Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Hash

This one-pan sweet potato and ground beef hash is full of protein, fiber, and vitamins to start the day off right. Seasoned with taco seasonings and served with salsa, you don't have to wait until dinner to get your taco fix!

(Carbs: 23g - Protein: 38g - Fat: 23g)

Egg Roll in a Bowl

Keto Egg Roll in a Bowl comes together in one-pan in 15 minutes! It's a delicious low-carb Keto Asian meal packed with protein

(Carbs: 46g - Protein: 31g - Fat: 3g)

Mongolian Beef Meatballs

If you're following an AIP diet and missing takeout, this Mongolian beef meatball recipe will curb a craving with AIP-friendly cassava breading and a sweet and savory sauce made with ginger and coconut aminos!

(Carbs: 16g - Protein: 25g - Fat: 25g)

Low-Carb Hamburger Helper

This better-than-boxed low-carb hamburger helper ditches wheat noodles in favor of hearts of palm noodles for a protein and veggie-rich dish complete with cheesy flavor in every bite.

(Carbs: 12g - Protein: 40g - Fat: 20g)

20-Minute Paleo Thai Almond Butter Turkey Meatballs

20 Minute Paleo Thai Almond Butter Turkey Meatballs are a combination of lean ground turkey with a sweet & savory Thai-inspired sauce. Baked to juicy perfection. Gluten Free. Low Carb.

(Carbs: 10g - Protein: 36g - Fat: 19g)

One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta

Make this cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve with a simple side salad and a glass of red wine.

(Carbs: 38g - Protein: 24g - Fat: 19g)

Country Hamburger Skillet Dinner

Country Hamburger Skillet is a quick easy dinner made with freshly sliced potatoes, ground beef, seasonings, and grated cheese. Sometimes the BEST dishes are the most simple! A true meat and potatoes meal!

(Carbs: 38g - Protein: 26g - Fat: 19g)

One-Skillet Ground Beef Stroganoff

One Skillet Ground Beef Stroganoff is filled with hearty ground beef, mushrooms, and tender egg noodles in a delicate, yet simple sauce.

(Carbs: 25g - Protein: 22g - Fat: 26g)

Meal Prep Recipes with Ground Meat

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Veggie Burger Meal Prep

June 10, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Veggie Burger Meal Prep! These two ingredients are made for each other in these amazing plant-based burgers!

A Word About These Veggie Burgers

The internet asked, and we answered. Gone are the days of sad veggie burgers, friends. No more crumbly disasters, no more of your vegan friends crying at your bbq. We have a tried, tested, and terrific upgrade to the classic veggie burger recipe. This Sweet Potato and Black Bean Veggie Burger is one of the best meal prep ideas we've ever had. Not only are these veggie burgers delicious, but they can be frozen to extend ultimate meal prep excellence. Want one for dinner tonight, but also want to have extras for the potluck next weekend? No big deal. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will love these!

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Veggie Burger Meal Prep

Whats in These Sweet Potato and Black Bean Veggie Burgers?

We brought together pumpkin seeds, sweet potatoes, quinoa, and black beans as the base for this Southwestern-inspired veggie burger recipe. The combination of those ingredients comes to more than 21 grams of protein per burger- without the use of soy! We know, we know, we're geniuses.

Did you know that quinoa is not a grain but actually a seed? Because of its versatility, ease of preparation, and fantastic nutritional benefits, quinoa has quickly risen to the top of every plant-based enthusiast's favorite ingredient list, and we are no exception. One cup of this ancient seed offers 8 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, 58% of your recommended daily manganese (supports bones and connective tissues) intake, and 30% of your daily magnesium!

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Veggie Burger Meal Prep

Veggie Burger Meal Prep Nutrition

And that's just the quinoa. We've also added Omega-3-rich pumpkin seeds, Vitamin A-heavy sweet potatoes, and fiber-rich black beans! But don't worry, all that nutrition does not mean we've skimped on flavor. You're going to love the bold taste of this veggie burger recipe.

Once they're ready to eat, these Sweet Potato and Black Bean Veggie Burgers can be served on a traditional bun or in a lettuce wrap for a delicious paleo meal prep idea. And don't skimp on the toppings! We like ours with a little Sir Kensington Special Sauce, but they'd also be pretty fantastic with a spread of this cool Avocado Cream Sauce.

References: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-quinoa#section1

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Veggie Burger Meal Prep Ingredients

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Veggie Burger Meal Prep
  • ¾ cup pumpkin seeds
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion medium, about 1 ¼ cup, diced
  • 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
  • 3 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt more or less, to taste
  • 1 ½ cups quinoa cooked, about ½ cup dry quinoa
  • 1 cup roasted sweet potatoes puree
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cilantro lightly packed
  • 2 tablespoons flax seed meal
  • 8 buns, for serving (optional)
  • Topping suggestions: special sauce, lettuce, tomato, avocado, pickles, sauteed mushrooms, or cheese (vegan or conventional!).
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Veggie Burger Meal Prep

How to Store and Serve Sweet Potato and Black Bean Veggie Burgers

Pop these right into meal prep containers, but hold the bun! They'll just get soggy in the fridge. Keep everything in the fridge. You can eat these cold (they're actually pretty good that way) or reheat them gently right in a skillet, toaster oven, or air fryer.
Serve with chips, or, better yet, our Air Fryer Rosemary Sweet Potato Wedges with Garlic Aioli! They're amazing! (And yeah, you know how we feel about sweet potatoes).

Oh! Feel free to freeze these burgers. That's the beauty of a recipe that makes 8 burgers. It's like an automatic double batch.

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Veggie Burger Meal Prep
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Veggie Burger Meal Prep

More Burger Meal Preps!

  • Burger and Veggie Meal Prep
  • Chicken Zucchini Burgers
  • Pork Burger Meal Prep
  • Loaded Lean Beef Burger Bowls
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Veggie Burger Meal Prep
Vegan Sweet Potato & Black Bean Veggie Burger Meal Prep blog
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Veggie Burger Meal Prep

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Veggie Burger Meal Prep

A veggie burger bursting with Southwest flavors. Sweet potato, black beans and quinoa form the base of this healthy vegan meal. Serve on a lettuce wrap or in your favorite bun. This recipe makes 8 large veggie burgers. Prep some for now and freeze some for easy meal prep another week!
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Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Meal Prep
Servings: 8 meals*
Calories: 483kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup pumpkin seeds
  • ½ tbs olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 tbs coconut aminos
  • 3 teaspoon cumin
  • 1.5 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt more or less, as desired
  • 1.5 cups quinoa cooked (about ½ cup dry)
  • 1 cup roasted sweet potato puree
  • 1 15 ounce can black beans
  • 1 cup cilantro lightly packed
  • 2 tbs flax meal
  • 8 rolls of choice

Toppings, if desired

  • lettuce
  • tomato
  • onion
  • avocado
  • pickles
  • sauteed mushrooms
  • cheese
  • Sir Kensington special sauce
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Instructions

  • To make the process of making these easier, I roast the sweet potatoes and cook the quinoa ahead of time. If you're making quinoa for dinner, you can make extra to save for these. I roast 1 large or 2 smaller sweet potatoes on 425 F for 1 hour (you can also microwave them for an even easier prep).
  • Add pumpkin seeds to a large frying pan over medium heat, stirring every few minutes, for about 10 minutes.
  • While the pumpkin seeds are toasting, chop the onions and bell peppers.
  • Add pumpkin seeds to the food processor bowl, and add olive oil, onions, and bell peppers to the frying pan. Saute for 7-10 minutes, until thoroughly softened.
  • While the peppers and onions are sautéing, add all the spices, coconut aminos, and dijon mustard. Be conservative with the sea salt at first, and add more after the "dough" is made.
  • Add the pepper and onion mix to the food processor bowl, and process for about a minute, until the seeds are broken up but still chunky.
  • Add the quinoa, sweet potato, black beans, cilantro, and flax meal to the food processor, and continue to process for another minute, until all ingredients are mixed together but pieces of the ingredients are still visible.
  • Shape "dough" into ½ cup patties. Wet hands help shape the sticky dough. If baking, add them to a lined sheet pan. If pan frying, add a bit of olive or grapeseed oil, and shape the patties and place in the pan.
  • Bake on 425 F for 20 minutes (I don't flip these because they are fragile at first). Allow to cool for 15-30 minutes for them to firm up right after baking.
  • If pan frying, add to pan over medium heat, and cook for about 10 minutes, very gently flip, and cook for another 10 minutes.
  • These patties are fragile right after cooking fresh. They firm up a lot as they are cooling. They have more flavor and are firm after reheating if they've been frozen.
  • To freeze, bake the patties, allow to fully cool, then place in a freezer container (or freezer bags) with pieces of parchment in between.
  • To reheat, allow to thaw 10-15 minutes, then bake at 425 F for 10-15 minutes. They can also be reheated in a frying pan over medium heat.

Notes

Nutrition for 1 out of 8 burgers (does not include buns or optional toppings)
21.6g Protein | 58.1g Carbs | 20.7g Fat | 12.8g Fiber | 483 Calories
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1burger | Calories: 483kcal | Carbohydrates: 58.1g | Protein: 21.6g | Fat: 20.7g | Fiber: 12.8g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!

23 High Protein Chicken Meal Preps

June 10, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

23 High Protein Chicken Meal Preps

HIgh protein chicken meal preps are just what ou need to mix up the dinnertime blahs, without losing sight of your high-protein goals!

The average person needs around 55 grams of protein per day just to maintain good health. To actually build muscle, a person needs around 1 gram of protein per desired body weight. A diet high in protein encourages eating fewer carbohydrates and simple sugars while also reducing snacking and the risk of overeating. A high-protein diet typically consists of getting at least 30% of daily calories in the form of protein. This means you will, theoretically, stay full longer while maintaining healthier muscle mass while on a high-protein diet than a person on a low-protein diet. To help you meal prep for a high-protein diet or lifestyle, we have put together a list of 23 high protein chicken recipes! These recipes are great for the whole family.

Honey Sesame Chicken

Dinner is ready in less than 30 minutes with this freezer-friendly honey-sesame chicken. Simply freeze diced chicken and marinade in a zip-top bag, thaw, and dump in the instant pot for an ultra-tender and flavorful dinner that beats takeout!

(Carbs: 82g - Protein: 55g - Fat: 11g) 

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken & Veggies

Bursting with classic BBQ flavors that taste (and look) like it was just freshly grilled, you'll love this easy, oven-baked BBQ chicken and veggies meal prep recipe! 

(Carbs: 53g - Protein: 38g - Fat: 26g) 

Pesto Chicken

This Whole30 (and keto!) pesto chicken recipe combines tons of Italian flavors in easy roll-ups. Serve over cauliflower rice or with sautéed veggies for an easy meal-prep lunch or dinner.

(Carbs: 12g - Protein: 28g - Fat: 26g) 

Cauliflower Fried Rice with Legumes & Chicken Shish Kabobs

Ready in 20 minutes and easy to make, this Cauliflower Fried Rice with Legumes and Chicken Shish Kabobs is a healthy, protein-packed recipe that is also full of veggies!

(Carbs: 43g - Protein: 45g - Fat: 12g) 

Creamy Garlic Zoodles with Chicken

Zoodles are super quick and easy to make, and fun to say. This creamy chicken dish will have you craving more.

(Carbs: 12g - Protein: 41g - Fat: 15g) 

Crockpot BBQ Chicken

Our One Pot Crockpot BBQ Chicken Meal Prep is an easy to prepare slow cooker meal made all in one pot! Chicken Breasts, Cranberries, and BBQ sauce simmer together for 4 to 6 hours for a tender and delicious dish.

(Carbs: 88g - Protein: 37g - Fat: 5g)

One Dish Spaghetti Squash & Spicy BBQ Chicken

Easy One Dish Spaghetti Squash & Spicy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks turn out tender and juicy! Perfect for a simple weeknight meal or a lazy Sunday afternoon. Whole30, Paleo, Gluten-Free.

(Carbs: 11g - Protein: 34g - Fat: 15g)

Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese

Two comfort food classics collide in this gluten-free pasta dish. A creamy macaroni-and-cheese is topped with chunks of spicy buffalo chicken. Serve with carrot sticks, celery, and extra hot sauce if you like!

(Carbs: 42g - Protein: 52g - Fat: 20g)

Spicy Mustard Thyme Chicken & Coconut Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A spicy mustard thyme marinade gives chicken incredible flavor, especially when served with roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in melted coconut oil. A fancy but not fussy healthy meal prep that bakes all at once in the oven!

(Carbs: 23g - Protein: 33g - Fat: 12g)

One Pot Zoodles & Grilled Chicken Breast

This tasty low-carb one pot Zoodles with Tomato Oregano Sauce and Grilled Chicken Breast recipe is so easy to prepare! In less than 20 minutes you can have a week's worth of flavorful lunches ready to go! BONUS: one pan!

