What is Micro-Prepping?

Micro-Prepping: Cook Once, Serve Twice

Meal prep doesn't have to mean spending an entire Sunday chopping vegetables and filling rows of containers. A simpler approach is micro-prepping—doing a little extra each time you cook so future meals come together faster and with less effort.

The idea is simple: whenever you're making a meal, prepare extra ingredients or portions for another meal later in the week. You're already washing, chopping, cooking, and cleaning. A few additional minutes can save you much more time later.

Why Micro-Prepping Works

•Saves time on busy weeknights

•Reduces cooking fatigue and decision-making

•Helps prevent food waste

•Makes healthy meals more convenient

•Cuts down on takeout and impulse purchases

•Spreads meal prep throughout the week instead of dedicating an entire day

Think of it as "cooking forward" rather than meal prepping.

Easy Ways to Micro-Prep

Roast Extra Vegetables

When roasting vegetables for dinner, fill the entire sheet pan.

Tonight:

Roasted broccoli and carrots with chicken

Tomorrow:

Add leftovers to a grain bowl, omelet, soup, or salad

Cook Extra Grains

Prepare double the rice, quinoa, or farro.

Tonight:

Salmon with brown rice

Later:

Grain bowls, stuffed peppers, fried rice, or a quick side dish

Make Extra Protein

Cook additional chicken breasts, turkey burgers, tofu, or beans.

Tonight:

Grilled chicken with vegetables

Tomorrow:

Wraps, salads, tacos, sandwiches, or pasta dishes

Double Your Soup or Chili

Soups, stews, and chili often taste even better the next day.

Serve one meal now and freeze the rest for a future dinner.

Prep Produce While You're Cooking

While dinner is in the oven:

Wash berries

Slice cucumbers

Chop salad veggies

Portion snack vegetables

Future-you will thank you.