Between juggling school runs, work meetings, and the never-ending question of “What’s for dinner?”, it’s no wonder Aussie mums are feeling stretched thin. But what if a simple shift in your weekly routine could ease the chaos, boost your mood, and help your family eat better? Enter: meal prepping.
Youfoodz, the Aussie favourite for ready-made meals, has teamed up with accredited dietitians Anna Debenham and Alex Parker of The Biting Truth to launch their new Psychology of Meal Prepping campaign. This initiative is encouraging families to ‘embrace the prep’ with practical tips and tricks to turn meal prepping into the ultimate form of self-care.
Why Meal Prep Works for Families
Meal prepping isn’t about cooking every meal from scratch or eating the same thing all week. It’s about taking small steps to plan and prepare some of your meals in advance, so you’re less likely to make rushed or unhealthy decisions when life gets busy.
“Failing to plan is planning to fail,” say Anna and Alex, whose practical approach to meal prep is helping busy families feel more in control of their food and their time.
Research shows that people who plan their meals tend to eat more fruit and vegetables, have better diet quality overall, and are less likely to be overweight or obese.
Meal prep also helps with portion control — a big win when kids are in a growth spurt or you’re trying to eat a bit healthier yourself.
Meal prep gives you the chance to portion out meals and snacks in advance, which can help you eat more mindfully and avoid going back for unnecessary seconds,” say Anna and Alex.
And let’s not forget the mental load. As mums, we’re often the ones answering the dreaded 5pm question: “What’s for dinner?” Meal prep takes that pressure off.
“Meal prep takes one big decision off your plate, freeing up mental space and reducing daily stress,” they explain.
Tips from the Experts (That You’ll Actually Use)
If you’re thinking this all sounds great but don’t know where to start—don’t stress. Anna & Alex recommend starting small. Just an hour on a Sunday can make a world of difference.
Here are Anna and Alex’s top tips to ‘embrace the prep’ in your busy family:
- Pick your prep day. “Treat it like self-care or a commitment to your future self,” they say.
- Start with a plan. Choose your trickiest meals — like school lunches or weeknight dinners — and build from there.
- Keep it balanced. Aim for protein, wholegrains, veggies, and healthy fats.
- Invest in good containers. Reusable and microwave-safe is key. “You can find great and affordable options at your local Woolworths, Coles or Kmart.”
- Keep a list of go-to meals. “This becomes your meal prep ‘library’ that you can rotate each week to save brain space.”
You don’t have to cook every meal in full. Ingredient prep—like chopping veggies or boiling eggs—can be just as helpful. And for the really busy nights? Having frozen veggies, tins of tuna, or pre-made meals like Youfoodz ready to go can be a total lifesaver.
No Perfection Required
Meal prep doesn’t have to be perfect. As the dietitians put it, “It’s about being prepared enough to make healthy choices easier and reduce stress during the week.”
So, whether you’re prepping a week’s worth of lunches or just making sure tomorrow night’s dinner is sorted, you’re doing something great for your family — and for yourself.
For more tips and expert advice on how to take back meal prep control in the kitchen, check out the Youfoodz Psychology of Meal Prepping Hub.
