Meal Prep Reset: Starting October Strong
There’s something about the first of the month that just feels like a fresh start. New pages on the calendar, new goals, and for me—another chance to reset in the kitchen.
I’ll be honest, I’ve always had a hard time starting things in the middle of the month. My brain likes clean beginnings. So the first day of a new month is the perfect time to say, “Okay, let’s start strong.”
That’s where meal prep comes in.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I’m not talking about planning 30 days of meals down to the last bite. Around here, life is busy. My boyfriend’s shifts, appointments, homeschool lessons, homestead chores mean things can (and usually do) change and ball games. But taking a little time at the beginning of the month to reset and look ahead makes the weeks flow so much smoother.
For me, meal prep isn’t about perfection. It’s about peace. Having a plan in place gives me breathing room, and it takes away that 4 p.m. stress of “what’s for dinner?” Even if I only get part of the prep done, it’s still worth it. Because something ready is always better than nothing.
I also give myself room for flexibility. If we end up with leftovers from the weekend, or a last-minute invite throws off the plan, that’s okay. The plan is there to serve us, not trap us.
So here we are—October 1. A fresh month, a new page, and the perfect chance to reset. If you’ve been wanting to get into meal prep but starting mid-month feels too messy, maybe this is your sign to jump in now. Start where you are, and let this month be your strong beginning.
Gentle Tips for Monthly Meal Prep
Think big picture, not every detail. Plan themes (like pasta, tacos, or soups) instead of exact recipes.
Prep what you actually eat. Don’t force trendy meals—use what your family loves.
Double up when you can. Cook once, eat twice. Your future self will thank you.
Leave white space. Life happens—plan for leftovers or last-minute changes.
Remember why. Meal prep isn’t about perfection; it’s about making your days run smoother.
The above meal prep for the week, took 4-5 hours on Sunday afternoon. However, doing this frees up time throughout the week. No need to stop to make lunch, or grab a snack. The kids can grab and go without missing a beat.