There’s nothing like strolling into Monday knowing dinner is already in the bag-literally, in those air-tight containers lining my fridge. I love meal prepping. It gives me a sense of control over what lands on my plate. It just makes me feel calmer knowing everything’s done and dusted before the week even kicks off. No more nightly debates of “What sounds good tonight?”- the unofficial global fight that haunts every couple from here to Timbuktu.

That said, I’m not a tyrant about my menu. Before I lock anything in, I poll the family (“Taco’s Monday, wings Tuesday?), and if we get a craving for buffalo sauce instead of tortillas, we roll with it. Flexibility is key. Just having a plan means I don’t spend all day forgetting to eat. Then I avoid binge-snacking until I’m too full for breakfast the next morning.

I’m a creature of habit when it comes to breakfast and lunch. I have to force myself to eat these two meals. If I nail those, I snack far less at night. Meal prep helps me stick to that rhythm.

Without further ado, here are three of my family’s favorite staples. These are the ones that keep us fueled and sane. Sometimes, we even find ourselves dancing in stretchy pants with a cup of strong tea in hand.

Rainbow Pickle Power Jars

Crunchy carrots, cucumbers, daikon, jalapeños- you name it, I pickle it. Pretty much, every weekend I whip up a big batch. That way I can scoop a rainbow into any bowl all week long. Snack straight from the jar, pile them on taco’s, or my salad for some zip. It’s my go-to “Veggie Candy”

Homemade Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing

I start with my homemade mayo (made by blending avocado oil, 1 egg, some mustard, vinegar and salt). I mix that with coconut milk, fresh herbs, lemon juice, apple-cider vinegar. Celery sticks dunked into salty ranch? Match made in heaven. Snap peas? Always, Wings? Mandatory. I stash a jar of this in the fridge every single week.

Whipped Dark Chocolate Cherry Coconut Yogurt

Seriously, who doesn’t want chocolate-covered cherries for breakfast? I mix my chocolate collagen protein powder with coconut yogurt. Mix in dark cocoa powder, some vanilla and almond extract, 1 cup of thawed sweet cherries. Blast that in the blender until smooth. Once it sets up, it’s like a light airy mousse. Weekdays, this is my morning ritual-otherwise it’s a protein shake, or nothing.

Meal prepping isn’t about rigidity. It’s about setting yourself up for success. This way, you spend less time staring at the fridge. You spend more time actually eating (and living) well. Give these a whirl, tweak to your taste, and let me know which jars and cups you can’t live without.