If the term “meal prep” brings to mind eating a boring, flavorless parade of chicken, veggies and rice for five days, you’re not alone.
The good news is, preparing your meals for the week ahead doesn’t have to be repetitive and joyless—and it shouldn’t be.
That’s why we’ve rounded up the best YouTube channels to add a little inspiration to your prep. Plus, the vloggers behind these videos give you step-by-step instructions and exact how-tos, so your time spent in the kitchen can be as efficient and productive as possible. After all, meal prepping is about making your busy schedule a little less so, not ruining your weekend.
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Whether you’re a long-time Sunday prepper or are just starting out, here are five YouTube channels that will leave you seriously inspired to cook for the week ahead. You might even be excited when you open up that mason jar on your lunch break.
5 Meal Prep Youtube Channels to Watch Now
1. HealthNut Nutrition
It’s no wonder that most of the videos in HealthNut Nutrition’s meal prep series have the word “easy” in the title. Her meal prep recipes are stress-free and perfect for newbies. She even has an introductory video that will help you learn all the prepping basics, from cooking up a big batch of grains and making your own nut milk to roasting veggies, chicken, and more.
2. Fit Men Cook
Kevin Curry, creator of Fit Men Cook, has packed his YouTube channel with plenty of good for you (and your wallet) recipes that you can prep at the beginning of the week and warm up on any given weekday to give you the fuel needed to make it through daily workouts. Plus, many of his recipes contain allergy-friendly and vegan-friendly ingredient swaps, like this coconut chicken curry, where he suggests replacing the peanut butter with almond or cashew butter and chicken with eggplant or tofu, depending on your dietary preferences.
3. The Domestic Geek
Sara Lynn Cauchon’s videos are filled with plenty of delicious single meal recipes that could make for great leftovers the rest of the week—but the real star of the channel is her collection of “Healthy Meal Prep Menus.” With recipes ranging from gluten-free salmon cakes to vegan tofu scrambles, she’s got you covered for easy no-stress breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Recommended must-watch: “Healthy Meal Prep Menu 3.”
4. Caitlin Shoemaker
If you’re vegan or are simply looking for ways to work more plant-based recipes into your meal prep, Caitlin Shoemaker’s videos are the ones to watch. Her channel features vegan recipes, budget-friendly meals, and, of course, make-ahead dishes to get you through the week. Most of the videos in her meal prep playlist are perfect for packing up in a bento box (her to-go container of choice) or Tupperware and bringing for a delicious work or school-day meal.
5. Fit Couple Cooks
This YouTube channel was once known as “Classy Cookin’ With Chef Stef,” but when Stephanie met Adam, an Australian chef and personal trainer, they rebranded the channel into “Fit Couple Cooks.” Together, they cover all the basics of meal prep times two, with plenty of healthy and affordable options and a focus on protein- and veggie-filled meals. Take a cue from them and grab a friend or significant other for a two-person day of prep, which will add a stress-busting social element into the mix.
(Featured Photo: Shutterstock)