(Carbs: 7g - Protein: 49g - Fat: 14g)

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Simplify prep and clean up with these sheet pan chicken fajitas and let the oven do all the work. They're ready in a flash and great for all kinds of diets!

(Carbs: 11g - Protein: 38g - Fat: 8g)

Chicken Quinoa Salad

Chicken Quinoa Salad combines fresh fruit and quinoa with high-protein chicken breast for a sweet and savory meal prep idea!

(Carbs: 32g - Protein: 64g - Fat: 5g)

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Enjoy the crispy golden flavor of authentic chicken Parmesan without frying in oil! Chicken is coated in Italian herbs and gluten-free breadcrumbs before air frying for a restaurant-style Italian dinner.

(Carbs: 28g - Protein: 32g - Fat: 18g)

Chicken Pad Thai Zoodles

An easy, low-carb version of chicken pad thai! This healthy pad thai recipe is made with zoodles instead of brown rice noodles.

(Carbs: 23g - Protein: 31g - Fat: 21g)

Sheet Pan Bruschetta Chicken

This low-carb bubbly mozzarella-topped chicken is protein-packed and comes complete with an antioxidant-rich tomato topping for a burst of fresh flavor!

(Carbs: 21g - Protein: 48g - Fat: 27g)

Keto Parmesan Chicken Patties

These Keto cheesy patties are a low-carb way to satisfy your craving for chicken parmesan, complete with a marinara sauce for dipping!

(Carbs: 8g - Protein: 28g - Fat: 29g)

Herb Roast Chicken & Root Vegetables

Dinner is a breeze with this autumn sheet pan herb-roasted chicken and root vegetables! Served with a side of tender lentils, it's a protein and fiber-rich meal that will satisfy hungry appetites.

(Carbs: 46g - Protein: 36g - Fat: 9g)

Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast & Rice Pilaf

This gluten-free cheesy chicken is comfort food at its best! Served alongside a veggie-rich rice pilaf for a complete meal!

(Carbs: 40g - Protein: 51g - Fat: 30g)

Korean BBQ Chicken Thighs

You're sure to love these flavorful Korean BBQ style chicken thighs meal prep that perfectly pairs with sides of sesame broccoli and white rice!

(Carbs: 51g - Protein: 27g - Fat: 17g)

Bacon Ranch Chicken & Veggies

This Bacon Ranch Chicken and Veggie Foil Packets recipe comes together in no time at all and packs in the flavor with a healthy dose of veggies to boot!

(Carbs: 22g - Protein: 49g - Fat: 27g)

BBQ Pulled Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Enjoy your favorite barbecue fixings stuffed into a sweet potato in this high-protein, high-fiber recipe. Barbecued pulled chicken cooks in an instant pot for a complete meal in less than an hour!

(Carbs: 37g - Protein: 54g - Fat: 16g)

Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken

Tender chicken with a flavorful almond butter Moroccan spiced sauce. This easy dish comes together in an instant pot in 10 minutes! Serve with cauliflower rice for a comforting and healthy Whole30 or Paleo meal.

(Carbs: 32g - Protein: 41g - Fat: 21g)

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Who doesn't love buffalo chicken? Though admittedly delicious, this dish is typically pretty heavy, greasy, and calorie-dense. So, we took it upon ourselves to come up with a lighter version that skips the deep fryer and utilizes a base of freshly roasted bell pepper boats in place of heavily fried potatoes. Plus if you stick to our specific suggestions, we managed to keep this buffalo chicken meal prep recipe entirely Whole30-compliant. Red peppers stuffed with shredded crockpot chicken and cauliflower rice.

(Carbs: 15g - Protein: 31g - Fat: 17g)

Simple Meal Prep Lunch Container with Chicken

Nutrition: Serving: 1meal | Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 20g

Simple Lunch Container

Rosemary, Lemon, and Garlic Grilled Chicken

Nutrition: Calories: 401kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 8g:

Grilled Rosemary, Lemon, and Garlic Chicken
23 High Protein Chicken Meal Preps PIN

20 Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less

June 9, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

20 Dinners in 20 Minutes or Less

We do not always have time to cook elaborate dinners and meals, whether because we are getting home late, juggling kids between school and activities, or having other evening plans. In order to help people still meal prep while having dinner, we have put in some extra research to find meals that can be cooked quickly with health, cost, and meal-prepping effectiveness in mind. We have put together a list of 20 dinners that can be cooked within 20 minutes. Some may have preparation steps that require a little more, and some less than 20 minutes, but these are quick to get through and you will have food for days- which is a major plus!

20 Dinners  in 20 Minutes or Less

20-Minute Meatballs

These yummy 20 Minute Meatballs are fast, easy and go with almost any dish! Made with only a few ingredients they are whole30, paleo and gluten-free.

(Carbs: 1g - Protein: 12g - Fat: 3g)

20-Minute Chicken, Lemon, Broccoli, Pasta Skillet

What are you waiting for, get that awesome 20-minute chicken recipe ready! Let us know how satisfied those hungry tummies were with this delightfully easy meal prep ideas recipe.

(Carbs: 81g - Protein: 44g - Fat: 19g) 

20-Minute Paleo Thai Almond Butter Turkey Meatballs

20 Minute Paleo Thai Almond Butter Turkey Meatballs are a combination of lean ground turkey with a sweet & savory Thai inspired sauce. Baked to juicy perfection. Guten Free. Low Carb.

(Carbs: 10g - Protein: 36g - Fat: 19g) 

Italian Sausage Pasta Salad

This Italian Sausage Pasta Salad Meal Prep recipe is a favorite for both weekday lunches and a side dish at your favorite weekend BBQ. Made with pre-cooked sausages, high-protein pasta, and fresh veggies. This flavorful meal comes together in less than 20 minutes.

(Carbs: 39g - Protein: 37g - Fat: 31g)

10-Minute Pad Thai Zoodles

Satisfy your takeout craving in less than 10 minutes with this 10-Minute Pad Thai Zoodles recipe using spiralized zucchinis as noodles. The sauce is made with creamy almond butter and coconut aminos, which complement the sautéed zoodles perfectly. You can add an additional egg, or even some chicken or salmon for extra protein.

(Carbs: 20g - Protein: 8g - Fat: 37g)

Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Bursting with classic minestrone flavor and Whole30 compliant, you're sure to enjoy this satisfying soup!

(Carbs: 35g - Protein: 10g - Fat: 7g)

Chickpea Curry with Jasmine Rice

Plant-based main dish made with chickpeas, spinach, and a creamy coconut broth over jasmine rice.

(Carbs: 57g - Protein: 11g - Fat: 24g)

10-Minute Chili

It doesn't get any easier than this! Keeping a recipe on hand for 10-Minute Chili Meal Prep makes for a fast and easy Sunday meal prep, a quick 10-minute weeknight dinner or even a fast game day meal. Paleo. Gluten-free. Whole30. 

(Carbs: 12g - Protein: 24g - Fat: 18g)

Sausage Grill Packets

A healthy keto dinner for the grill! Wrap up your favorite low-carb veggies with your favorite sausage. These come together in 10 minutes and leave no dishes to clean up!

(Carbs: 13g - Protein: 19g - Fat: 19g)

Zoodles with Tomato Oregano Sauce & Grilled Chicken Breast

This tasty low-carb one-pot Zoodles with Tomato Oregano Sauce and Grilled Chicken Breast recipe is so easy to prepare! In less than 20 minutes you can have a week's worth of flavorful lunches or dinners ready to go! BONUS: one pan!

(Carbs: 7g - Protein: 49g - Fat: 14g)

Grilled Steak & Garlic Potatoes 

Rib eye steaks are hand rubbed and grilled to perfection in this easy recipe! Serve with a side of roasted garlic and thyme potatoes and a steamed vegetable for a hearty, stick to your ribs meal.

(Carbs: 26g - Protein: 27g - Fat: 31g)

Freezer Friendly Pineapple Chicken Tenders

This Hawaiian-inspired pineapple chicken cooks up tender with hints of toasted sesame and sweet, tangy pineapple. It's ready in less than 30 minutes and served over rice with a side of steamed broccoli for a well-rounded meal.

(Carbs: 72g - Protein: 33g - Fat: 9g)

Salmon Tacos with Beets & Corn

Who doesn't love salmon tacos? This recipe calls for steamed beets. You can steam them yourself or buy them pre-steamed in the refrigerated section at the supermarket

(Carbs: 57g - Protein: 47g - Fat: 19g)

Thai Basil Chicken Meal Prep

Besides tasting amazing, this restaurant quality meal can be made in 10 minutes! Add your favorite steamed veggies, and if you'd like, a whole grain like rice or quinoa.

(Carbs: 22g - Protein: 41g - Fat: 12g)

Vegan Chipotle Bowl

This hearty plant-based sweet potato bowl is full of antioxidant-rich vegetables and finished with an herby cilantro-agave dressing.

(Carbs: 71g - Protein: 16g - Fat: 25g)

Chicken Enchiladas

So fast, simple and delicious, you'll make this chicken enchiladas recipe your new go-to meal!

(Carbs: 68g - Protein: 73g - Fat: 15g)

Garlic Coconut Butter Chicken Thighs & Zoodles

Super Easy Garlic Coconut Butter Chicken Thighs and Zoodles served with sautéed tomatoes and extra garlic coconut butter for good measure! Gluten-Free. Dairy Free. Keto. Whole30. 

(Carbs: 14g - Protein: 22g - Fat: 35g)

BBQ Jackfruit & Avocado Slaw

Easy BBQ jackfruit slaw paired with a creamy avocado slaw for the perfect vegan and gluten free summer meal!

(Carbs: 67g - Protein: 5g - Fat: 10g)

Sheet Pan Chicken & Asparagus Bowl

This sheet pan chicken and asparagus are perfect for your weekly meal-prep as well, because it tastes great no matter if it's hot or cold!

(Carbs: 9g - Protein: 30g - Fat: 11g)

Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken

Dinner is ready in less than 30 minutes with this freezer-friendly honey-sesame chicken. Simply freeze diced chicken and marinade in a zip-top bag, thaw, and dump in the instant pot for an ultra-tender and flavorful dinner that beats takeout!

(Carbs: 82g - Protein: 55g - Fat: 11g)

Easy Falafel Meal Prep

June 8, 2023 by Nick Quintero 1 Comment

Falafel Meal Prep is easy, loaded with protein, gluten-free, and plant-based. Comes together with a blender or food processor and freezes great, too!

Falafel is a traditional and insanely delicious Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both. If you've never had it before, think of falafel as deep-fried savory donut holes with tons of flavor!

We, of course, wanted to lighten ours up a bit, so no deep-frying for this particular falafel meal prep. Instead, you'll get all of the traditional flavors: cumin, tahini, garlic, and lemon, without the added fat and oxidation of high-temperature immersion frying. All you need to cook these little guys is some avocado oil and a skillet. This falafel meal prep is an excellent sway from the norm, and a super easy way to try something new! It's also vegetarian and loaded with protein

Easy Falafel Meal Prep--3

Easy Falafel Meal Prep Ingredients

  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup white onion
  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • 1 ½ tsp cumin
  • Pinch of Himalayan sea salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • ¼ cup oat flour
  • 3-4 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 4 cups lettuce
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 red onion, sliced thin
  • Optional for serving: fresh lemon, ¼ cup tahini

How to Make Falafel Meal Prep

Traditional falafel typically uses wheat flour as a binding agent; it helps to keep the ground chickpeas in their ball or patty shapes while cooking. We experimented with oat flour for this falafel meal prep, and found it works just as well. So we're thrilled to offer this to you as not only a deliciously easy meal prep, but also a gluten-free one!

All of the ingredients come together in a food processor or blender to make a paste. Chickpeas, parsley, cumin, garlic powder, onion, tahini, and salt and pepper come together. Once they've come together, add the oat flour, which will help bind the falafel patties and also makes these gluten-free, too. They're ready to be cooked at this point, in a hot skillet with some avocado oil (or other healthy oil).

How to Store and Serve Falafel Meal Prep

This will keep, all meal prepped and ready for you, in the fridge in airtight containers for up to 4 days. It's not unusual to serve falafel over a salad, but there are a lot of ways you can serve this dish.

To keep the calorie count low, we like using our falafel as the protein component of a delicious salad: romaine, tomato, cucumber, and onion, to keep it traditional. But falafel can also be used in sandwiches (pop all these ingredients into a wrap, perhaps), on rice bowls, in a mezze platter, etc. The possibilities are endless! We highly recommend making a double batch and freezing them for later use. They're a fantastic thing to have on hand for those dreaded day-before-grocery-day meals.

