Make Ahead Freezer Breakfasts for Busy Mornings: here's what actually helps. On an average day, Americans spend about 37 minutes preparing and cleaning up after meals. A 2008-2009 study found that those who spent the least amount of time cooking were working adults who valued convenience.
Why Make Ahead Freezer Breakfasts Work for Busy People
A busy lifestyle is often a major reason why people opt for quick-take out meals. These meals are frequently loaded with calories and contribute to weight gain. Meal prepping can help you save time, money, and access healthier eating options.
Some research suggests that spending more than 90 minutes a day cooking decreases the intake of processed foods and increases the consumption of nutritious foods. People who spend more time preparing meals at home also save money. Those who spent less than an hour a day preparing food ate more fast food and spent more money eating out.
The real driver of successful meal prepping is to set aside several hours one day a week to prepare food for the week ahead. Make enough food for several meals, then freeze or refrigerate the prepared food to use later in the week. Cooked meals freeze well in airtight containers.
Although it may not seem like meal prepping saves time at first - it usually does pay off, especially if you're trying to eat a healthy diet.
Freezer Breakfast Recipes You Can Make Ahead
Over-easy eggs can be frozen, so long as you use the right technique. You'll need a couple dozen egg muffins, an empty ice cube tray, and about 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Crack one egg into each well of a 12-muffin tin.
- Bake until the whites are set and the yolks begin to thicken - about 18-20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and carefully remove the egg muffins from the tin. Let them cool.
- Using your hands or a spoon, crack the yolk of each muffin. Gently push the yolk into the white.
- Carefully place one egg muffin into each hole of an ice cube tray. You may need two trays.
- Place the ice cube tray in the freezer for 2-3 hours or overnight. Once the eggs are frozen solid, remove from the ice cube tray and place in a freezer bag.
The baked eggs can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. To reheat, place in the microwave for 45 seconds. Add a sprinkle of salt, pepper - or hot sauce for flavor.
Tips for Making and Storing Frozen Breakfasts
Eat leftovers within 3-4 days if you refrigerate them, and label your frozen meals with the date you made them so you know how long they've been in the freezer. One-third of all food in the U.S. is wasted. So if you know you won't eat the food, consider donating it to a food bank.
You can also find containers that come with an insert that keeps produce from sitting on the bottom, where collected moisture can cause spoilage. Be sure to use airtight containers, and consider portion control containers for taking healthy snacks or lunches on the go. If you're baking proteins - use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven temperature is accurate.
When to Avoid Make Ahead Freezer Breakfasts
It may sound like meal prepping is the answer to all your health and nutrition problems, but it isn't for everyone. You may be someone who likes to decide at the last minute what you want to eat, or you may dislike having a strict eating plan. Sometimes life throws curveballs that throw off your schedule, and you may end up eating less or more than you planned. Or maybe you just don't enjoy cooking.
For people who do meal prepping, the savings in health and finances are clear. But if you feel meal prepping adds stress or guilt about eating - you may want to try another method of healthy eating.
