Meal prepping can be a game-changer when it comes to maintaining a healthy and balanced vegan lifestyle. Planning and preparing your meals in advance not only saves time during busy weekdays but also ensures that you have nutritious and delicious meals readily available. If you’re new to meal prepping, don’t fret! In this article, we will guide you through how to meal prep 12 easy vegan recipes in just 90 minutes.

1. Start with a shopping list:
Before diving into the prep work, take some time to plan your meals and create a shopping list. Choose recipes that feature ingredients that are easily available at your local grocery store. Aim for diversity in terms of flavors and nutrients. Some essentials to include in your list are grains (such as rice or quinoa), legumes (like chickpeas or lentils), vegetables (both fresh and frozen), and seasonings.

2. Batch cook grains:
Grains are versatile and can be used as a base for multiple dishes. Examples include rice, quinoa, or couscous. Cook a large batch of your preferred grain following the package instructions, seasoning it lightly with salt or herbs for added flavor.

3. Prepare roasted veggies:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Chop an assortment of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, sweet potatoes, broccoli, or cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Spread them onto baking trays lined with parchment paper and roast for about 25-30 minutes until they become tender and slightly crispy.

4. Make a big pot of soup:
Soups are an easy way to pack in nutrients while keeping you satisfied throughout the week. Choose simple recipes using vegetables like carrots, spinach, tomatoes, or legumes like lentils or beans as the main ingredients. Prepare a large pot that will yield enough servings for several days.

5. Prep a variety of salads:
Salads are convenient for a quick, refreshing meal. Mix and match ingredients like leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, bell peppers, and shredded carrots. Store the ingredients separately to keep them fresh, and assemble your salads just before serving for the best texture and taste.

6. Create a Buddha bowl assembly line:
Buddha bowls are a trendy and well-rounded option for meal prepping. Prepare different components like roasted tofu or tempeh, steamed vegetables, grains, and homemade dressings. Store each component separately and assemble the bowls right before eating.

7. Make versatile dips and sauces:
Having homemade dips and sauces can elevate any dish while adding variety to your meals. Options like hummus, guacamole, or tahini dressing can be used as spreads or to drizzle over roasted vegetables or grain bowls.

8. Portion out individual servings:
Once all your components are prepared, divide them into individual portions using reusable containers or jars. This will ensure that you have grab-and-go meals ready throughout the week. Label each container with the name of the dish and its date of preparation to stay organized.

9. Store in the fridge or freezer:
Place your prepped meals in the refrigerator if you plan on consuming them within 3-4 days. For longer shelf life, freeze some portions individually so you can take them out when needed.

10. Reheat properly:
When it’s time to enjoy your prepped meals, remember to reheat them thoroughly for food safety reasons. Use microwave-safe containers or reheat in a saucepan until piping hot if necessary.

By following these steps, you can easily meal prep 12 delicious vegan recipes in just 90 minutes as a beginner. Not only will this save you time during busy weekdays but it will also help you stay on track with your vegan lifestyle goals while enjoying diverse and tasty meals. Happy prepping!