Hey there!
Happy Momentum Monday (on a Sunday)!
This is your weekly dose of inspiration and practical strategies to kick-start your week and get the ball rollin’!
Welcome to this week’s Momentum Monday on a Sunday, where we’re taking a look at what’s happening inside the kitchen.
Meal prepping is all the rage these days, but have you ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of having to plan, prep, and cook 5-7 entire meals ahead of time? 😵💫 For most of us this is a sure fire way to kick in ADHD shut down, and trust me, I get it. When life feels chaotic and the thought of pre-cooking every meal for the week seems too much, there’s another option: ingredient prepping.
Want to dive deeper into your specific “brand” of ADHD?
Why Ingredient Prepping?
Unlike traditional meal prepping, where you’re cooking full meals in advance, ingredient prepping focuses on preparing the components of meals ahead of time. Think of it as getting a head start on the cooking process without locking yourself into specific dishes. It’s perfect for ADHD brains because it gives you flexibility throughout the week while still saving time. You won’t have to scramble for ingredients when hunger strikes — you’ll have them ready to go, ready to mix and match.
Why It Works
- Flexibility over structure: Some days, you might not be in the mood for that pre-prepped meal you had planned. With ingredient prepping, you have the freedom to switch things up depending on your cravings or energy level.
- Easier to start: Prepping ingredients feels like less of a commitment than making entire meals. You can chop veggies, cook grains, or portion out snacks without feeling overwhelmed by the idea of cooking five dinners in one afternoon.
- Supports creativity: Once you’ve got ingredients prepped, you can mix and match throughout the week. Cooked chicken, roasted veggies, and a grain like quinoa can turn into salads, bowls, or wraps, depending on what you’re feeling at the moment.
- Minimizes decision fatigue: With ADHD, decision fatigue can creep up fast, especially when you’re already running low on energy. Having ingredients prepped takes away the need to decide what to eat from scratch every single time.
Things to Consider
- Storage: Make sure you have enough containers that keep ingredients fresh. Invest in clear containers so you can see exactly what you have available — out of sight often means out of mind!
- Plan for variety: Choose ingredients that can be used in multiple ways to keep your meals interesting. Prepping a mix of proteins, veggies, grains, and sauces can give you endless possibilities for meals.
- Batching is key: When you cook, double up! If you’re boiling quinoa, make extra to use throughout the week. Roasting veggies? Throw a few different kinds on the tray at once to save time and energy.
Action Item:
This week, give ingredient prepping a try. Here’s how to start:
- Pick 2-3 proteins, 2-3 veggies, and 1-2 grains you’d like to have on hand for the week.
- Set aside an hour to batch cook or chop those ingredients.
- Store them in easy-to-see containers in your fridge.
- Throughout the week, mix and match them into quick and easy meals that suit your mood and energy level.
You’ll be surprised at how much faster and less daunting meal times can be! Remember, even a small step like prepping a few ingredients can create more ease and flow in your week.
I’d love to hear from you—let me know how it goes or what combos you come up with. Hit reply and let me know!
And if you’re ready to take a deeper look into strategies like these to better manage your ADHD, feel free to book a free call with me. Let’s make life a little more manageable, together.
I’m also launching another cohort of my 6 week group coaching program, ADHD Academy, starting mid October. (Ladies only for now). If you’re interested book a call or shoot me a message and we’ll get things sorted!
Until next time, let’s keep taking those small, doable steps forward!
Best,
Leah