Behind the scenes, do we really practice what we preach? We challenge 4 FF writers to dare to improve their lives

At Family First, we always try to teach you how to live your best life: Try this therapy. Buy this gadget. Check out this amazing life hack. But behind the scenes, do we really practice what we preach? We challenge 4 FF writers to dare to improve their lives. Does the buzz live up to the hype?

What a Meal Prep

Hadassa Swerds

Meal preparation, also known affectionately as “Meal Prep,” is the process of planning and preparing meals ahead of time.

For the uninitiated, one who is attempting Meal Prep prepares a week’s worth of dinners on Sunday. It’s supposed to save time, effort, and money, and that’s a great idea because who wouldn’t want to save all those things? People who are passionate about Meal Prep swear that they now have time to frolic in the nearby meadows and pursue all their forgotten hobbies in the time they have saved by cooking for the week on Sunday.

This sounded worth a try, but I have to admit, I was less than optimistic. I mean, I’ve known my kids for a while now. I was present at that historic moment when one child asked for a slice of frozen pizza and before the pizza had a chance to fully defrost, he’d changed his mind and wanted a grilled cheese sandwich instead. And I’m supposed to prepare supper for these kids a week in advance?

Sounded like a disaster to me, but I was willing to give it a shot.

Shocking absolutely no one, it went exactly as expected. Sunday was dedicated to mapping out a menu, buying ingredients, and cooking. I sliced, sautéed, baked, and fried.

Monday: They opted for scrambled eggs and toast instead of chicken.

Tuesday: Let’s be real, pasta made in advance is kind of gross. I can admit this now.

Wednesday: Despite it being their favorite meal of all time, no one was in the mood for meatballs. Somehow, frozen fish sticks and tuna were more appealing, leading me to consider getting DNA testing done to see if these really were my children or if they were switched at birth.

Thursday: I gave up and ordered pizza. Two kids asked for the chicken from Monday night instead.

Are we winning at this Meal Prep thing or what?