A MONTH OF NESTING // freezer meals

I can tell the thing they call “nesting” is hitting me.

I’m making lists and trying to knock out cleaning projects and empty closets and organize drawers and get rid of things we aren’t using or don’t need any longer. I’m a huuuuuuuge list-making-lover, and I always keep a composition notebook around with all my respective lists inside, which now has even more lists than normal inside. I have a phone app for lists too, but there’s just nothing quite like taking an actual pen to a page and crossing off something you accomplished. Don’t tell anyone…but sometimes I even put something on the list that’s already been done just so I can cross it off, haha.

Our countdown to baby is down to about five weeks, give or take however many. I’m actually not emotionally attaching myself to a due date because I know that babies come when they come, so mentally I just make myself think April. Maybe the beginning of April or maybe the end…and while of course I hope our baby decides to come sooner rather than later, I know it will hang out in there as long as it needs to in order to be ready to be born. And that’s ok.

One of the things I’m setting out to do before baby is stock our freezer with some ready-made meals…breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. We like to eat tasty and nutritious food as much as possible, and I know that my time will be limited in the kitchen in the weeks and months after our baby is born. The more I can prepare ahead of time the less we will need to rely on take-out or throw-together meals. We’ll want to have as much time as we can soaking up our little one’s first weeks and enjoying that short newborn stage, so the less we have to worry about making meals the better!

Some of the meal prep I have on my list include a lasagna or two, breakfast sandwiches, lentil hot pockets (crossed off yesterday!), white bean and sausage soup, batches of brown rice, lunch wraps, meatballs, and some chicken curries. I also want to do some snacky foods too, since I hear that keeping up with a hungry newborn can keep your appetite rolling and hungry as well! Nut and seed bars, granola bars, and oatmeal cookies are all on the list too. I’ve also cooked up a bunch of chicken to have on hand to throw on top of a salad or make chicken salad sandwiches or a quick chicken and hummus wrap. Quick and easy is where it’s at!

What about you: what are some of your favorite freezer meals to have on hand for those busy days? 

I’d love to hear your thoughts + suggestions!