Easy Falafel Meal Prep--3

Chickpea Nutrition

Let's talk chickpeas! First of all, yes, they are the same as garbanzo beans. They are prominent in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine and are a wonderful source of protein, complex carbs, and fiber. Chickpeas are also a great food ally for skeletal health. They contain good amounts of the nutrients calcium, magnesium, manganese, and iron, among others- all aiding in bone structure and strength. Chickpeas are also a good source of potassium, one of the most elusive (but important!) nutrients missing from the average American diet. This easy meal prep is a winner for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike! Source

More Awesome Plant-Based Meals

  • Baked Lentil Sweet Potato Falafel with Avocado Cream Sauce
  • Middle Eastern Breakfast Salad Bowls
  • Cauliflower Steak With Quinoa and Tahini Meal Prep
Easy Vegan Falafel Meal Prepblog
Easy Falafel Meal Prep--3

Easy Falafel Meal Prep

Super easy 30 minute falafel patties served with fresh veggies and tahini.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Course: Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Chickpeas, Meal Prep
Servings: 4 meals
Calories: 350kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • 1-15 ounce can chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup white onion
  • 2 tablespoon tahini
  • 1.5 teaspoon cumin
  • pinch each salt & pepper
  • ¼ cup oat flour
  • 3-4 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 4 cup lettuce
  • 2 tomatoes diced
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 1 red onion sliced thin
  • 1 lemon optional
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Instructions

  • Add all ingredient chickpeas through black pepper a blender and pulse until roughly combined, scraping down sides as needed. A rough paste is fine.
  • Add oat flour and pulse again to recombine.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium high with avocado oil.
  • Scoop out about 2 tablespoon sized balls of falafel mixture and form into small patties.
  • Once the oil is hot, add falafel patties to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. Repeat until. All falafel patties are golden brown and crispy.
  • Divide lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and red onion among 4 meal prep containers and top with falafel. Serve with optional tahini and lemon. Keeps in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Notes

WW Smart Points= Green:8  Blue:6  Purple:6
__
 
Nutrition for 1 out of 4 servings:
12g Protein | 33.9g Carbs | 20.4g Fat | 10.6g Fiber | 350 Calories

Nutrition

Serving: 1meal | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 33.9g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 20.4g | Fiber: 10.6g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!

Meal Prep Menu 2023: Week 23

June 8, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

Meal Prep Menu 2023 - Week 23

 

Low-Impact Glute Exercises

June 7, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

Low-Impact Glute Exercises
Table of Contents
  • So What Exactly Are Our Glute Muscles?
  • How Do We Train Our Glute Muscles?
  • What About Low-Impact?
  • Low-Impact Glute Exercises 
  • Wrap Up
  • Sources

If plastic surgery has taught us anything, it's that everyone wants a big butt. 

Okay, maybe not everyone, but having strong glutes is very important for your performance in the gym and in life both now and as you age. Strengthening your glutes can be the key to reducing back and knee pain. Strong glute muscles are important for everyday tasks as you age - tasks such as getting off the couch and picking up grocery bags from the floor. When our glutes are weak we often compensate by using our backs or other muscles which may eventually lead to discomfort or pain over time. 

So What Exactly Are Our Glute Muscles?

Our glute muscles can be divided into three major types - the glute max, the glute medius, and the glute minimus. All three play a key role in daily movement and exercise, but for simplicity just know that the glute max is the largest muscle in the body and the one that gives your butt its shape. The other two are not as big but play a critical role in the stabilization of the hip as well as many other functions. 

How Do We Train Our Glute Muscles?

There are a ton of exercises for this. First, we can look at the major compound movements - squats and deadlifts. As far as building strong glutes these are probably the top two. These are also two of the most effective exercises period - especially for lower body muscle development. 

Next, we have exercises like lunges, split squats, Romanian deadlifts, and good mornings. These exercises are typically performed with a little bit lighter weight compared to squats and deadlifts. However, these exercises will target your glutes very well and ensure you are strengthening those buttocks!

What About Low-Impact?

Let's talk about what we mean by low-impact. When people talk about low-impact they are generally talking about the impact the exercise has on the joints. Heavy squats and deadlifts can sometimes not feel great on the knees or hips; however, this isn't always a bad thing. It's good for our joints to be under load, just like it's good for our muscles to handle heavy weight - using the right program of course. Now it is worth noting, heavy is relative here - it is not wise to load up all the plates in the gym and try and back squat it when you struggle to do air squats. 

We certainly want to protect our joints but that doesn't necessarily mean we must always do low-impact exercises. You don't want to lift heavy 7x/week but you also don't want to only do band exercises for years - there is a nice balance. 

Let's look at some low-impact (on the joints) and high-impact (on the butt) glute exercises.

Low-Impact Glute Exercises 

#1 Glute Bridge 

This exercise can be performed with just your body weight, a band, or by adding a weight plate to your lap. Begin lying face up on the ground, then bring your feet to your butt, about shoulder-width apart. With only your upper back and heels on the ground, drive through your heels and squeeze your butt and core. Relax and repeat. To use a band, simply place the band above your knees. 

Aim to do 3-5 sets of about 5-8 reps, depending on resistance level and strength. Add weight if you can.

#2 Side Lying Banded Leg Raise

Lying on your side, with your body long, use your butt to raise your top leg about 12-18 inches. You should feel this on the outside of your glute. To add more resistance place a band around your legs - right above your knees. If you want even more of a challenge, instead of lying on the ground, begin in a side plank position. 

Look to complete 3-5 sets of 15-20 reps. 

#3 Sled Pushes & Pulls

Sled pushes and pulls are two of the best ways to strengthen your legs and glutes in a very low-impact way. Simply load up a sled with some weight plates, probably anywhere from 25 lbs to 180 lbs depending on the individual and strength levels. Next, just start pushing. One of the easiest ways to do a sled workout is to push for let's say 50-75 feet and then pull the sled back 50-75 feet. You will feel your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves all working hard here. 

A good starting point would be to do 5 sets down and back. 

Wrap Up

There you have it! Three great low-impact glute exercises. Each of these exercises also makes a great warmup for performing lifts like squats, deadlifts, or lunges - just go a little lighter or fewer reps. 

If your joints are feeling it, whether due to aging or just a lot of lifting and exercising, consider a few things - sleep, recovery, and your nutrition. If you aren't sure where to begin with nutrition - check out our meal plans and macro calculator for some help!

Please reach out with any questions or leave us a comment below. We'd love to connect and hear from you!

Sources

Current, Austin. "14 Best Glute Exercises for Size, Strength, and Activation." BarBend, 21 Feb. 2023, https://barbend.com/best-glutes-exercises/. 

Gluten Free Caesar Pasta Salad Meal Prep

June 6, 2023 by Nick Quintero 29 Comments

Gluten Free Caesar Pasta Salad Meal Prep is a flavorful and easy combination of high protein pasta and your favorite summertime salad, Caesar Salad. Make this dish for your weekly meal prep, a fast weeknight dinner or your next BBQ. 

Caesar Salad with Pasta is easy to make gluten free with a couple of swaps. In fact, you can really diversify the taste of this pasta salad based on the kind of plant-based pasta you select! For this recipe, we're using Chickapea pasta for a nutty, high-protein pasta.

Gluten Free Caesar Pasta Salad Meal Prep

Thank you to Chickapea Pasta for sponsoring this post, and thank YOU for supporting the brands that help make Meal Prep On Fleek possible. All opinions are our own. 

Gluten Free Caesar Pasta Salad Meal Prep

Gluten Free Caesar Pasta Salad Meal Prep Ingredients

Gluten Free Caesar Pasta Salad Meal Prep
  • 1 box Chickapea Organic Pasta
  • 5 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup favorite Caesar dressing
  • ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • ¾ cup gluten-free croutons
  • ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced, optional
  • 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced, optional
  • lemon wedges, optional

The Nitty Gritty of This Pasta Salad's Ingredients

Gluten Free Caesar Pasta Salad Meal Prep

Basically, This recipe is loaded with fresh veggies such as tomatoes, red onion, and romaine lettuce. It comes together pretty fast, in about 15 to 20 minutes. It is packed full of protein (27g per 3ounce serving) and fiber from the Chickapea Pasta and is made in a single pot! Plus, Chickapea pasta contains only 2 ingredients; chickpeas and lentils, so you know that you aren't getting a whole bunch of artificial ingredients or sugars. That is something that we always feel good about! Plus, this pasta is vegan, gluten-free, organic, kosher and non-gmo. So, unless you are paleo or whole30, Chickapea pasta is a great addition to your diet! It's got a nutty taste in comparison to regular pasta.

For this recipe, we recommend buying your favorite Caesar dressing. It makes the process go a lot faster and there are several high-quality bottled dressings out there we like, such as the Caesar dressing from Primal Kitchen, made with avocado oil.

How to Make Gluten-Free Caesar Pasta Salad

This is pretty easy stuff. Cook your pasta. While that's happening, cut the veggies, clean the lettuce, and gather your meal prep containers. When the pasta is done just toss the veggies, pasta, and cheese all together and then divide among your meal prep containers, reserving the dressing and croutons for later.

Tip: You can find gluten-free croutons at many grocery stores, or you can make them with stale gluten-free bread you've cubed up and pan-fried in some olive oil and seasonings. Your call!

Get ready to take this salad wherever you go, whether that's to a picnic, the beach, to the office for lunch, or you're going nowhere and eating it right now! Keep the dressing on the side.

Gluten Free Caesar Pasta Salad Meal Prep
Gluten Free Caesar Pasta Salad Meal Prep

How to Store and Serve Gluten-Free Caesar Pasta Salad

Once it's prepped, this salad is ready to go. Keep it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Keep the dressing and croutons OFF the salad until you're ready to toss it, ideally. That'll prevent it from getting soggy. If you REALLY want to preserve all parts of this salad, keep the croutons off, too, and toss them in with the dressing right before you're ready to eat.

Gluten Free Caesar Pasta Salad Meal Prep
Gluten Free Caesar Pasta Salad Meal Prep

How to Customize Gluten-Free Caesar Pasta Salad

There's no such thing as a boring salad around here!

Add in cooked chicken, salmon, or shrimp to make this a slightly more filling meal and you don't want to double up on the pasta.

Add in some sliced cucumber.

Skip the cheese and use nutritional yeast instead if you are inclined. It gives a similar flavor but without the dairy.

MORE GREAT SALAD MEAL PREPS!

  • Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
  • Turkey Club Pasta Salad Jars
  • Chicken BLT Pasta Salad
Gluten Free Caesar Pasta Salad Meal Prep

Gluten Free Caesar Pasta Salad Meal Prep

Gluten Free Caesar Pasta Salad Meal Prep is a flavorful and easy combination of high protein pasta and your favorite summertime salad, Caesar Salad. Make this dish for your weekly meal prep, a fast weeknight dinner or your next BBQ. 
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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free
Keyword: Meal Prep
Servings: 8 meals
Calories: 440kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • 1 box Chickapea Organic Pasta
  • 5 cups romaine lettuce chopped
  • ½ cup red onion thinly sliced
  • ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup ranch dressing we used Primal Kitchen brand*
  • ¾ cup croutons we used Fox Hill Kitchen brand*
  • 1 ½ cup cherry tomatoes sliced
  • lemon wedges if desired
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Instructions

  • Cook chickapea pasta according to directions. Drain, cool, and set aside.
  • While pasta is cooking chopped and slice vegetables.
  • Transfer the pasta to a large bowl. and add in the veggies and cheese, and toss to combine.
  • Evenly divide among meal prep containers or serve immediately at your next BBQ. Add the dressing and croutons right before serving so everything stays crispy.

Notes

Nutrition for 1 out of 8 servings:
20g Protein** | 43g Carbs | 21g Fat | 11g Fiber | 440 Calories
*Calories were calculated based off of the brands listed above. Please adjust if using other brands.
**Feel free to add in diced chicken breast to increase the protein count.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meal | Calories: 440kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 11g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!

Keto Chocolate Mug Cake

June 6, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

Keto Chocolate Mug Cake

Keto chocolate mug cake is the low-sugar solution for your most persistent chocolate cravings! Ready in less than two minutes in the microwave!

Once you know how to do this, there's no going back. Consider yourself warned!

Ok, drama aside, when you have a chocolate craving and you don't want to sabotage your otherwise stellar keto-eating habits, this is the cake for you. It might also just be a great little cake to eat when you want some chocolate and aren't super into consuming a lot of sugar. Either way, we suspect you'll be making this keto chocolate mug cake a lot! It comes together in minutes and couldn't be simpler.

Keto Chocolate Mug Cake Ingredients

Keto Chocolate Mug Cake ingredients
  • 3 tablespoon almond flour
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon low-carb brown sugar alternative
  • 1 tablespoon sugar-free chocolate chips
  • 1 egg, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

How to Make Keto Chocolate Mug Cake

You'll need a small bowl to mix everything together in, for starters. Combine the almond flour, cocoa powder, brow sugar substitute, about half a tablespoon of sugar-free chocolate chips, an egg, melted butter, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Hey, that's everything! Stir it all together until it's moist. Pour into a mug that you've already greased with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

How to Store and Serve Keto Chocolate Mug Cake

keto chocolate mug cake with spoon and hand

We don't pretend that you're going to have leftovers from this cake. But, it's possible you won't eat it all at once. You might want to save some for later. In that case, just wrap the top of the mug in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature. It should be good for a couple of days, no problem.

