Another Kind of Meal Prep with Agnó

Eating healthy and balanced meals is essential for our well-being. But more often than not, the challenge isn’t about wanting to eat well—it’s about the daily question: What should I cook today? Constantly having to decide can be exhausting and frustrating, especially when life is already throwing plenty of challenges your way.

Even though I love cooking freestyle and rarely follow recipes, I find it incredibly draining to decide every single day what to put on the table. What’s in my fridge? How much time do I have to cook today? Do I have a hungry, cranky kid tugging at me—or am I the cranky one?

I’ve also noticed that when we’re not prepared, we often end up eating less healthy meals and throwing away more food. The lack of planning leads to rushed decisions, chaotic grocery shopping, and, unfortunately, unnecessary waste.

Thinking and planning around meals often takes more time and energy than the actual cooking. But with a little bit of organization and preparation, I’ve found a way to stay on top of things, reduce stress, and ensure that we eat healthy, varied meals.

1. Create a Weekly Plan
The cornerstone of success is a realistic weekly meal plan. This doesn’t just mean deciding what to cook but also considering how much time you have on each day.

Example: On Tuesdays, our older child has swimming in the evening, so I need something light and quick to prepare. Thursdays are particularly hectic with music lessons, ballet, and our own appointments. On days like these, I plan meals I can prep in advance or super quick options.

2. Set Themed Days
An easy way to streamline your cooking routine is to designate themed days. This way, you can plan ahead without overthinking every day.

For instance:

• Wednesday: Simple dinners like bread and spreads.
• Friday: Pizza night—whether homemade or store-bought, depending on your time.
• Monday: Leftovers from the weekend—practical and waste-free
• Saturday: Something spontaneous—perfect for trying new ideas or indulging cravings.

Themed days make planning easier while still leaving room for flexibility.

3. Shop with Purpose
A shopping list is your best friend—it saves you time, money, and prevents unnecessary waste. Include 2–3 flexible ingredients for spontaneous meal ideas.

4. Prep Fruits and Vegetables
Wash fruits and vegetables as soon as you get home using baking soda and vinegar. Let salad leaves drain thoroughly, and gently pat dry items like cucumbers. Wrap fresh herbs like parsley or dill in a piece of kitchen paper before storing them in the fridge to keep them fresh for longer.

5. Use Perishables First
Plan your grocery shopping strategically: buy perishables for the days right after your shopping trip and use them up first. This way, you avoid forgotten produce spoiling in the fridge.

With just a bit of planning and preparation, your time in the kitchen can be smoother and more efficient. You’ll save time, reduce stress, and ensure that you and your family eat healthy, balanced meals. Give it a try, small changes can make a big difference!