The holiday season is filled with joy and expenses. One way to ease the financial burden is through holiday meal prep. By planning and preparing ahead, you can save money and make your celebrations more enjoyable. Here are eight reasons why meal prep should be part of your holiday strategy.
1. Avoid Last-Minute Grocery Markups
Stores start planning for the holidays well in advance. That means sales as early as three months in advance. Stores typically offer sales on decore and food items. By planning, you can take advantage of sales and avoid paying premium prices for last-minute holiday staples.
2. Reduce Food Waste
When you put time into planning out your shopping trips you’re being mindful of the resources you’re using. You keep in mind what you need and how much you need. Essentially, prepping meals ensures you buy only what you need, cutting down on waste and unnecessary spending.
3. Maximize Bulk Discounts
Some things you will use time and time again. Things that come to mind that fit this concept include condiments, spices, baking ingredients, and other similar products. By purchasing these ingredients in bulk you can split them across multiple dishes for significant savings.
4. Save on Dining Out
When you cook, you’re not going out. Preparing meals at home eliminates the need for pricey restaurant takeout during the busy holiday season. This is especially monetarily advantageous when holiday meals and seasonal menus come at a high markup.
5. Efficient Use of Leftovers
Most meals leave you with leftovers. You can turn leftovers into new dishes, stretching your budget further without sacrificing flavor. Or you can just reheat what you have for a tasty part two of a meal you enjoy.
6. Cut Energy Costs
At a time when people are cutting costs any way they can, consider batch cooking. By prepping lots of meals at once, or large portions at once, you reduce the usage of the stove and oven. Over time it can contribute to lower utility bills during a season of high energy consumption.
7. DIY Desserts and Treats
As with holiday meals, desserts come with a high markup during the holidays, Unless you’re getting frozen desserts on sale, making your own may be your best cost-effective bet. Making your holiday cookies and candies is often cheaper than buying them pre-made. They can also be healthier and better tasting.
8. Simplify Holiday Hosting
Hosting can be tiresome and costly, however you can simplify the process. You can do so by preparing dishes in advance. Cooking holiday meals up to two days in advance allows for peak freshness. It can also reduce stress and cut down on last-minute, costly emergency purchases.
Make the Holiday Season Less Stressful With Meal Prep
Holiday meal prep is not just a money-saving strategy, it’s a way to make the season more enjoyable and less stressful. By planning and using these tips, you can focus on what truly matters: celebrating with your loved ones. Consider incorporating some meal prep techniques into your season to make things easier on yourself.