How To Make Meal Prep More Fun

We all have tasks that we hate doing.  I hate cleaning but love having a clean house.  Some people hate cooking but love having food in the fridge.  I personally enjoy cooking but definitely have those days where I don’t fucking WANT to.

So, here are some ways I pull myself out of the funk and just get the fuck on with it.

WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES:

Put on clothes that are insanely comfortable, including footware (shoes or slippers).  Trust me on this one because there is nothing worse than spilling a drop or two of scorching hot marinara sauce on the top of your foot or stepping on a rogue piece of cooked rice in bare feet.

HAVE A BEGINNING RITUAL:

For me, it’s getting the kitchen cleaned up and putting my apron on.  After a little while, the act of tying my apron strings instantly started putting me in the headspace to cook.  These days, that ritual has expanded to include sharpening my knife and throwing a towel over my shoulder.  Whatever your ritual is, do it EVERY TIME you start and before long, these small simple acts will change your mindset before you even start.

LISTEN TO SOMETHING:

Put on your favorite music or a podcast or throw your favorite show on the TV that you can listen to while you work.  Upbeat music can change the whole game – it’s fun to sing and dance while you’re making the house smell delicious.  It instantly makes you feel like the person that everyone wishes they could date and marry (because who wouldn’t want to be with someone who makes delicious food and is having fun?).

TREAT YO’ SELF:

I don’t care what your guilty pleasure treat is, but when you’re eating it while meal prepping, those calories don’t count.  It’s science.  Maybe it’s a big soda or your favorite cocktail or a chocolate bar, or your favorite chips…do whatever you want to make sure you’re getting a little treat while you work.  I often times will grab a bottle of wine or champagne to drink while I’m cooking and will frequently keep a joint around to occasionally puff on between dishes.  The point is, you get to treat yourself without feeling guilty about it.

TASTE AS YOU GO:

This is not only good cooking advice, but it’s also really fun to taste the fruits of your labor.  Rule of thumb is that the chef gets the best bites.  So, if I’m shredding a chicken, I get to snack on little bits of my favorite cuts.  If there’s a tiny bit leftover of any dish that isn’t enough for another full portion, those bits are mine.  Of course, I’m allowed to share them, but I’m in no way obligated to.  I cooked it, I get to eat it.  It’s kind of fun to give my husband bites too though so he gets all psyched about what he’s going to eat this week too.

TAKE BREAKS:

If there’s a good stopping point and you want to sit down for a few minutes and just chill out, you’re allowed to do that.  Take a break and have a beer or go outside for some fresh air.  Take a nap if you want…I don’t care, just do what’s right for you.  My one caveat here is that if you do take a break, you’ll want to restart that beginning ritual when you get back into the kitchen.  I know it sounds kind of weird but trust me, those little steps being reinforced time and again will be the thing that gets your head in the game.

TAKE PHOTOS AS YOU GO:

Okay, this sounds stupid but honestly, looking back through your photos of what you were doing hours ago is such a great way to keep yourself motivated.  You get to look back later in the day and say “damn!  Look at all this shit I got done!” and you feel awesome about yourself…and rightly so!

MAKE SOMETHING THAT IS JUST FOR YOU:

One of my favorite things is making what I call “hippie elixers” for myself.  It’s a really quick and easy little shot of ginger-infused water with lemon juice, agave nectar, and some spices.  When I make them, they are only for me and I drink one every morning throughout the week.  It adds very little time to my day and now I’m kind of treating myself throughout the week as well.

Meal prep can be a grind, I get it but if you can find little ways to make it fun for yourself, you should start enjoying the process as a whole.  It’s really only as brutal as you make it, so make it fun for yourself and don’t hesitate to hype yourself up to everyone in the house!  You kicked ass and everyone should fucking know it!