That being said, you might enjoy adding more chocolate chips on top if you want to reheat it briefly, later. Or it might be fun to serve this with a dollop of whipped cream, some keto vanilla ice cream, or a handful of chopped strawberries or fresh raspberries.

keto chocolate mug cake

Substitutions and Alterations

Keto baking is a delicate dance, to be sure. It doesn't take well to making a lot of substitutions. That being said, you can easily use a keto granulated sugar instead of brown sugar, with no ill effect. You can add a little bit of vanilla extract; about ¼ teaspoon would work to intensify some of the chocolate flavors. A tablespoon of peanut butter wouldn't hurt the situation here, either, swirled into the batter before baking it in the microwave. A couple of tablespoons of chopped walnuts or pecans can be accommodated by this batter, too. Just don't overhaul the basic recipe. Anything you would add to a chocolate cake can be added here, in small measures. Sprinkle the top with shredded coconut when it comes out of the microwave, or top it with toasted nuts.

MORE CAKES, CHOCOLATE AND MORE KETO DESSERTS!

keto chocolate mug cake

Keto Chocolate Mug Cake

The ultimate low-sugar keto solution to your chocolate cravings can be yours in two minutes!
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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes minutes
Total Time: 7 minutes minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Low Calorie
Keyword: chocolate, gluten free, keto, low carb, low sugar, mug cake, quick
Servings: 1
Calories: 565kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoon unblanched almond flour
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon low sugar brown sugar alternative
  • 1 tablespoon sugar free chocolate chips
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt
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Instructions

  • Combine almond flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, egg, melted butter, baking powder, salt, and half of the chocolate chips in a small bowl. Mix until moist.
  • Pour into a lightly greased 1 ½ cup microwave safe mug. The cake will double in size while cooking. Microwave for 90 seconds. Immediately top mug cake with remaining chocolate chips.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 565kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 216mg | Sodium: 413mg | Potassium: 149mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 620IU | Calcium: 248mg | Iron: 4mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!

Keto Cashew Cheesecake Bites

June 6, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

Keto Cashew Cheesecake Bites contain just three ingredients and are an irresistibly tasting high-protein, high-fat snack. Lightly sweetened with cinnamon!

Just because you're following a keto diet doesn't mean you can't have some sweet things! Sure, straight-up sugar isn't permitted, but there are ways to bring some sweetness into your diet while following this way of eating. It's all just a matter of working with what's permitted to give yourself a little snack that's not going to throw you off track. And these keto cashew cheesecake bites will do just that. All you need is three ingredients and a bowl, along with a hand or stand mixer, and some time in the fridge to set, and you've got yourself a nutty, just-sweet-enough snack that's high in protein and can be easily adapted going forward.

Keto Cashew Cheesecake Bites Ingredients

  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese
  • 1 cup cashew butter
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Keto Cashew Cheesecake Bites

How to Make Keto Cashew Cheesecake Bites

These are kind of shockingly easy. Line a muffin pan with liners or spray with nonstick spray (We prefer the liners, as it's just easier). 

It's important that your cream cheese be at room temperature to start, along with the cashew butter. Combine cream cheese and cashew butter along with the cinnamon in the bowl of a stand mixer, or using a hand mixer in a sturdy mixing bowl. Beat together until smooth and creamy. Scoop into the prepared pan and top with cashews. Stick the tin in the freezer for a couple of hours and boom, they're ready!

Keto Cashew Cheesecake Bites

How to Store and Serve Keto Cashew Cheesecake Bites

Keep these in the fridge, or better yet, the freezer, for maximum awesomeness. They meal prep well; just cover them in the containers. They'll keep in the freezer longer, up to a few months, as long as they're wrapped well.

We like to prep these with blueberries on the side to give that cheesecake-and-fruit kind of vibe to this snack. Top with some cashews or serve a handful of cashews and other nuts, if desired, along with. Yum!

Keto Cashew Cheesecake Bites

How to Customize Cashew Cheesecake Bites

These can be adapted in so many ways. Consider this recipe a bit of a template that you can experiment with!

Serve with any other kind of keto-compliant fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries

Use a different kind of nut butter such as almond or peanut. That will change the way your cheesecakes taste a bit but the basic recipe will work. (Peanut butter with strawberries feels like a PB&J, in cheesecake form, right?)

Change the nuts you serve this with, by using almonds, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts; it's up to you.

If you aren't following a strict keto diet you could also use this basic recipe and then sweeten it a bit. Include a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top before the whole thing is set, or you could swirl in a dab of chocolate hazelnut spread before sticking this in the freezer.

Use a different spice, such as ginger (add lemon zest if so!), nutmeg, or cardamom. You can even use something like apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice if you want to give these a warming feel. Any of those would taste great. You could really change the flavor profile so easily!

Keto Cashew Cheesecake Bites

Other Snacks and Meal Preps To Try!

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cups

Keto Raspberry Cheesecake

Almond Butter and Jelly Fat Bombs

No Bake Collagen Brownie Bites

Keto Cashew Cheesecake Bites
Keto Cashew Cheesecake Bites

Keto Cashew Cheesecake Bites

These 3 ingredient Cashew Cheesecake Bites make an irresistibly tasting high protein, high fat snack. Lightly sweetened with cinnamon and easy to make!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours hours
Total Time: 2 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: keto, Meal Prep
Servings: 12 bites
Calories: 187kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces full fat cream cheese*
  • 1 cup cashew butter**
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup cashews optional, for topping
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Instructions

  • Place 12 muffin liners in a muffin tray then set aside.
  • Place cream cheese, cashew butter, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Blend them using a hand mixer until smooth. (Alternately, use a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment).
  • Transfer to the prepared muffin liners by spooning the batter into them, filling them ½ way full.
  • Place the muffin tray in the freezer 2 hours to set, then enjoy! Keep in meal prep containers for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.

Notes

Macros for 1 out of 12 bites:
5g Protein | 6g Carbs | 17g Fat | 187 Calories
*You can lower the fat content for non-keto diets by using reduced fat or fat-free cream cheese. For vegan diets, please use a vegan cream cheese substitute.
**These would taste delicious made with any nut butter such as almond, peanut or even a chocolate hazelnut

Nutrition

Serving: 1bite | Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 17g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!


13 Best Cauliflower Recipes

June 5, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

13 Best Cauliflower meal prep Recipes
Table of Contents
  • Meal Prep Recipes using Cauliflower:
    • Roasted Mediterranean Cauliflower Gnocchi & Veggies
    • Cheesy Mexican Cauliflower Fritters
    • Low Carb Bacon Cauliflower Soup
    • Cauliflower Mash Breakfast Bowls
    • Cauliflower Steak With Quinoa & Tahini
    • Pork Fried Cauliflower Rice
    • General Tso's Cauliflower Bowls
    • Sweet & Sour Cauliflower Bites
    • Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
    • Cauliflower Tabouli & Salmon 
    • Cauliflower Fried Rice with Legumes & Chicken Shish Kabobs
    • Carrot Meatballs with Mint Cauliflower Rice
    • Cauliflower Rice Salmon Poke Bowl

Cauliflower is a similar specie to broccoli and is commonly known as a cruciferous vegetable. Although it is not a flower, its name originates from the Italian cavofliore which means "cabbage flower" most likely because it looks like cabbage if it were a flower. There are several colors of cauliflower around the world, including purple, yellow, orange, green, and the commonly seen white. Cauliflower has shown to be versatile and often used for replacing higher-carb options such as in rice or pizza dough. Cauliflower has a healthy amount of fiber, helps fight heart disease, rich in antioxidants, and some studies indicates that it fights signs of aging. One cup of cauliflower's macros consist of around 5 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of protein, and less than 1 gram of fat. We have put together a list of 13 of our favorite cauliflower recipes for you and your family to enjoy!

Meal Prep Recipes using Cauliflower:

Roasted Mediterranean Cauliflower Gnocchi & Veggies

Roasted Mediterranean Cauliflower Gnocchi & Veggies is an easy sheet pan meal that's perfect for a fast Sunday meal prep or a quick weeknight meal when you want something tasty and nourishing. 

(Carbs: 28g - Protein: 4g - Fat: 7g)

Cheesy Mexican Cauliflower Fritters

These cheesy Mexican cauliflower fritters make a spicy, low-carb and gluten-free breakfast, lunch, snack or even dinner! Easy to meal prep and adjust the spice according to your taste buds.

(Carbs: 12g - Protein: 13g - Fat: 21g)

Low Carb Bacon Cauliflower Soup

This Low Carb Bacon Cauliflower Soup is deliciously easy. Warm, thick, and filled with cheesy flavor while being gluten-free and paleo-friendly!  

(Carbs: 15g - Protein: 15g - Fat: 8g)

Cauliflower Mash Breakfast Bowls

This Paleo bowl uses mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes for a Vitamin-C and fiber-rich breakfast. Topped with crisp smoky bacon, mushrooms, watercress, and a jammy egg, this bowl is the perfect vitamin-packed start to the day.

(Carbs: 8g - Protein: 13g - Fat: 13g)

Cauliflower Steak With Quinoa & Tahini

These cauliflower steaks are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Pair them with quinoa, greens, and lemon tahini for a delicious plant-based meal!

(Carbs: 48g - Protein: 16g - Fat: 18g)

Pork Fried Cauliflower Rice

Ditch takeout and make this tangy, umami pork fried cauliflower rice instead. This version is low in carbs, gluten-free, and soy-free for a guilt-free takeout fake-out.

(Carbs: 19g - Protein: 31g - Fat: 21g) 

General Tso's Cauliflower Bowls

This healthy-ish and plant-based twist on classic General Tso's chicken is completely delicious and so easy to make!  

(Carbs: 56g - Protein: 6g - Fat: 12g) 

Sweet & Sour Cauliflower Bites

Asian inspired vegan and gluten free cauliflower and veggie dish served with jasmine rice.

(Carbs: 52g - Protein: 8g - Fat: 7g) 

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower steps in for rice in this low-calorie, gluten-free, vegetable rice with tangy lime and herby cilantro. Best of all, it can be enjoyed hot or chilled for year-round enjoyment.

(Carbs: 7g - Protein: 3g - Fat: 2g) 

Cauliflower Tabouli & Salmon 

Cauliflower Tabouli and Salmon Meal Prep. You're sure to enjoy this gluten and grain-free take on traditional tabouli, bursting with vibrant and scrumptious flavors that perfectly pair with baked salmon!

(Carbs: 10g - Protein: 36g - Fat: 35g) 

Cauliflower Fried Rice with Legumes & Chicken Shish Kabobs

Ready in 20 minutes and easy to make, this Cauliflower Fried Rice with Legumes and Chicken Shish Kabobs is a healthy, protein-packed recipe that is also full of veggies!

(Carbs: 43g - Protein: 45g - Fat: 12g)

Carrot Meatballs with Mint Cauliflower Rice

These easy 15-minute prep meatballs are loaded with Italian flavors and a hidden veggie. Pair it with lemon mint cauliflower rice for a filling, low-carb meal!

(Carbs: 8g - Protein: 28g - Fat: 15g)

Cauliflower Rice Salmon Poke Bowl

Poke bowl with wild salmon, crunchy raw veggies, and cauliflower rice. Simple, guilt-free, yet delicious!

(Carbs: 16g - Protein: 24g - Fat: 20g)

No Bake Collagen Brownie Cups

June 5, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

Brownie cups that are no bake need to be in your repertoire! Gluten-free and dairy-free!

No Bake Collagen Brownie Cups. We know, we had you at no bake, and kept you with brownie cups. But what the heck is collagen? You're probably seeing it all over the place lately: in smoothies, in cosmetics, and now in your dessert?! We're here to give you the scoop about collagen! Basically, what is it, why it benefits you, and why we're adding it to our meal prep recipes.

No Bake Collagen Brownie Cups Meal Prep-7

What is Collagen?

Collagen is actually a protein that occurs naturally in the human body. And though it's found throughout our physical system, it is especially prevalent in the skin, bones, and connective tissues. If you imagine your body as a skyscraper, think of collagen as the scaffolding holding the whole structure together. It's insoluble and incredibly strong: gram for gram, some types are stronger than steel! With that kind of strength, collagen is obviously much of our body's support, but it is also what gives our skin its elasticity.

That's why this ingredient is so common in modern skin and beauty care products. Our natural production of this important protein depletes as we age and with specific stressors on the body such as smoking and exposure to UV light. So what better way to replenish our natural stores than with a delicious collagen brownie?

