Whether you’re taking the L or the bus, every Chicagoan commuter can benefit from meal prep. As you hurry to your next destination, you need something that will travel well with you, while also supporting nutritious and balanced eating. From no-microwave meals to easy budget-friendly recipes, our guide covers meal prep recipes that save you time and money, taste great, and make your commute that much easier.
Why Meal Prep Is a Game-Changer for Chicagoans
In a city known for its fast-paced energy and commutes, meal prepping just makes sense for Chicagoans. Setting a few hours aside each week to plan your meals can save you a ton of time and energy during busy workweeks. It also helps avoid the high cost of downtown lunch options or impulse buys at Union Station.
By meal prepping, you reclaim your weeknights from the challenge of last-minute cooking and fuel your body with nutritious food for long commute days. When you plan ahead, you also get to shop for specific ingredients and prevent food waste, stretching your grocery budget further so you can enjoy your favorite tasty meals throughout the week.
Easy Meal Prep for Chicago Commuters
With a few simple steps, you can create a meal plan that’s easy to travel with and eat on the go, fueling your workweek and saving you time and money:
No-Microwave-Needed Portable Lunch Ideas
For weekday batch cooking for commuters, focus on portable lunch ideas that don’t require a microwave. Some great options include:
- Mason jar salads: These salads are a commuter’s best friend. All you need to do is layer your ingredients with the dressing at the bottom, followed by hearty veggies, grains, and greens on top. This keeps everything crispy until you’re ready to eat.
- Hearty wraps and sandwiches: Wraps and sandwiches are another commuter go-to, but you’ll need to keep the wet ingredients, like tomatoes or pickles, separate until lunchtime to keep everything dry. You can also use sturdy breads like ciabatta to keep the sandwich tasty and intact for lunch.
- Power and grain bowls: Power bowls make another great option for cold-friendly lunches. Simply batch cook your grains, such as quinoa or brown rice, and add precooked proteins like chicken, tofu, or beans. Finally, toss in raw or roasted veggies and you’re done. These bowls are easy to pack, stay fresh, and are satisfying even when eaten cold, making them the perfect nutritious option for Chicagoan commuters.
Dinners That Double as Tomorrow’s Lunch
Save even more time and effort by making dinners that double as tomorrow’s lunch. Slow-cooker recipes are ideal for commuters. Simply toss in your favorite protein, veggies, and seasonings in the morning, and then come home to a hot meal ready for portioning out for the next day.
Sheet-pan meals are another lifesaver. Roast your mix of protein, like chicken, salmon, or tofu, with vegetables in a single pan. It’s easy to clean up, reheats well, and tastes great cold, so you can easily pack leftovers for lunch. When you batch cook your dinners with lunch in mind, you save time, avoid food waste, and always have a nutritious option to grab and go.
Budget-Friendly Meal Prep Ideas
Meal prepping doesn’t have to break the bank. Start by choosing budget-friendly staples like beans, lentils, brown rice, and seasonal produce from your local market or discount grocers. Think about meals that use overlapping ingredients and go from there. For example:
- Roasted veggies that work in both bowls and wraps.
- A big batch of shredded chicken to add to salads, tacos, and sandwiches.
- Egg muffins or frittatas made with leftover veggies and cheese, for grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks.
Buy your proteins in bulk and freeze portions for later use — you can leave leftovers in the fridge for three to four days or frozen for three to four months to keep flavor intact. Embrace recipes like chili and stir-fry that span many meals, can be easily reheated at work, or eaten cold and still taste great. Additionally, don’t overlook frozen fruits and vegetables. They’re typically more affordable and just as nutritious as fresh ones.
With these ideas in mind, you can create a week’s worth of delicious, balanced meals without overspending.
A Sample Weekend Prep Schedule
With a clear plan, you can make meal prep seamless. Here’s a sample prep schedule to guide your first week:
- Saturday or Sunday morning (1 hour): Head to your favorite grocery store or local market. Focus on your meal plan and stick to your list. When you get home, wash and chop all your produce for the week. This will make cooking during the week much faster.
- Sunday evening (1-2 hours): Batch cook your grains, roast a tray of mixed vegetables, and cook your proteins. While everything cooks, assemble mason jar salads or portion out meals for the first few days. Store everything in leakproof containers for easy grab-and-go access.
