Meal prepping as a single mom of a toddler isn’t about Instagram-worthy bento boxes—it’s about survival. Let’s talk about how to feed yourself and your toddler without feeling like you’ve signed up for an episode of Top Chef: Perimenopause Edition.

1. Keep It Simple, Superstar

Meal prepping doesn’t mean spending your Sunday cooking seven elaborate dishes. Think mix-and-match.

• The Tip: Focus on three basic categories: a protein, a carb, and a veggie. Roast a batch of chicken, steam some rice, and sauté frozen veggies.

• The Reality: By Wednesday, your toddler will insist on peanut butter sandwiches anyway.

2. Let Your Toddler “Help”

Toddlers love to feel involved, even if their “help” adds 30 minutes to the task.

• The Tip: Give them a small, safe job, like stirring ingredients or putting pre-cut fruit into containers.

• The Reality: Half the blueberries will end up in their mouth, but hey, fewer to prep!

3. Embrace the Freezer Section

Frozen foods are a busy mom’s best friend. Pre-chopped veggies, ready-to-cook rice, and frozen fish fillets can save your life on a hectic night.

• The Tip: Stock up on freezer staples that can be tossed together in minutes.

• The Reality: You’ll feel like a genius when dinner takes 15 minutes, and your toddler calls it “yummy!”

4. Batch Cook Like a Pro

Make one big meal and repurpose it throughout the week.

• The Tip: Cook a pot of chili or spaghetti sauce, and use it for multiple meals (over pasta, in wraps, or with rice).

• The Reality: Your toddler will ask, “Again?” by Day 3, but you’ll only have one pot to clean.

5. Cheat Shamelessly

There’s no rule against shortcuts. Rotisserie chicken, pre-made sauces, and meal delivery kits are lifesavers.

• The Tip: Keep a stash of “emergency” meals like boxed mac and cheese or canned soup.

• The Reality: Your toddler might think boxed mac and cheese is a gourmet delicacy.

6. Snack Prep Is Still Meal Prep

When all else fails, snacks can be meals, too.

• The Tip: Prep grab-and-go snacks like string cheese, fruit, and crackers. Perfect for car rides, tantrums, or late-night hunger pangs.

• The Reality: Your toddler will eat their snack, your snack, and ask for more.

Final Thoughts

Meal prepping isn’t about perfection—it’s about making life easier. If you’ve got a fridge full of options and a toddler who’s not crying for snacks (for the next 10 minutes), you’ve won.

Now go ahead and pour yourself a glass of water (or wine). You’ve earned it.