Meal Prepping....How to?!

                                                   PREP AND PLAN FOR SUCCESS!!!

      So, as you all should be doing this to ensure success...most likely many of you don't! Plan and prep is KEY to not failing during the week!

      -Step 1. Make a meal plan, grocery list and pick a day of the week to make your foods, I find Sunday's are perfect! Football is on so Chris is home to help with Booty and everything will be set for Mondays. (this will SAVE you money, time and your midsection lol)
      -Step 2. Only get whats on your grocery list! (again save money,time and your midsection!)
      -Step 3. When the day comes to prep for the week, schedule it in you day. Designate a time and have that be all you do for that time. I do mine after breakfast usually, sometimes after morning gym time, but that's my time for prep and I never skip it! ( I plan about 3 hrs to do it. if it takes me longer ill finish it, its important. I have been doing it for a while so I multi task and do other cleaning and stuff with booty while food is cooking)
      -Step 4. Make food according to recipe (if using one) or make your individual foods.
      -Step5. Let food cool and separate into their individual containers for each meal and day of the week OR do a lg. container and serve as needed, what ever works for your specific needs. If you make in extra large amounts you can freeze and use for later as well. Measure your foods!
      -Step 6. Take your food along with you where ever you go so you do not falter. If you forget, make smart choices and if you want to you can plan your "cheat" meal for a time during the week so you know when your having it.

      Tips to help with shopping and organizing foods
-buy in bulk (less shopping)
-buy non processed foods (we r going for healthy here)
-if your choosing beans or rice of some sort, I like dry and in bulk. They store well and you can make them as you need them
-read labels
-the best natural PB i have found is Smuckers. 1g sugar per serving, most have 3g or 4g
-i have everything in containers and labeled so i know what everything is and its simple to find. I have and open pantry so everything is showing in the kitchen, neat and clean and you always can see whats on hand.
-only keep/buy what you use/need on a daily basis, the rest is just clutter, wastes $$$ and isn't necessary for everyday eating.( helps keep the junk out)- but that as u want it. just because you have kids doesn't give you an excuses.
-Yes i have a son and he eats what we do:)
-when your organized life is easy. if u need help ask me.

      Tips for bulk cooking
-don't make each recipe separate. if you have multiple recipes with chicken...make all the chicken together unless there is a specific reason you shouldn't.
-eat a few of the same meals each week that way your not making 6 different meals for all 7 days. ain't nobody got time for that
-have a few simple meals for snacks and breakfast can be made morning of
-don't over think everything. make simples foods to help with prep.
-have everything out and ready to make your foods so your not hunting.

Taking small simple steps to plan and organize will help you succeed!

I found a few links with great before and after pantry photos! I don't think the food is necessarily the best but its about the organization lol!
Pantry1
Pantry2
Pantry3 - Love these plastic XOXO brand containers. I have many!