No Bake Collagen Brownie Cups Ingredients

No Bake Collagen Brownie Cups Meal Prep-7
  • ¼ cup almond flour
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup collagen peptides
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 3 tablespoon maple syrup
  • ¼ cup peanut butter

How to Make No-Bake Collagen Brownie Cups

No Bake Collagen Brownie Cups Meal Prep-7

This vegan and gluten-free collagen brownie packs a delicious punch with all of the rich cocoa flavor you'd expect from the traditional chocolate-lovers dessert, plus the added savory smoothness of peanut butter. Though we love the taste of peanut butter, that extra protein boost ain't so bad either! Combine that with almond flour and almond milk and you've got yourself a collagen brownie with more than 6 grams of protein per serving! So does this meal prep recipe get filed away as a sweet treat or pre/post-workout snack? Or both? ? You decide!

All you need to do is melt the chocolate to create that first bottom layer, and add it to muffin tin lined with paper liners. Then while that's chilling, combine almond flour, peanut butter, cocoa powder, maple syrup, collagen peptides, and almond milk in another bowl until it forms a sticky dough. This is your "brownie" layer. Press a bit onto the top of each chocolate-filled brownie cup, flattening with your fingers to even it out. And then, you guessed it, freeze them until set (at least an hour).

No Bake Collagen Brownie Cups Meal Prep-7

How to Store and Serve No-Bake Collagen Brownie Cups

These will keep in the fridge, covered in an airtight container, for at least a week, but they won't last that long. Everyone will want one of these bits of chocolate heaven. You can also freeze them, too. Just make sure they're wrapped well beforehand and they should stay good for at least 3 months. Defrost in the fridge, overnight, or a room temperature if it's not too hot and you're impatient. (You could always microwave them, but, we can't vouch for that. Microwaves can do funny things to no-bake treats sometimes.)

No Bake Collagen Brownie Cups Meal Prep-7

More Treats and Sweets to Meal Prep

  • Brownie Batter Hummus
  • 23 Best Vegan Holiday Treats
  • No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
  • Sheet Pan No Bake Paleo Energy Bars
No Bake Collagen Brownie Cups Meal Prep-7
No Bake Collagen Brownie Cupsblog
No Bake Collagen Brownie Cups Meal Prep-7

No Bake Collagen Brownie Cups

Sweet chocolate cups with a collagen brownie filled center. Perfect for a clean dessert!
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Prep Time: 1 hour hour
Total Time: 1 hour hour
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Meal Prep
Servings: 12 cups
Calories: 182kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup almond flour
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup collagen peptides
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 3 tbs maple syrup
  • ¼ cup peanut butter or nut/seed butter of choice
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Instructions

  • Line a muffin pan with 12 muffin liners and set aside.
  • Add ⅔ cup of the chocolate chips to a microwave safe bowl and microwave in 30 second increments until the chocolate is fully melted. (Alternatively, melt the chocolate over a double boiler.)
  • Fill each muffin liner with about a tablespoon of melted chocolate and swirl with the back of a spoon to coat the sides. Place the pan in the freezer to set.
  • While the chocolate is freezing, prepare the brownie filling by adding the remaining ingredients (almond flour through peanut butter) to a large mixing bowl. Mix until ingredients form a sticky dough; it will be thick.
  • Using a tablespoon, roll the dough between the palms of your hands to form individual balls, and then flatten them into discs. Place discs into each muffin cup and gently flatten them with your fingers so they press up against the sides.
  • Melt the remaining ⅓ cup of chocolate chips the same method as before, then cover the top of the discs with the melted chocolate. Place back in the freezer to set.
  • Store the cups in an airtight container the fridge for a week or freeze for long-term storage.

Notes

Nutrition for 1 out of 12 cups:
6.4g Protein | 19.8g Carbs | 9.5g Fat | 2.6g Fiber | 182 Calories

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 182kcal | Carbohydrates: 19.8g | Protein: 6.4g | Fat: 9.5g | Fiber: 2.6g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!

The Macrobiotic Diet

June 4, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

The Macrobiotic Diet
Table of Contents
  • What is the Macrobiotic diet? 
  • What is it NOT? 
  • Macrobiotic vs Raw Food Diet
  • Macrobiotic vs Vegan
  • Macrobiotic vs Mediterranean
  • Macrobiotic vs Paleo 

The Macrobiotic Diet is one that focuses on more than a diet for weight loss or weight control, it is a lifestyle plan that puts its diet at the forefront of becoming a healthier person overall. This plan draws on philosophy from Ancient Greece and Japanese traditions. The term 'macrobiotic' etymology originates in Greek, 'Macro' meaning great, or long, and 'Bios' meaning life.

What is the Macrobiotic diet? 

The dietary aspect of this plan puts an emphasis on consuming whole grains, seasonal local vegetables, beans, and soups. Fresh locally grown fruit, fish and seafood, pickles, and nuts are permitted a few times weekly. Another aspect of this diet is completely chewing each bite around 50 times while meditating on gratitude with each bite. Macrobiotics practitioners suggest eating two or three times per day. This diet discourages sugar, dairy, eggs, meats, poultry, spicy foods, processed foods, tomatoes, eggplant, asparagus, spinach, zucchini, and more.

The Macrobiotic Diet is strict on what one can drink- it prohibits coffee, milk (or other dairy products), alcohol, soda, refined or processed beverages, and anything that is chemically preserved. Pretty much all that someone can drink on this dietary plan is water, and maybe some teas, but there is nothing definitive especially given the number of chemicals and additives in most water today.      

One of its founders, George Ohsawa, believed the Macrobiotic lifestyle encouraged improving one's health, fighting diseases, invigorating vitality, vivifying a good appetite for food and for life, aiding in deeper sleep, improving memory, harmonizing emotions, and instilling a sense of justice and gratitude.

What is it NOT? 

Contrary to popular misconceptions, the Macrobiotic Diet is NOT the same as the Macro Diet. Where the Macrobiotic Diet emphasizes an openly-philosophical approach to eating with strict guidelines as to what can and cannot be consumed, the Macro Diet simply tracks kilocalories (kcal) consumed in the form of macronutrients in one's diet (i.e. carbohydrates, protein, and fat). 

The Macrobiotic Diet seeks a sense of Zen balance while being more vegetarian-focused. The Macro Diet is a more measured, calculated, approach to eating by counting what is consumed and considering its source in the form of the three key macronutrients. 

If you are interested in trying the Macro Diet, but the math aspect is too intimidating, fear not! We have you covered with a super easy-to-use tool that calculates your macronutrients for you. We also prepared a list of 35 macro diet recipes to help get you started, along with a budget-friendly 19 macro chicken thigh recipes. 

Macrobiotic vs Raw Food Diet

The Raw Food Diet is normally a vegetarian or vegan diet that emphasizes not cooking food, or if it does never over 118°F (48°C), while staying away from foods that are refined, pasteurized, or processed. There are some versions of the raw food diet that allow for raw fish (such as sushi or sashimi), eggs, meats, and dairy, but most discourage due to health risks associated with not cooking these foods. Raw food diet also encourages choosing organic options over non-organic, as to stay away from pesticides and chemicals. 

The Macrobiotic Diet is not concerned with cooking or not cooking foods, it has more to do with the concern of perceived toxins from the materials cooked with. The Macrobiotic Diet discourages cooking with electricity or metals and urges their practitioners to cook only with materials readily available in nature such as clay or glass. 

Macrobiotic vs Vegan

The Vegan Diet is solely concerned with not consuming animal-based products, while only eating plant-based foods. Vegans do not eat dairy products, fish, seafood, or eggs. There are even stricter versions of veganism that also discourage using animal products as forms of clothing such as wool, leather, etc., or byproducts such as honey, whey, lactose, etc. Vegans tend to focus on consuming organic fruits and vegetables instead of non-organic ones. 

The Macrobiotic Diet allows for fish and seafood, while other meats are discouraged. Both the Macrobiotic Diet and the Vegan Diet do not allow for eggs, honey, or meat, while the Macrobiotic Diet is even more restrictive as to which vegetables and fruits can be eaten. Vegans do have the ability to take multivitamins and minerals, but true Macrobiotic practitioners do not. 

We have put together a list of our top 15 Vegan recipes for you and your loved ones to enjoy! For those that are a little more skeptical about trying Vegan dishes, we prepared an omnivore-approved list of super tasty Vegan desserts that you can share with your friends and family! 

Macrobiotic vs Mediterranean

The Mediterranean Diet is based on foods eaten around the Mediterranean region of the world, especially that of Greece, Italy, Spain, and France. This primarily consists of consuming heart-healthy fats, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, fish, seafood, poultry, Greek yogurt, eggs, herbs, spices, olives, and olive oil. This diet limits the intake of sugar, honey, pasta, processed foods, red meat, trans fats, processed meats, and refined grains. The Mediterranean Diet does allow for drinking water, and limited amounts of red wine, coffee, and tea.

The Macrobiotic Diet is much stricter than the Mediterranean Diet and certainly does not allow for dairy, eggs, meat, honey, or a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. 

If you are ready to try some tasty and easy-to-make Mediterranean dishes, we have put together a list of our 15 favorite Mediterranean recipes for you and your family to enjoy!

Macrobiotic vs Paleo 

The Paleo Diet, named after the Paleolithic Age or the "Stone Age," focuses on foods that hunter-gatherers would have likely come across such as consuming fruits, vegetables, lean meats, eggs, fish, nuts, and seeds. They avoid processed foods, dairy products, grains, legumes, or starchy vegetables. Paleo Diet practitioners believe by staying with original human diets from 10,000+ years ago, they are able to reach optimal health and physique while cutting down on excess fat, blood sugar, and risks of disease or cancer. The diet is also known as the Paleolithic Diet, the Stone Age Diet, the Cave Man Diet, and the Hunter-Gatherer Diet. This is not to be confused with the Carnivore Diet. 

The Macrobiotic Diet is not concerned with a particular era of diet, it has more to do with a Buddhist philosophical approach to finding an inner balance through a strict diet. It certainly is not open to consuming meats, eggs, or a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. 

Since there are so many fewer restrictions with the Paleo Diet when compared to the Macrobiotic Diet, there are many more recipe options that we have to help you along your dietary and meal-prepping journey. 

paleo food pyramid
Photo: Kitsap Crossfit

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Meal Prep 

June 3, 2023 by Nick Quintero 1 Comment

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Meal Prep is a lot to say, but it's not a lot of work. It's also gluten-free.

Friends, there's a lot to keep track of in this wonderful life, and sometimes we just don't want breakfast to be one of them. Having an easy meal prep recipe on hand for the first meal of the day is invaluable, especially on busy work and school mornings. So we're super excited to share this coffee cake meal prep with you.

What's Special About This Gluten-Free Coffee Cake?

Coffee cake is of course a cafe favorite, and we wanted to make something that stands up to the delicious classic but with an MPOF twist. So we used gluten-free flour, encourage you to use your milk of choice, and used fats and sugars only made from coconut! Pretty cool. Rest assured though that this easy meal prep still tastes like a classic coffee cake with loads of coffee flavor and a cinnamon swirl, but we hope that our swaps make it a bit less indulgent to enjoy a few times in the same week. But don't think you have to enjoy it all at once- this easy meal prep recipe also stands up well to freezing!

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Meal Prep 

How to Make This Coffee Cake and Its Coconutty Ingredients

Coconut oil, coconut aminos, coconut sugar, coconut butter! What the heck is all this stuff, what's the difference between coconut oil and coconut butter, and so on, and why should we care? While coconut oil is simply the oil that's been extracted from coconut meat, coconut butter is a paste that's made by blending the flesh of fresh coconut. The result is a smooth and spreadable paste that holds its texture well and lends itself to drizzling over all kinds of things: waffles, oatmeal, granola, and, you guessed it-coffee cake! We used it as a foundation to make a super easy dairy-free glaze that we may or may not currently be putting on absolutely everything. Because of the presence of a fiber called inulin, coconut sugar has a slightly lower glycemic index than regular sugar. It's still sugar of course, but every bit helps!

The cake has three components but they're not hard; don't be put off by the list of ingredients. It's really very easy, and it is full of great ingredient substitutes you'll want to use again, if they're unfamiliar to you. (At the very least, to make this cake again!)

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Meal Prep 

Cinnamon is another really exciting detail of this recipe. It is of course an important flavor aspect in classic coffee cake, but this spice also has some pretty incredible health benefits. It is known to be both anti-inflammatory and to support healthy blood sugar levels, in addition to supporting the cardiovascular system with its broad range of antioxidants. We hope you love this delicious and healthy twist on coffee cake as much we do!

