Meal Prep: Planning with Flavor

Meal Prep: A Smart Approach to Daily Life

Meal prep involves preparing meals in advance for the whole week, portioning them into ready-to-eat servings. Typically, this means setting aside a day—often Sunday—to cook balanced dishes such as farro salads with legumes, grilled vegetables, or light mains based on fish. These meals are then stored in the refrigerator or freezer to be enjoyed during the following days.

Meal Prep: Benefits for Time, Health, and the Environment

Planning meals ahead of time brings numerous advantages: it saves time throughout the week, reduces daily stress over what to cook, and helps maintain a healthier, more balanced diet. It also allows for more efficient ingredient use, cutting down on food waste and grocery costs. That said, correct storage is essential: meat, fish, and pasta should be consumed within three days if stored in airtight containers in the fridge, while cooked rice should ideally be eaten within 24 hours.

Pasta in Meal Prep Recipes: How to Make It Work

Pasta, an icon of the Mediterranean diet, fits easily into a meal prep routine—with a few practical tips. Cook it al dente and pair it with simple toppings such as seasonal vegetables, legumes, or light sauces. A perfect example is pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, arugula, and mozzarella—ideal for a quick, tasty lunch. To maintain its texture and flavor, it’s best to store the pasta and its dressing separately, combining them just before eating.