Meal Prep For The Week: Lunch

Meal prepping for the week is a game-changer, especially when it comes to making lunch easy, healthy, and stress-free.

It’s all about planning ahead so that you’re not scrambling for something to eat in the middle of a busy day.

Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, save time, or just avoid the hassle of deciding what to have every day, meal prepping can make your life so much simpler.

Here are some delicious and easy lunch ideas that you can prep ahead of time to keep your week on track.

• The video focuses on making lunch prep fun using bento boxes.
• Bento boxes are customizable, allowing a mix of ingredients, colors, and textures.
• Ideal for on-the-go meals or at-home dining.
• Meals are primarily eaten cold or at room temperature, reducing cooking time significantly.

Overview of Meal Prep

• Minimal cooking involved; most ingredients require simple chopping and assembly.
• Bento boxes work well for both adults and kids.
• The creator introduces helpers, her niece Nicolette and nephew Nathan.

Bento Box Recipes

1. Greek Salad Bento

• Ingredients:
  • Chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, green bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives.
  • Dressing: Red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, dried oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Assembly:
  • Toss salad ingredients with the dressing.
  • Add a portion of salad to the bento.
• Snacks:
  • Hard-boiled egg (sprinkled with salt and pepper).
  • Homemade hummus paired with celery sticks.
  • Hummus Recipe: Chickpeas, aquafaba, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt blended until creamy.

2. Zucchini Noodle Caprese and Herb Chicken Bento

• Zucchini Noodle Caprese Salad:
  • Spiralized zucchini, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil pesto.
  • Pesto Recipe: Basil, toasted pine nuts, cashews, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
• Herb Chicken:
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts baked with olive oil, herbs (basil, parsley, oregano, thyme), and garlic powder.
  • Thinly sliced and served cold.
• Extras:
  • Arugula as a bed for chicken.
  • Raspberries and blueberries in a small food cup.

3. Tuna Salad Sandwich and Sweet/Salty Snacks Bento

• Tuna Salad Sandwich:
  • Tuna, mayonnaise, diced celery, dried onion, parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  • Served on gluten-free sandwich bread or as a wrap with avocado slices and baby spinach.
• Snacks:
  • Plantain Chips: Sliced, lightly oiled, and baked until golden.
  • Melon Mozzarella Salad: Cantaloupe and honeydew melon balls, blueberries, mozzarella balls, basil leaves.
  • Dressing: Olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.

Key Features of Bento Meal Prep:

1. Effortless Prep: Few cooked ingredients; most dishes involve assembling prepped items.
2. Versatility: Recipes cater to various dietary preferences, with options for kids and adults.
3. Durability: Salads and dressings can be pre-mixed without becoming soggy.
4. Compact and Functional Design: The bento boxes are lightweight, leak-proof, and easy to carry.