🥗 How to Become a Bulk Cooking Pro This Year | The Beginner’s Guide to Meal Prep

If you’ve ever opened the fridge at 6:30 p.m. and thought, “What’s for dinner?”—you’re not alone.

The truth is, most of us don’t struggle with what to eat—we struggle with the daily mental load of planning, prepping, and cleaning it all up.

That’s why meal prep (aka bulk cooking) is one of the most life-changing habits you can build this year. It’s the secret behind eating healthier without spending your whole week in the kitchen—or blowing your grocery budget on takeout.

Sara B is the queen of bulk cooking, so she takes the lead on this episode! Check it out below 👇👇👇

🎧 Listen to the full episode:

🎥 Watch the full episode:

💛 Why Meal Prep Matters (Especially in Midlife)

Our metabolism, hormones, and energy naturally shift as we age. That means hitting your protein, fat, fiber, and nutrient goals becomes even more important for:

• 🦴 Bone density & muscle strength
• 💪 Metabolic health & steady energy
• 🧠 Mood, focus, and stress resilience

When you’ve got balanced, protein-rich meals ready to go, you remove decision fatigue—and that’s the real key to consistency.

As we like to say:

“Do something that makes you healthier, but doesn’t require you to think about it all the time.”

🍗 Step 1: Set Aside Just 1–2 Hours a Week

Forget the Pinterest-perfect kitchen. You only need a couple of hours—once or twice a week—to set yourself up for success.

Start small:

1. Choose one protein, one veggie, and one starch you love.
2. Cook them in batches (sheet pan, grill, crockpot—whatever works).
3. Store them in containers you already own.

That’s it. Three staples, endless combinations.

🥦 Step 2: Keep It Simple and Flexible

Bulk cooking doesn’t mean eating the same boring meal every day. Use your staples as mix-and-match building blocks:

• Grilled chicken → tacos, stir-fry, or salad
• Roasted veggies → omelets, wraps, or grain bowls
• Rice or potatoes → quick sides or soups

✨ Pro Tip: Add flavor variety with sauces and spices. Changing a sauce changes the entire meal.

🥣 Step 3: Make Your Future Self Proud

You can double recipes, freeze half, or cook one big crockpot meal for easy leftovers. Each little effort today means less mental energy tomorrow.

A couple of hours on Sunday = ten hours saved during your week.

And remember—this is a KISS Method™ habit: Keep It Simple & Sustainable.

Start with your favorites, make it doable, and celebrate progress over perfection.

💛 Your KISS Action Step

This week, block off one small window—an hour or two—to prep your staples.

Then pay attention to how much calmer your week feels (and how much easier it is to eat well).

🎧 Listen to our full conversation on this topic in Episode 12: Habit #5 – Bulk Cooking.

🥰 Want More Simple, Sustainable Habits?

Download our free PDF guide “7 Simple & Easy Habits That Changed Our Lives” for real-life, science-backed shifts that help you feel energized, strong, and at home in your body again.