Six glass containers with assorted healthy meals including vegetables, grains, and proteins on a wooden table.
Meal Planning

🌻 Let’s Talk Meal Prep (But Make It Realistic)

A new month is right around the corner, and that usually means one thing… let’s start thinking about meal planning.

Summer is nearing, and everyone is in their ā€œflat belly for sunshine and swimsuitsā€ era.
Okay, maybe not everyone… but a lot of people. And honestly? I’m here for it.

But also… I’m kinda lazy. šŸ˜…

Not lazy lazy—but I’m at a point where I just can’t add another huge, time-consuming habit into my life. I’m focusing on small, doable steps that actually stick.

And for me? Meal prepping healthier options is one of those steps.

Because here’s the truth:

  • I have no problem eating the same thing a few days in a row
  • I also have no problem eating fast food multiple days in a row… if I don’t have anything prepared

So let’s help out the pocketbook and our bodies a little—and prepare ahead.


šŸ  BBQ Chicken Loaded Sweet Potatoes

This one is EASY, flexible, and perfect for a few days of meals.

Start with your chicken:

  • Grab a rotisserie chicken (my go-to šŸ™Œ)
  • OR bake, grill, or slow cook your own
  • Do what works for you—no overthinking it

Make your BBQ chicken mix:
In a bowl, combine:

  • Diced or Shredded chicken
  • Coleslaw mix (hello crunch + easy veggies)
  • Your favorite sugar-free BBQ sauce
  • Plain Greek yogurt (or blended cottage cheese—trust me)
  • Optional: ranch seasoning for a little extra flavor
  • Splash of something tangy: pickle juice or lemon juice both work great

Mix it all up and keep it stored in the fridge.

Now the base:

  • Bake your sweet potatoes (you can totally batch these ahead of time)
  • When ready to eat, reheat and slice one open
  • Sprinkle a little shredded cheese on top while it’s hot (optional but recommended šŸ˜‰)

Top it off:
Spoon that BBQ chicken mixture right on top.


šŸ§€ Adult Lunchable (aka My Kind of Meal Prep)

Another great lunch option for being prepared for the week—because sometimes you just need something simple, snacky, and ready to go.

Have healthy options ready!

Who doesn’t love a good adult lunchable, snack plate-style lunch?

Here’s what I throw together:

  • A couple hard-boiled eggs
  • Cucumbers
  • Sweet peppers
  • Mini Babybel cheeses
  • Fruit—whatever looks good or is on sale that week

And my favorite part…

Little pinwheels:

  • Low carb tortilla
  • Hummus
  • Turkey
  • Roll it up and slice into your little ā€œMidwest sushi rollsā€ šŸ˜„

Store everything in a container in the fridge and you’ve got a grab-and-go lunch that actually keeps you full.


šŸ„— Protein Pasta Salad (Make Once, Eat All Week)

If you want something a little more ā€œmeal-likeā€ but still easy and prep-friendly—this is it.

Cook your base:

  • Your favorite pasta (regular, whole wheat, or protein pasta)

Throw it together:
In a big bowl, mix:

  • Cooked & cooled pasta
  • Grilled or shredded chicken (or chickpeas for a plant-based option)
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Red onion (if you like a little bite)
  • Shredded mozzarella or feta

Dressing:

  • Italian dressing OR
  • Olive oil + vinegar + Italian seasoning

Mix it all up and store in the fridge.

Why I love this one:

  • It gets better after sitting for a day or two
  • You can eat it cold (no reheating needed šŸ™Œ)
  • Easy to portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches

šŸ’› Real Life Tip

Keep things prepped and stored separately when you can.
It makes throwing meals together during the week quick, easy, and way less tempting to hit the drive-thru.


This is one of those routines that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together… without actually spending hours trying to get it together.

Small steps. Simple wins. That’s what we’re going for. 🌻

Simply Samantha 🌻
Simply Real. Simply Me.


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Samantha Christensen's avatar

Hi, I’m Samantha 🌻 A wife, mom of 3, and veteran who believes in keeping life real and simple. Here I share recipes, organizing tips, and inspiration for everyday living.

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