#Money Saving Meals

[incorrectfatui]

Pantalone: You made enough pasta that you could take it to lunch tomorrow. Put it in a container.  Columbina: Shovel the pasta into your face. Do it. Put it in your face. The future is meaningless but the pasta is now.

[pink-lemonadefairy]

[cosmogyros]

Literally can't pay my rent until I get paid for September, which hasn't happened yet. Today is Friday, and Monday is the last day of the month. I'm so tired of being poor.

[tarantula-hawk-wasp]

Consoling myself over the fact that I’m spending my favorite holiday (Easter) alone with the fact that at least I have a dinner planned (kielbasa, pierogi, kapusta) and I have a thematic hyperfixation to indulge that day.

[byanyan]

that headcanon i wrote probably more than a year ago where i mentioned (i think in the tags??) the concept of byan tearing up a little over a really good meal is coming back to me tonight...

[riacte]

Saw the word "outsider" and the Blood on the Clocktower drunk token immediately slammed into my mind's eye chat I'm so cooked. Drosioned even.

[auntiepasto]

Save Money, Cut Your Own Meat

This is half of an 8.8 pound pork roast from Costco. It cost me $20.22.

Yes, you read that right. Under $3/pound. In 2023, where even breathing the air is expensive.

It’s a whopping big chunk of meat, and Costco pork is decent. (Would I love to be indulging in small-farm meat? Of course. Does the budget permit? Not always.)

Pork loin is incredibly forgiving to a first-time butcher. All you do is cut it straight down, as shown above.

You’ll notice I’ve started cutting it into pork chops. I’d already cut the other half into a mix of chops and larger pieces that I’ll probably cut up smaller later and use for stir-fry or pork jun.

Do you need to be meticulous about your sizing? Nope. You can see where I slashed the fat to indicate roughly a pound of meat (8ish pounds divided in half, then divided by 4). I then divided each pound that I was planning to use for chops in four, and cut those.

I did end up deciding to use the last two pounds as a roast, so there’s a nick in the fat cap on that. Oh well, that’s fine.

Bag up your meat in freezer bags. Choose to store it in sizes that you’ll eat, so if it’s just for one, I’d store it in either half-pound or pound increments — so one meal fresh and one meal of leftovers out of a half-pound. If it’s for two or more, you’ll probably want to start with a pound per bag, and you might want to do two, depending on how many people you’re feeding.

Weigh it up (optional, but I like to know), label and date, squish all the air out, and toss it in your freezer. Voilá, you have meat for months. Even if you eat a pound of pork (four chops) a week, you’ve got two months worth of meat and it cost you only $20-some and a bit of your time.

[powerthroughandprogress]

The Importance of Meal Prep for a Healthier, Easier Lifestyle

Meal prep has become a game-changer for those seeking a balanced, efficient, and health-conscious approach to eating. It involves planning and preparing meals ahead of time, typically for the week, and is more than just a trend; it’s a practical lifestyle approach with lasting benefits.

1. Supports Health Goals and Nutrition

Meal prep makes it easier to plan and control what you eat. When you prepare meals ahead of time, you’re more likely to incorporate nutritious ingredients, balancing protein, fiber, healthy fats, and carbs. It also helps control portion sizes, reducing the temptation to overeat. Those looking to reach specific goals, like weight management, muscle gain, or simply eating healthier, find meal prep beneficial since it allows them to prioritize whole foods and avoid last-minute fast food options.

2. Saves Time and Reduces Stress

Cooking meals in batches can save hours throughout the week, sparing you from daily cooking, shopping, and deciding what to eat each day. By investing a few hours on a set day—commonly Sunday—many find that they reduce the daily decision fatigue that comes from figuring out meals, creating more time for other activities. Plus, pre-prepared meals are quick to grab and reheat, which is especially helpful for those with busy schedules.

3. Cuts Down on Grocery Expenses

Meal prepping can significantly reduce food costs. With a planned menu and list, you’ll know exactly what you need, minimizing impulse purchases and reducing the likelihood of food waste. Sticking to a grocery list for planned recipes helps avoid excess purchases and encourages buying in bulk, which can also save money.

4. Supports Weight Management

One of the key advantages of meal prepping is its role in portion control. By pre-measuring meals, you’re less likely to overeat, a common problem when food isn’t pre-portioned. This consistency in portion sizes can support weight goals and encourage a healthier relationship with food.

5. Reduces Stress and Promotes Better Eating Habits

Since meals are prepped and ready to go, it’s easier to make good food choices even during busy or stressful times. Rather than relying on unhealthy options when in a pinch, you can enjoy nutritious meals with minimal effort. This can reduce stress, increase energy levels, and create a sense of satisfaction from consistently making healthier choices.

6. Environmental Benefits

Meal prep can be environmentally friendly by reducing food waste and single-use packaging. Planning meals allows you to use what you buy more efficiently, cutting down on spoilage. Additionally, packing prepped meals in reusable containers can minimize reliance on takeout containers and single-use plastic packaging.

Getting Started with Meal Prep

For beginners, start small. Try prepping meals for just a few days, selecting a mix of easy recipes, like stir-fries, salads, and overnight oats. Batch-cooking proteins, grains, and veggies in advance gives you flexible meal components that can be mixed and matched throughout the week. Investing in high-quality storage containers, like glass or BPA-free plastic, will ensure meals stay fresh and are easy to reheat.

Conclusion

Meal prep is a proactive approach to a healthier, less stressful lifestyle. Whether you aim to save time, support health goals, or reduce food costs, meal prep offers significant benefits. As a foundation for healthy eating, it empowers you to stay on track, enjoy variety, and avoid the pitfalls of last-minute unhealthy choices.

Link to Meal Prep Containers Below

[raystimeatportia]

fanfic situation??????? lol

[inkblot-inc]

Thinking about [this HC here], The ironic part about Sketch's poor diet before meeting Wanda is that Skitch knows how to cook.

They aren't top-shelf, but Skitch definitely knows more than the basics and fundamentals of cooking.

Like, yes, you shouldn't over-beat the eggs, and yes, the cream goes last in the sauce so it doesn't curdle, yes, you want *this* specific cut of meat because it's less tough when making blah blah blah..... But can't we just order in though?-

You kinda pick up things when your childhood friend is a chef...

Ordering takeout is just a hell of a lot easier than constantly buying food to prepare and cook later. Being with Wanda, someone who enjoys cooking more than buying ready-made food, definitely makes that feel less tedious when they're, say, making dinner together.

[anxietytriangles]

I decided I’m going to call back my therapist about starting the outpatient program she wants me to do. Gonna take time off work for it. I can’t tell how I feel about it.

[tropiyas]

vote on my housing

[lakeglitter]

i've been fighting demons since the weekend (want to order pizza but i have food and meal plan at home)

[scalpelsister]

idk how to word this but getting a job has really made me like. care about how i present myself in a way i havent in a while.

[jetspikepub]

Me when I look through twitter one sunny morning and see this

[my-thoughts-and-junk]

thinking about nora again