Just like anything else, once you start a meal prep routine that works for you and your family, you'll go on autopilot.

1. Find a recipe the whole family enjoys—this is honestly the most challenging part! I have two picky girls and a picky husband. Finding something everyone enjoys is tough. In our house, I prefer to eat more plant-based, while my husband enjoys both plants and meat. He loves seafood, and I'm still waiting for my seafood taste buds to develop. For us, that recipe is this one: instant pot honey chicken! It's easy to make, add some whole grains and veggies, and you have a meal ready within 30 minutes. When I make one batch, I usually double it and freeze it because I know we will use it again. 
2. Once you find a recipe, make it on repeat. Make it once a week for 2-3 weeks, prepare it in a few batches, and freeze it. Kids will keep eating a meal if they like it; they don't mind having it 2-3 times a month (just spaced out).
3. When you have a good freezer stash, you can defrost throughout the month. OR, once you've made it a few times, you'll go on autopilot when you make it. It becomes faster, taking less time to prepare, and you'll most likely have the ingredients stocked in your pantry as well.
4. Let me repeat: YOUR FAMILY WILL EAT A RECIPE THEY LIKE 2-3 TIMES A MONTH. When I had my first daughter and started making more family meals, I tried being ultra-creative and making new dishes each week. I got so exhausted from meal prepping and planning because it was taking too much time—mentally and physically. Once I started following the steps above, it became more simplified and more comfortable. Now, I just ask my kids the week before, "What would you like for dinner next week?" I sometimes suggest ideas if they can't think of anything, and usually, it's their go-to dishes—quesadilla night, homemade pizza night, "honey chicken" night.

I recently tried this recipe as a different version of the classic broccoli casserole, and it was a hit! I'm going to add this to our monthly rotations too. 

I hope you find this helpful for kickstarting your meal prepping! Have questions? Send them my way. I'm here for you as you start your health & wellness journey.