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Meal Prep Ingredients

For the Coffee Cake

  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • ¼ cup melted coconut oil
  • 1 cup cooled coffee
  • ½ cup milk of choice
  • 3 cups GF all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unrefined coconut sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

And the cinnamon swirl

  • ½ cup coconut oil
  • ½ cup unrefined coconut sugar
  • 2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour

Finally, the coconut butter glaze:

  • ¼ cup coconut butter
  • 1 teaspoon unrefined coconut sugar
Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Meal Prep 

How to Store and Serve Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Meal Prep

Once you've made this, it needs to be kept in an airtight container and will stay fresh for a few days. If you want to prolong the shelf life, wrap it in foil really tightly, but we like to make something like this and freeze half of it right off the bat. This way, you always have something on hand for an emergency cinnamon-related breakfast item that also happens to be gluten-free!

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Meal Prep 

More Gluten-Free Treats and Other Breakfast Fun

  • Easy Gluten-Free Brownies
  • Cinnamon Raisin Granola
  • Coconut Flour Pancakes
Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Meal Prep 
Gluten Free Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Meal Prep blog

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Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Meal Prep 

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake Meal Prep 

Coffee cake is of course a cafe favorite, and we wanted to make something that stands up to the delicious classic but with an MPOF twist.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Meal Prep
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 377kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

Coffee Cake

  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • ¼ cup coconut oil melted
  • 1 cup coffee cooled
  • ½ cup milk of choice
  • 3 cups gluten free all-purpose baking flour
  • 1 cup unrefined coconut sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

Cinnamon Swirl

  • ½ cup coconut oil
  • ½ cup unrefined coconut sugar
  • 2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tbs gluten-free flour

Coconut Butter Glaze

  • ¼ cup coconut butter
  • 1 teaspoon unrefined coconut sugar
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Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, milk, melted coconut oil, and cooled coffee. Add in the coconut sugar, then sift in the flour and baking powder. Stir well to combine. The batter should be thick and sticky.
  • Pour batter into the greased baking dish.
  • Prepare the cinnamon swirl by adding the coconut oil, unrefined coconut sugar, GF flour, and cinnamon to a bowl and whisking until light and fluffy. Drop heaping tablespoons into the baking dish and lightly swirl with a knife to distribute throughout the dish.
  • Bake for 30-40 minutes, until lightly browned and firm to the touch.
  • Remove from the oven and top with optional coconut butter glaze by combining softened coconut butter with a bit of coconut sugar and drizzling over cake.
  • Allow to cool completely, then slice into squares.
  • To store, add 1-2 squares to meal prep containers. Keeps in the fridge for 4-5 days. Store any remaining coffee cake in the freezer for long term storage.

Notes

Nutrition for 1 out of 12 slices:
5.2g Protein | 46g Carbs | 21g Fat | 377 Calories

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 377kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 5.2g | Fat: 21g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!

Scrambled Egg Stuffed Sweet Potato Meal Prep

June 3, 2023 by Nick Quintero 1 Comment

Stuffed Sweet Potato Meal Prep combines scrambled eggs and sweet potatoes for an easy breakfast meal prep!

You know we're always looking for ways to use sweet potatoes around here at MPOF, and breakfast is no exception. This Scrambled Egg Stuffed Sweet Potato Meal Prep is high in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs: the perfect combination to start any day.

And it all comes together in just ten minutes of prep time! Think about all the time you just saved yourself for the rest of the week. Extra time to sleep in? Extra time to just relax for a few minutes. You name it! Although we obviously had breakfast in mind with this particular stuffed sweet potato recipe. don't feel limited. Please feel free to eat this for lunch, or dinner, or after a workout.

Scrambled Egg Stuffed Sweet Potato Meal Prep

What's So Great About a Sweet Potato Meal Prep?

We already mentioned the serving of complex carbs offered by these stuffed sweet potatoes. Did you know, however, that sweet potatoes are also a great source of antioxidants? Their characteristic orange hue indicates the presence of beta-carotene, one of the most important antioxidants available to us for cellular health. Typically, the more colorful your produce, the more complex its nutritional profile. So when we can combine an easy meal prep with a healthy ingredient like sweet potatoes, we're in. Plus you get to top it with avocado, and honestly, who doesn't want that?

Scrambled Egg Stuffed Sweet Potato Meal Prep Ingredients

  • 2 sweet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Himalayan sea salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons coconut milk
  • Hot sauce, to taste
  • ½  medium avocado
Scrambled Egg Stuffed Sweet Potato Meal Prep

How to Make Scrambled Egg Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Start off with baked sweet potatoes. Easy enough, right? You can do that ahead if you want, to break up this meal prep into stages. The eggs come together on the stovetop over low heat along with some salt, pepper, and a bit of coconut milk, which gives them a velvety texture and a slightly nutty and sweet taste. (Trust us!)

Once those potatoes are cooked and the eggs are, too, split the potatoes. Add the egg, scooping it into the split potatoes. Top with avocado and hot sauce and, honestly, anything else that would work here. Chopped cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped scallions, black beans? You name it, all of it works.

How to Serve and Store Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Pop them right into a meal prep container, covered. They'll keep for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave, or in the oven, covered a bit with foil. You can even eat it cold if you want, we won't judge!

Substitutions and Alterations

In addition to creating easy meal prep recipes, one of the things we are most passionate about here at MPOF is sharing healthy ingredient alternatives. Sometimes this looks like subbing almond flour for wheat, or using applesauce or bananas in place of sugar or syrups in baking. It all depends.

For this stuffed sweet potato recipe, you can swap it with regular baked potato, and that's fine. But we wanted to turn our attention to a ubiquitous staple in the American pantry: salt. We specifically call for Himalayan pink salt in this easy meal prep because it is actually a step up from standard table salt.

We all know that salt in excess is incredibly damaging, but salt in healthy amounts is actually necessary for normal bodily function. Natural salts, like Himalayan pink, contain all of the minerals that are typically stripped away in the refining process of regular table salt, or iodized salt. This simple swap in your pantry means a healthier choice each time you reach for the salt, and a few good choices are the building blocks of a healthy lifestyle. And believe it or not, it actually tastes better than regular iodized salt!

Hot Tip: You can also double this recipe!

More Breakfast Recipes To Try!

  • Cajun Sausage Breakfast Scramble
  • Sweet Potato Waffle Meal Prep
  • Sheet Pan Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash
Scrambled Egg Stuffed Sweet Potato Meal Prep
Scrambled Egg Stuffed Sweet Potato Meal Prep
Scrambled Egg Stuffed Sweet Potato Meal Prep
Scrambled Egg Stuffed Sweet Potato Meal Prep
Scrambled Egg Stuffed Sweet Potato Meal Prep

Scrambled Egg Stuffed Sweet Potato Meal Prep

Easy gluten free breakfast combining sweet potatoes and fluffy scrambled eggs. Top with hot sauce and avocado for the ultimate breakfast combo.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour hour
Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Egg, Meal Prep
Servings: 2 meals
Calories: 405kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil divided
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoon coconut milk
  • Himalayan pink sea salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Hot sauce to taste
  • ½ medium avocado sliced
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Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Scrub the sweet potatoes and pierce them several times with a fork. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and place on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until tender.
  • While the sweet potato is in the oven, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a medium skillet over medium-low.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with the coconut milk, sea salt, and black pepper. Pour into the pan over low medium heat and slowly scramble for a little less than 5 minutes.
  • Remove the sweet potato from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. Split open the sweet potato and stuff with the scrambled eggs.
  • Store sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge, with garnishes on the side for up to five days. Serve with hot sauce and avocado.

Notes

Nutrition for 1 out of 2 servings:
16.4g Protein | 44.3g Carbs | 18.6g Fat | 8.6g Fiber | 405 Calories

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 44.3g | Protein: 16.4g | Fat: 18.6g | Fiber: 8.6g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!

23 Healthy Recipes for Newlyweds

June 3, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

Dinner Recipes for Newlyweds? Does that sound like you? Are you curious about how you're going to do the cooking together?

Congrats, newlyweds! Being a newly married couple is such an exciting time. The honeymoon phase is a special period of time that deserves to be enjoyed instead of debating about food every night.

That is why meal prepping great tasting and functional meals will allow you and your spouse to enjoy quality time together throughout the work week. Meal prepping can even become a weekly tradition allowing you to cook together as a couple. So romantic! It is so important to tackle household tasks as a new young couple in order to build a strong long-lasting marriage.

So, here are our Top 23 Recipes for Newlyweds to help you along the way, for every meal of the day and just about any kind of craving you have.

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch / Dinner
  • Snacks and Desserts

Breakfast recipes for newlyweds

Breakfast Taco Bowls
Carbohydrates: 24g - Protein: 40g - Fat: 20g

Sheet Pan Breakfast Hash And Eggs 
Carbohydrates: 52g - Protein: 25g - Fat: 17g

Vegan Oatmeal Bowls
Carbohydrates: 59g - Protein: 12g - Fat: 18g

Stuffed French Toast Recipe 
Carbohydrates: 29g - Protein: 13g - Fat: 2g

Portable Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Carbohydrates: 19g - Protein: 5g - Fat: 12g

Shakshuka
Carbohydrates: 36g - Protein: 26g - Fat: 18g 

Lunch and Dinner recipes for newlyweds

Maple Crusted Air Fryer Salmon
Carbohydrates: 85g - Protein: 33g - Fat: 18g

Korean BBQ Chicken Thighs
Carbohydrates: 51g - Protein: 27g - Fat: 17g

Thai Peanut Chicken and Noodles
Carbohydrates: 48g - Protein: 34g - Fat: 14g

Stuffed Beef Bell Peppers
Carbohydrates: 33g - Protein: 22g - Fat: 25g

Beef Lasagna Casserole
Carbohydrates: 58g - Protein: 48g - Fat: 26g

Chicken Penne With Asparagus and Pistachios
Carbohydrates: 69g - Protein: 52g - Fat: 21g

Greek Style Lemon-Garlic Chicken
Carbohydrates: 48g - Protein: 29g - Fat: 33g

Asian Style Slow Cooker Pot Roast Meal Prep 
Carbohydrates: 30g - Protein: 49g - Fat: 19g

Pizza Chicken Meal Prep
Carbohydrates: 8g - Protein: 35g - Fat: 15g

Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant
Carbohydrates: 63g - Protein: 11g - Fat: 20g

Coconut Sugar Sriracha Shrimp Meal Prep
Carbohydrates: 24g - Protein: 32g - Fat: 7g

Parmesan Pesto Spaghetti Squash
Carbohydrates: 36g - Protein: 32g - Fat: 16g

Snack and Dessert ideas for newlyweds

Baked Breaded Zucchini Bites with Marinara
Carbohydrates: 18g - Protein: 10g - Fat: 12g

Vegan Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Roasted Chickpea Bark Recipe
Carbohydrates: 16g - Protein: 3g - Fat: 10g

Vegan Chocolate Zucchini Cake
Carbohydrates: 30g - Protein: 3g - Fat: 6g

Chocolate Quinoa Covered Strawberries
Carbohydrates: 36g - Protein: 3g - Fat: 19g

Tofu Chocolate Mousse
Carbohydrates: 16g - Protein: 4g - Fat: 5g

Chickpea Curry With Jasmine Rice Meal Prep

June 2, 2023 by Nick Quintero 3 Comments

Chickpea curry is a healthy vegan meal prep that's also gluten-free!

The word "curry" is used in a range of places across the globe, and it often looks a bit different from culture to culture. Some curries are dry, some are wet; some are cool and herby, some are hot and super spicy. Typically though, when we're talking about curry, we're talking about meat and vegetables stewed in a rich sauce and served over rice. That's what we've got for you today with this chickpea curry, and it's definitely a meal prep recipe worth adding to your global repertoire.

Chickpea Curry with Jasm…eal Prep--3

What's in Curry?

Well, a "traditional curry" isn't exactly what we've got for you today, since this chickpea curry is entirely vegan. But you can still expect a smooth and creamy coconut broth and the satisfying crunch of sauteed onions. Cooked chickpeas have a fantastic texture, and also a pretty impressive nutritional profile. They are a great source of protein, fiber, and complex carbs. And due to their high fiber content, chickpeas have a beneficial impact on glucose levels, making them a great ingredient for elevating the diabetic diet. Plus they're a good source of bone-supporting minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Winning.

We admit it: spinach also does not traditionally make appearances in curries. But it's such a nutritional powerhouse that sometimes we can't resist adding it to our meal prep recipes. Plus we love that it cooks down to such a soft and subtle texture- it's such a mild ingredient that you'll barely know it's in your chickpea curry. But you certainly won't be mad you got that extra boost of Vitamins A, C, E, K, B6, Iron, Manganese, Fiber….. there's more, but we'll stop. Summary: spinach is your friend ? Because of its great flavor and huge range of nutritional benefits, this is one of our favorite meal prep recipes for elevated weekday lunches or warming winter dinners. We hope you love it as much as we do!

