Two full weeks have gone by and you continue to inspire me with your meal prep consistency.  Take a look at some of the top pics from Week 2 of the #MealPrepChallenge:

But remember:

Motivation may get you started, but habit keeps you going.

 

On that note, let’s feed the momentum and keep this going.

Happy Week 3 and look forward to seeing your prep pics!

How the challenge works: 

• To download your meal prep planner and participate in the challenge, click here
• The format chosen for this meal prep challenge is a mix and match prep. This means preparing starches, proteins and veggies separately, for versatile eating during the week.
• Meal Prep List: Below is your meal prep list for the week. It lists the suggested options for starches, proteins, vegetables and snacks for the week along with this week’s featured make-ahead recipe: Roasted Brussels and Apples
• Prep 1 or more of the suggested foods in each category: 1 x starch, 1 x protein, 1 x veggie and 1 x snack.
• Feel free to make more or less depending on your needs, but try to prepare one of the weekly featured recipes in your prep.
• You can use your own menu as inspiration if necessary. For example, if the prep list suggests quinoa as your starch, but you have a chicken and rice stir-fry on the menu later this week, then prep rice instead.
• Remember that there is no right or wrong way to prep, you need to do what works for you.
• Don’t forget to post your Prep Pictures using #MotiveMealPrep #MealPrepChallenge on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook!

 

Baked oats

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

• 3 apples, peeled and sliced 
• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 3 cups water
• Pinch salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup 
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Method

• 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease an 8 x 8 baking dish with butter or coconut oil.
• 2. Place the apples in the baking dish.  In a large bowl, combine the oats, water, salt, cinnamon, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
• 3. Pour the mixture over the apples. Sprinkle the nuts over the top.
• 5. Bake for 40 minutes. It should start to pull away from the sides slightlyand still be runny, but it will firm-up as it cools.
• 6. Serve immediately or refrigerate once the baked oats have cooled and enjoy for breakfasts during the week.
• NB: If using quick-cooking steel cut oats (Bob’s Red Mill) reduce cooking time to 25 minutes.

 

Hard-boiled eggs

• 1.Place one or more eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil.
• 2.As soon as it boils, remove from the stove, cover with a lid and let stand for 12 minutes.
• 3.Immediately rinse under cold running water. Peel and enjoy right away or store in a container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

 

Mediterranean chicken thighs

Serves: 4

Ingredients 

• 1.5 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
•  3 garlic gloves, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 14 oz can diced tomatoes (398 ml)
• 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and halved
• Sprigs fresh rosemary
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Method 

1.In large bowl, combine paprika, oregano, salt and pepper. Add the chicken thighs
and coat well in the spice mixture.

2.In a large dutch oven over medium heat, heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Lay the chicken thighs in the bottom of the pan. Sear until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

3.Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil along with the garlic, onions, lemon juice. Sauté 3 minutes. Return chicken to the pan, along with the broth, diced tomato, olives, and a pinch of salt and pepper

4.Cover and let simmer until the chicken is cooked through, another 20-25 minutes.

5.Remove from the heat, taste to adjust seasoning, garnish with fresh parsley and serve with quinoa. Or store in the refrigerator up to 4 days.

 

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Watch video here

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, washed and halved
• 2 apples (Granny smith or Gala), cut in chunks
• 1 shallot, sliced into rounds
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (plus 1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• Kosher salt and pepper

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the Brussels sprouts, apples and shallot on the baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, 2 tablespoons of vinegar and the maple syrup until combined. Pour over the brussels
   spouts and apples and toss.
4. Spread the mixture evenly over the baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and place in the preheated oven. Cook 25-30 minutes, until golden brown, turning once to ensure even browning.
5. Transfer to a bowl, toss with remaining 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and serve.

 

Peanut butter and banana bars

Dry ingredients

• 1 cup quick oats
• 1/2 cup spelt flour (or other whole grain flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup chopped dates (4 medium-sized dates)
• 3 tablespoons dark chocolate chips

Wet ingredients

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 banana, peeled
• 1/3 cup all natural peanut butter
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8X8inch baking pan with coconut oil or unsalted butter. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Making sure to properly incorporate the dates and chocolate throughout the mixture using your fingers.

3. In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, combine the honey, banana, peanut butter and cinnamon. Process until smooth.

4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and stir to combine.

5. Press the mixture into the pan using your hands, you may wet them to prevent sticking. Then, using a piece of parchment paper, press down with your fist to even-out the surface.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

7. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Store in an airtight container or keep in the freezer.

 

If you haven’t joined the  Meal Prep Challenge it’s not too late. This 8 week series and challenge is dedicated entirely to meal prep and designed to keep you motivated, inspired and committed the whole way through. You can sign up for the challenge here  and you will receive a starter pack with all the details.

 

What are your favourite Meal Prep staples?