Chickpea Curry With Jasmine Rice Meal Prep Ingredients

  • 1 cup jasmine rice, uncooked
  • 2 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 2 tsp curry powder
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 2 large handfuls spinach
  • 1 (13.5)-ounce can coconut milk
  • Dash of sriracha
  • Cilantro, for serving

How to Make Chickpea Curry with Jasmine Rice

Start by cooking the rice first. Then, in a pan, heat the oil and cook the onion, followed by some salt and pepper, curry powder, and garlic powder. Finally, you add the chickpeas and veggie stock, and let it simmer. Coconut milk makes it nutty, rich and creamy but without adding dairy. Spinach gets tossed in toward the end. Add a dash of Sriracha if you're feeling it, and definitely top with chopped cilantro.

Chickpea Curry with Jasm…eal Prep--3
Chickpea Curry with Jasm…eal Prep--3

How to Store and Serve

Once you've prepped the curry, simply transfer it to meal prep containers. It should keep for 4 to 5 days. We're also serving jasmine rice with this, and definitely make that ahead of time, too. All of this can even be frozen if you are so inclined! Just make sure it's in an airtight container and it's always a good idea to label your frozen meals, too to avoid confusion (and add the date, too)!

Substitutions and Customizations

If you don't want to serve with jasmine rice, basmati will work. You can also try quinoa or even a cauliflower rice if you need to watch your overall carbohydrate consumption.

You can also swap out baby kale for the spinach, or just chop regular kale or even Swiss chard finely.

More Awesome Meal Preps to Try Out!

Sweet and Sour Cauliflower Bites Meal Prep

Chicken Buddha Bowl Meal Prep

Thai Red Curry Chicken

Chickpea Curry with Jasm…eal Prep--3
Vegan Chickpea Curry & Jasmine Rice Meal Prepblog
Chickpea Curry with Jasm…eal Prep--3

Chickpea Curry With Jasmine Rice Meal Prep

Plant-based main dish made with chickpeas, spinach, and a creamy coconut broth over jasmine rice.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Course: Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Chickpeas, Meal Prep
Servings: 4 meals
Calories: 484kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • 1 cup jasmine rice uncooked
  • 2 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 teaspoon curry powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • 2-15oz cans chickpeas rinsed and drained
  • 2 large handfuls spinach
  • 1-13.5 ounce can coconut milk
  • dash Sriracha
  • cilantro optional
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Instructions

  • Cook the jasmine rice according to package instructions
  • Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the onions and season with salt and pepper and heat until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add in the curry powder and garlic powder and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Pour in the vegetable stock to deglaze the pot, then add the chickpeas, coconut milk, and a bit of sriracha. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add baby spinach in the last 5 minutes.
  • Divide jasmine rice among 4 meal prep containers and top with chickpea curry. Top with cilantro.
  • Store in the fridge for 4-5 days and reheat before serving.

Notes

Nutrition for 1 out of 5 servings:
10.9g Protein | 57.4g Carbs | 24.4g Fat | 10.1g Fiber | 484 Calories

Nutrition

Serving: 1meal | Calories: 484kcal | Carbohydrates: 57.4g | Protein: 10.9g | Fat: 24.4g | Fiber: 10.1g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!

Italian Sub Lettuce Wrap Meal Prep

June 2, 2023 by Nick Quintero 1 Comment

Italian Sub Lettuce Wrap Meal Prep is an easy keto meal prep packed with salami, ham, provolone, lettuce, and a quick red wine vinaigrette dressing.

There's no shortage of lettuce wrap meal prep ideas on the internet and for good reason. It's one of our favorite preparations for fresh flavor, lighter caloric intake, and ease of transport. (We love these Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps, and these Sweet Potato and Black Bean Veggie Burgers can also go for this fun and leafy preparation.)

But we thought we'd use this approach to enjoy a fun spin on a classic: the Italian Sub! Because when you're doing keto, you miss sandwiches, right? You can get all the flavors but none of the carbs from bread this way.

The Origins of the Italian Sub Sandwich

Despite its name, the Italian Sub is said to have been invented in Portland, Maine. In the early 20th century lots of Italians came to New England to work opportunities there. And luckily for us, they also brought great lunch ideas! According to food historians, an Italian baker accepted the request of local dockworkers to add meat, cheese, and fresh vegetables to the baked rolls he was selling from a pushcart. The rest, as they say, is Italian Sub history. And today it is the inspiration for our newest meal prep idea!

Italian Sub Lettuce Wrap Meal Prep

Italian Sub Lettuce Wrap Meal Prep Ingredients

Italian Sub Lettuce Wrap Meal Prep
  • 4-8 large romaine lettuce leaves, washed, rinsed, and dried
  • 8 oz salami slices
  • 8 oz sliced ham
  • 4 oz sliced provolone (for Whole30 version, leave off the cheese)
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • Black pepper
  • Himalayan sea salt

How to Make Italian Sub Lettuce Wrap Meal Prep

Italian Sub Lettuce Wrap Meal Prep

Salami, sliced ham, provolone, and tomato come together between crisp leaves of fresh romaine. They're perfectly complemented by a quick dip in a homemade red wine vinegar dressing. Don't forget salt and fresh black pepper! The simple but effective seasoning is not only traditional to the original version but it can't be skipped; it brings all the flavors together (A dash of oregano wouldn't hurt either, come to think of it!). We've already lightened up the traditional sandwich a bit by offering it as a lettuce wrap meal prep, but feel free to omit the cheese for a Whole30- compliant version!

For such a low-calorie plate (209 calories per serving), this lettuce wrap meal prep is delicious and still packs an impressive protein punch- almost 30 grams per wrap! Take them to work, take them to the dinner table, or take them to their original home on the docks of Maine. Wherever you enjoy them, this Italian Sub Lettuce Wrap is a super easy and satisfying meal prep idea!

Tip: If you like this idea, you can copy the approach for other popular sandwiches you might be missing out on because of keto, whether it's a turkey club or tuna salad. Serve them in giant lettuce leaves. Romaine is great, but Boston bibb works well too. (Iceberg tends to break sometimes but you can try it if that's what you've got.)

How to Store and Serve

Once they're all put together, which will take you very little time indeed, you can store it right in the fridge in airtight containers. We love these as they are, with the homemade dressing drizzled across the top. You probably won't need much else, but a salad would be a smart addition to this prep if desired.

Italian Sub Lettuce Wrap Meal Prep
Italian Sub Lettuce Wrap Meal Prep

More Lettuce Wrap Meal Preps for Lunch!

  • Pulled Pork Lettuce Wrap Meal Prep
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Sliders
Keto Italian Sub Lettuce Wrap Meal Prep

References:

Submarine-Style Sandwiches History
Italian Sub Lettuce Wrap Meal Prep

Italian Sub Lettuce Wrap Meal Prep

Easy keto lettuce wraps packed with salami, ham, provolone, lettuce, and a quick red wine and vinegar dressing.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Course: Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Beef, Meal Prep
Servings: 4 meals
Calories: 509kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • 8 large romaine lettuce leaves rinsed and dried
  • 8 ounces salami*
  • 8 ounces sliced ham*
  • 4 ounces provolone leave off for paleo/whole30
  • 1 large tomato sliced
  • ¼ cup olive oil or avocado oil
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • salt & pepper as desired
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Instructions

  • Wash and dry romaine lettuce leaves and set aside inside meal prep container.
  • Fill with fresh sliced salami, ham, provolone, tomato, and season with a bit of salt and pepper.
  • Whisk together the red wine & vinegar dressing on the side with a fork and divide between dressing jars.
  • To serve, wrap the meat and cheese tightly in the wrap and drizzle with oil and vinegar.
  • Store in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Notes

Nutrition for 1 out of 4 meals:
29.5g Protein | 9.4g Carbs | 40g Fat | 1.2g Fiber | 509 Calories
*Be sure to use paleo/whole30 compliant meat if following one of these diets.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meal | Calories: 509kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.4g | Protein: 29.5g | Fat: 40g | Fiber: 1.2g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!

How to Make Traditional Argentinian Chimichurri Sauce

June 2, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

Chimichurri sauce, or just chimichurri, is a versatile sauce from Argentinian cuisine that's great on grilled meats. Adaptable and versatile!

This traditional Argentinian chimichurri sauce is bursting with herbs and tangy flavors - the perfect complement to a grilled steak. Choose your favorite cut of meat, or use this sauce on top of chicken or fish instead. Traditional chimichurri sauce has an olive oil and vinegar base, but this one takes the fresh flavor up a notch with a splash of lemon juice. Choose your favorite option!

Chimichurri Ingredients

  • 1 cup Italian parsley, packed
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, packed
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 clove minced garlic
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp red chili flakes
5 Easy Meal Prep Chicken Breast Marinades - chimichurri

How to Make Chimichurri

This couldn't be simpler! As long as you have a food processor or a high-speed blender, you can make this condiment. Start by processing the parsley and thyme together until they're chopped finely but not all the way pulverized. Add in the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, paprika, and chili flakes. Process again until it looks like pesto in terms of its consistency.

5 Easy Meal Prep Chicken Breast Marinades - chimichurri

How to Store and Serve Chimichurri Sauce

You can keep chimichurri in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You'll likely need to stir it together to reintegrate the sauce and get the right consistency. Chimichurri is much like pesto insofar as you can store it in the freezer for at least six months, if not longer. Pop it into small containers that are about serving size (in this case, about 2 tablespoons) or use an ice cube tray with lids. Then you can just twist out the cubes of chimichurri that you want and drop them right into a hot pan to defrost.

Traditionally, chimichurri is served with Argentinian dishes like a grilled flank steak, but you can use this alongside chicken, shrimp, or even salmon. It's bright, herbal, and zesty, with a bit of heat, but not too much. But you can use this much like you might pesto and swap it out with a pesto meal prep; toss it in with hot pasta, spread it on a slice of crusty bread, mix it in with Greek yogurt for a more creamy sauce or a dip for veggies. Stir it into beaten eggs before you scramble them, use them as a flavor pop for cooked beans (oooh, white beans!) or lentils. Finally, you can always toss freshly roasted or boiled potatoes with chimichurri, too. It's so versatile!

Variations and Customizations for Chimichurri

Chimichurri is also often made with a combination of parsley and cilantro. Sometimes shallots are used in addition to fresh garlic. Sometimes people will add a couple of tablespoons of fresh oregano leaves. And always feel free to up the garlic; it's totally ok to double or triple what we've specified here. A lot of this is to taste, so make it once and then see how you might want to adjust it for the next time you do.

3 Recipes with Chimichurri

  • Sheet Pan Chimichurri Chicken and Veggies
  • Chimichurri Steak Meal Prep
  • Best Chimichurri Chicken
5 Easy Meal Prep Chicken Breast Marinades - chimichurri

Traditional Argentinian Chimichurri Sauce

This traditional Argentinian chimichurri sauce is bursting with herbs and tangy flavors - the perfect complement to a grilled steak.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Brazilian, Spanish
Diet: Gluten Free
Keyword: chimichurri, food processor, herb, sauce
Servings: 8
Calories: 52kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Italian parsley packed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme packed
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
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Instructions

  • Prepare chimichurri sauce by adding the Italian parsley and fresh thyme to a food processor bowl fitted with the blade. Process until the herbs are finely chopped.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients, and process into a pesto-like consistency. Transfer to an airtight container and use within 2 weeks, or freeze for longer use.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.1cup | Calories: 52kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 151mg | Potassium: 55mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 723IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!
Whole30 Chimichurri Steak Meal Prep

Crockpot Ropa Vieja Meal Prep

June 2, 2023 by Nick Quintero 4 Comments

Crockpot Ropa Vieja Meal Prep is a delicious stew of beef and veggies that happens to also be gluten free and loaded with protein!

No matter what time of year it is, ropa vieja is a delicious dish made from shredded or pulled beef. Think of it like a stew with beef and vegetables in a richly spiced tomato base. The result is a hearty and satisfying meal prep that packs a fantastic protein punch. And though it is enjoyed across the Caribbean, ropa vieja is actually one of the national dishes of Cuba!

We love slow cooking because it really aligns with our values at MPOF. We believe that cooking shouldn't detract from enjoying the rest of your life, but that we should never have to compromise flavor or variety for the sake of a convenient meal. This Ropa Vieja slow cooker meal prep is the best of both worlds: super simple and easy to throw together (hello, 15 minutes of prep), and absolutely delicious when it's ready. Plus your home will smell amazing while the flavors develop throughout the day.

Crockpot Ropa Vieja Meal Prep Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds flank steak
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 onions, sliced in long strips
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced in long strips
  • 2 tablespoons cumin
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ¾ cup pitted green olives, sliced
  • 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar

How to Make Crockpot Ropa Vieja Meal Prep

Often, slow cooker meals can turn out bland and flat, and that's more often than not because a step was skipped. What are we talking about? We're talking about starting the steak and veggies first in a hot skillet in order to develop flavor and color on the food. Once you do this, you'll never skip this step before when you're doing meal preps for a slow cooker. Just a little bit of extra time goes a long way once it hits the crockpot. So, once these main ingredients start to cook a bit, transfer to the slow cooker, along with all the seasonings, tomatoes, and chicken broth, etc. And then? Set it and forget it!

How to Store and Serve Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja

ropa vieja meal prep

We love how well this keeps. It preps great and just needs an airtight container. It will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop in a saucepan until piping hot all the way through.

You can also without a doubt freeze this dish; we'd leave off the garnishes, as avocado's texture suffers when you freeze it. If you make rice to go along with it, you can freeze that, too, whether it's brown, white, or cauliflower rice.

This delicious Ropa Vieja slow cooker meal prep can be frozen to be used later and savored all year round. Enjoy by itself or serve the traditional way, alongside black beans, rice, or plantains (or atop cauliflower rice, which you know we love, to keep the whole shebang Whole30 compliant).

ropa vieja meal prep

Despite the variations in Ropa Vieja recipes, tomatoes, and bell peppers can always be expected in the base. Did you know that bell peppers actually have more vitamin C per serving than oranges? Yup! Eating one whole red bell pepper can provide over 160% of our daily need of the crucial immune-supporting vitamin. Acidic additions such as capers, pimientos, and olives are also to be expected in this Cuban classic, and we decided to feature olives in ours. Olives are high in naturally occurring antioxidants, making them wonderful allies in the support of our cardiovascular system and protecting against cellular damage due to free radicals.

More Slow Cooker and Stew Meal Preps

  • Chicken Pot Pie Stew
  • Slow Cooker Asian Beef Stew
  • Slow Cooker Asian Pot Roast Meal Prep
Gluten Free Crockpot Ropa Vieja Meal Prep
ropa vieja meal prep

Crockpot Ropa Vieja Meal Prep

A thick Cuban inspired beef stew made by simmering tomatoes and peppers with flank steak, and then shredding the beef. Serve as a stew, or use to top cauliflower rice. This beef stew is freezable, so enjoy some now and freeze to have healthy meals on hand later.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours hours
Total Time: 3 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Course: Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine: Brazilian
Keyword: Beef, Meal Prep, Slow Cooker
Servings: 6 meals
Calories: 400kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 lbs flank steak
  • 2 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • black pepper to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 medium onions sliced into long strips
  • 2 medium bell peppers sliced into long strips
  • 2 tablespoon cumin
  • 2 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 30 ounces diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ¾ cup pitted green olives sliced
  • 2 teaspoon white wine vinegar
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Instructions

  • In a large skillet, bring to high heat and add olive oil and flank steak.
  • Season the steak with sea salt and pepper, and sear until browned on all sides
  • Add the flank steak whole into the crockpot.
  • In the same skillet, add the onions, garlic and peppers, and saute until softened. Add to the crockpot.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients to the crockpot as well, and slow cook on low for 5-6 hours, or on high for at least 3 hours.
  • To speed up cooking time, boil the broth and diced tomatoes prior to adding them to the crockpot.
  • Serve as a stew, or on top of a bed of cauliflower rice.

Video

Notes

Nutrition for 1 out of 6 servings: 36.5g Protein | 16.8g Carbs | 20g Fat | 4.5g Fiber | 400 Calories
Notes: Traditionally, Ropa Vieja is served with rice, black beans, and fried plantains. All are great serving options to add to the side of this dish if not whole30 compliant. 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1meal | Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 16.8g | Protein: 36.5g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 4.5g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!

Meal Prep Menu 2023: Week 22

June 1, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

Copy of Meal Prep Menu 2023 - Week 22

 

Tips for Running When You’re Over 50

May 31, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

Running tips! People can't get enough of them. When you're over 50, though, you might have some other considerations. These tips will help.

Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise today (but some people hate it). For most people, it is a complete love-or-hate relationship. Growing up, we find ourselves often running frequently - whether playing sports, running for fun, or even just playing in the backyard. However, as we get older we tend not to run as often. This certainly isn't true for everyone - there are plenty of examples of eighty-plus-year-old people running half and even full marathons. 

Tips for Running

So what happens? Why do we stop running? For most of us, we simply get busy or don't have a need to run anymore. One way to look at our bodies is with a kind of "use it or lose it" mentality - the idea that once we stop running, we almost lose the ability to start again. While this is certainly not true, it is true that running over fifty is easier if you have been running in your twenties, thirties, and forties. However, don't be discouraged. If you are fifty-plus and looking to start running, you can do it! Now of course, if you have any serious health conditions or limitations please consult your doctor, but for the average fifty-plus individual it is possible. 

Let's look at some tips for two types of people. The first - you'd say you are pretty active, you've been running or exercising most of your life, and are simply starting to get older. The second - you are in your fifties and looking to start running for the first time in years, maybe decades. 

Some Tips for the Active Person:

  1. Keep moving

First off - congrats. It is a big deal that you have stayed active all these years. That activity will certainly pay off as you age. If I could give you one single tip it would be to just keep going. The more active you stay the better off your overall health will be. Exercise is one of the most important ways to fight aging, disease, and improve your overall well-being.

  1. Find your sweet spot

Too often exercisers fall into one of two categories. The first is overtraining - doing too much too quickly. The second is under training. Now, luckily, you have decades of exercise experience so you have a good idea of how much your body can handle. As people age, they often just assume because they are getting older they shouldn't do certain movements like squats or even running. You shouldn't fall into that trap. You want to find the balance of continuing to challenge yourself without overdoing it and that looks different for each person. 

Now the Soon-To-Be-Active Person:

  1. Start slow

The worst thing you can do as someone who has not run in a long time is just decide to go try and run a mile or worse, something longer. Our bodies are very resilient and adaptable, but they respond best to added volume over time. What this could practically look like for you - let's say your goal is to run a 5k in 6 months as a 55-year-old man. I would use a couch to 5k plan like this one here. This plan may be slightly advanced so feel free to start even slower, but what this plan, and others similar to it, allows you to do is start with walking. For the true beginner, there is nothing wrong with only walking for a month or even two. You then alternate between walking and running until you build up the ability to run a 5k. This plan also has some resistance training involved which is especially important as you age. 

Also, be sure to make sure your muscles and heart are warmed up before running. Doing some stretching and brisk walking will help here. 

  1. Make recovery a priority

If you are feeling especially beat up or tired it is good to take a rest day. At a minimum, you should have one rest day during the week where the most you do is go for a walk. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water, eat high-quality, nutritious foods, and get plenty of sleep. All of these things will ensure your body is ready for your running workout.

Need some help with what to eat? Check out this week's meal prep menu.

Wrap Up

That's about it! Remember when it comes to running, or any exercise for that matter, the most important thing is that you are doing it. Pick a plan you can be consistent with, start slow, and slowly build up over time. You probably won't be as good as you like when you first start, but you will begin to surprise yourself with just how much better you can get. 

Also, running is hard. That's okay. It's important to do things that are difficult. It improves our mental, emotional, and physical health. We are here cheering for you the whole way! 

Feel free to reach out with any questions or leave us a comment below. We'd love to hear from you. 

Brownie Batter Hummus

May 30, 2023 by Nick Quintero Leave a Comment

Brownie Batter Hummus is a vegan-friendly protein-rich snack that will satisfy a chocolate craving with a touch of sweetness! Real cacao powder and nibs make this a chocolaty treat with antioxidants to boot!  

Turn ordinary hummus into a rich and chocolatey snack called Brownie Batter Hummus! Who would've thought hummus could turn into an easy snack idea that satisfies your sweet tooth? It's creamy like almond butter and the perfect vegan snack or dessert. Take this prep with you on those non-stop days to give you a glimmer of joy or serve it as a kid-friendly and healthy (and protein-filled) after-school snack.

Brownie Batter Hummus Ingredients

Brownie Batter Hummus
  • 1 cup chickpeas, drained 
  • 3 tablespoon maple syrup  
  • ¼ cup water  
  • 2 tablespoon unsweetened cacao powder  
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cacao nibs 
  • Pinch of sea salt  

For serving 

  • 1 cup sliced strawberries  
  • 8 graham cracker squares  

How to Make Brownie Batter Hummus

Brownie Batter Hummus

This sweet hummus is super easy to make, just like regular hummus. All you do is combine all of your ingredients in a food processor and pulse until chickpeas are thoroughly mixed and smooth. This easy snack idea only takes 10 minutes and gives you four servings of delectable, healthy dipping & topping for fruit, bread, or graham crackers!

How to Store and Serve Brownie Batter Hummus

Brownie Batter Hummus

Once prepped, this specialty hummus will last for 4 days. Find four dual-compartment meal prep containers that work as snack boxes, like these teal MPOF containers. Divide your hummus into 4 half-cup portions into the containers, then put your graham crackers and strawberries into the other slot. Store in the fridge until it's time for snacking.

And believe it or not, you can (and we don't blame you!) freeze this! Store your delectable hummus in a freezer-safe airtight container, or store each portion in separate containers. It should keep for up to 6 months. Just remember to leave room for frozen hummus to expand. Defrost in the fridge overnight and you're good to go!

Tips and Customizations for Brownie Batter Hummus

Pair this with some crackers like Ritz, rice cakes, apples, pretzels, grapes, and other fruits. Think of it as you would use peanut butter or Nutella.

Let the flavors meld together by chilling the hummus for several hours or overnight.

Use the best quality cacao powder you can find, or if you have to, use cocoa powder instead!

If you don't have a food processor, you can use a high speed blender to make this hummus instead. If you don't have a blender that can handle these ingredients, mash the chickpeas by hand instead. Start by microwaving them in 30-second increments, and checking the consistency to see if it's mashable. It will make it easier to mash if they're warm.

Swap the maple syrup out and use honey or agave syrup instead, or a monk fruit liquid sweetener to reduce the sugar content.

Use gluten-free crackers if need be.

Brownie Batter Hummus

More Hummus Snack Box Meal Prep Recipes!

  • Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Snack Boxes
  • Garlic Sweet Potato Wedges With Hummus
  • Beet Hummus Veggie Dipper Snacks
Brownie Batter Hummus

Brownie Batter Hummus
Brownie Batter Hummus

Brownie Batter Hummus

This vegan-friendly protein-rich snack will satisfy a chocolate craving with a touch of sweetness! Real cacao powder and nibs make this a chocolatey treat with antioxidants to boot!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dessert, gluten free, no bake, snack, vegan, vegatarian
Servings: 4 serving
Calories: 317kcal
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chickpeas drained
  • 3 tablespoon maple syrup
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tablespoon unsweetened cacao powder
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cacao nibs
  • Pinch of sea salt

For serving

  • 1 cup sliced strawberries
  • 8 graham cracker squares
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Instructions

  • Combine ingredients for hummus in a food processor and pulse until chickpeas are thoroughly mixed and mostly smooth. Add a tablespoon or two of water if need be, to think it out.
  • Divide hummus among 4 MPOF snack containers and add sliced strawberries and graham crackers in other slots of the container. Store in the fridge until ready to snack!

Nutrition

Calories: 317kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 137mg | Fiber: 12g
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!


Greek Salad

May 30, 2023 by Meal Prep Mondays Leave a Comment

Chicken Greek Salad Recipe for Meal Prep

Chicken Greek Salad Recipe for Meal Prep

Greek Salad

 This is my favorite meal prep for a busy week! It's simple to make and tastes delicious. It also isn't tough and you can prep the chicken totally ahead of time if you want, or use store-bought rotisserie chicken in a pinch. It'll be awesome.

Greek Salad
Greek Salad Meal Prep

Greek Salad Meal Prep

This is my favorite meal prep for a busy week! It's simple to make and tastes delicious.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Keyword: salad
Servings: 4 meals
Calories: 305kcal
Author: Meal Prep Mondays

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 bell pepper
  • ½ red onion
  • ½ cucumber
  • 2 heads of romaine lettuce
  • ⅓ cup feta cheese
  • 1 lb chicken fajita
  • Primal Kitchen Greek Dressing
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Instructions

  • Chop up the romaine lettuce, cucumbers, bell pepper, and red onion.
  • Next, add the lettuce to all containers then a handful of the cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, and onion.
  • Take the bag of pre-cooked chicken fajita and add it to the top of the salad and sprinkle with the feta cheese.
  • Fill a smaller container with the dressing and keep it with the salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meal | Calories: 305kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 227mg | Potassium: 472mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2572IU | Vitamin C: 51mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!
Greek Salad
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Welcome!

Hello! I'm Nick, the meal prepper behind Meal Prep on Fleek, Easy Meal Prep Recipes, and Workweek Lunch—brands that have revolutionized the way people approach meal preparation. Since embarking on my own meal prep journey over nine years ago, I've been dedicated to teaching and inspiring others through comprehensive guides and resources.

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