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      8 Expert Tips That Make Meal Planning a Breeze

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      When you see the word “meal prep,” do you automatically get stressed? Perhaps you add “preparing healthy meals ahead of time” to the category of adulting tasks you never seem to be “adult enough” to get to. Maybe you’ve tried and tried (and tried) to meal prep, but because you’re bored/busy/unmotivated, it hasn’t become a habit. While I feel your pain, meal prepping is a key part of a healthy diet because it ensures we can make healthy decisions and opt for nutritious foods, even during busy or stressful weeks (AKA every week).Here’s the good news: you don’t have to spend your entire weekend grocery shopping and chopping, and you don’t even have to put a lot of time and effort into it to get your meal-prep game strong. Using a few expert tips, meal prepping can not only be easy, but it can be so streamlined, you won’t have to give it a second thought. Here are eight expert tips that make meal planning a breeze:

      Source: @blueapron

      1. Go the delivery service route
      We get it: some weeks are just so busy that you don’t have time to plan, prepare, and cook your meals. If you find yourself opting for takeout every night or you check Uber Eats more than you check Instagram, a meal delivery service might transform your eating habits and lifestyle. Blue Apron offers health-conscious options like vegetarian, carb-conscious, 600 calories or less, etc., so not only can you select meals that you’ll look forward to all day, but you’ll be eating meals that help you achieve health goals. With 23 weekly recipes, there is quite literally something for everyone, no matter your tastes or diet preferences. 
      Plus, Blue Apron is now offering a variety of customizations since they know everyone (and their tastebuds) are different. For example, you can now swap, add or upgrade proteins on select meals to ensure that everyone in your home can enjoy the meal, no matter preferences or diets.. In other words, even your vegetarian roommate, meat-loving significant other, or picky kids will love it (insider tip: look for the “see options” box under the meal’s image after signing up to see if it is customizable). 
      Thanks to more customization, it’s like you really are your own gourmet chef, except with a lot less hassle and a lot more ease. When you’re doing all the “prepping” online, the groceries show up at your door with a recipe and perfect proportions, and you can customize to your personal tastes or preferences, cooking becomes a no-brainer. Blue Apron removes all the pain of meal prepping: you’ll have delicious, fresh, healthy meals every night and won’t even feel tempted to order a pizza.
      New customers: click here to save over $60 on your first 3 boxes!

      Source: Eating Bird Food

      2. Organize your fridge
      Have you heard the saying that your life is only as organized as your fridge? OK, even if it’s not a real saying, I’m saying it because it’s true. If you can’t even see what’s in the fridge (we all have that one jar shoved to the back) or it’s so full that you don’t have room for anything new, you’re making your life (and your healthy diet) a lot harder. Reorganize your foods by first cleaning out anything expired, and then store the oldest foods in the front and newest in the back (grocery-store style) so you remember to eat those first. This will highlight what foods you have, but most importantly will reduce food waste. Finally, label foods and invest in the right containers (preferably sustainable glass containers that are clear so you can see what’s inside) of all sizes to store prepped veggies, easy-to-grab snacks, and leftover meals.

      3. Make extra sauces and grains
      Casserole is great, but it can only ever be casserole (and who really wants casserole every day?). If you get tired of meals and are never a fan of leftovers, cooking one dish to reheat through the week may not be the best plan of action. To eat brand new dishes but still utilize the convenient power of planning ahead, cook more of a sauce or grain than you need for your dish. For example, if you’re making a pesto sauce for pasta on Monday night, make extra, so you can keep it in the fridge to put a pizza on Tuesday, drizzle over roasted veggies and chicken for lunch on Wednesday, and spread onto avocado toast on Thursday. Likewise, if you’re making rice, a big batch ensures you’ll have a basic grain to repurpose into risotto, lunch bowls, or stir-fries.

      Source: @notyourstandard

      4. Make a meal schedule
      Meal prepping only works if you know what you need for the week. In your daily planner or weekly calendar, plan out breakfast, lunch, and dinner to get a rough idea of what meals you’ll be making all week long. Planning it out in your calendar also means you can see if any busy days or late nights are coming up where you won’t have time to cook and can either plan on takeout, food delivery, or prepping the whole dish ahead of time. Once you have a plan for your week, make a grocery list based on the recipes.
      If the hardest part for you is finding recipes (first of all, check out some meal prepping recipes like here, here, and here), you can instead make a list of all the produce, pantry items, and meat/dairy you love and know how to prepare first. Once you have a good idea of your go-to’s, then come up with some recipes. Starting with the grocery list of your basics and then find or think of recipes based on the list ensures you won’t try any difficult recipes or have to buy items you don’t otherwise use. 

      5. Do a different step on different days
      Many people prefer dedicating an entire day to grocery shopping, washing produce, chopping or prepping, and batch cooking for the week. For others (especially meal-prepping newbies), fitting so many tasks into one day can feel overwhelming. If you fall in the latter category, try separating meal prepping steps into different days. For example, go grocery shopping on Saturday (bonus points that it will be less crowded); chop easy-to-prep produce like cucumbers, onions, and carrots on Sunday; and bulk cook a grain or roast veggies on Monday. Tackling one task at a time might make meal prepping much more manageable and help you form habits.

      Source: Allyson Trammell

      6. Use spices, dressings, and sauces
      Prepping ahead of time doesn’t have to mean foregoing cravings. To adjust to what you’re craving, update basic grains, veggies, and proteins with spices, dressings, or sauces. For example, try a store-bought tomato sauce, DIY a creamy dressing, or play around with spices like turmeric, cumin, or garlic powder to elevate ingredients. You can also sprinkle on herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley to diversify tastes. A bowl of rice and veggies could become a sushi bowl with a little soy sauce and pickled ginger, or a Mexican dish with some taco seasoning, lime juice, and cilantro. The good thing about meal prepping basics is you can transform them into whatever flavors or foods you’re craving at the moment.

      Source: Love and Lemons

      7. Prep produce right away 
      Sure, you can wash and prepare produce as you need throughout the week, or you can make your life a lot easier by washing and prepping before putting the groceries away. When you get home from the grocery store and unload all your new goodies is a key time to put all produce in the sink to rinse, wash, and dry before putting them away. Also, doing a little light prepping will not only save a lot of room in the fridge, but will save you time during the week. Try chopping tomatoes, dicing onions, separating celery stalks, and slicing lemons as soon as you get home from the grocery store. Keep in reusable containers to easily access ready-to-go produce throughout the week.

      8. Pre-bag smoothie or soup ingredients 
      If your days are so busy that even making a smoothie or homemaking soup feels like too much time, consider freezing ingredients at the beginning of the week. Try adding fruits, leafy greens, and nuts and seeds to reusable bags and store them in the freezer to keep them fresh. In the mornings, simply add ingredients to a blender with some water or almond milk. This smoothie hack can work for lunchtime with a simple soup. Portion out veggies, protein, and spices or herbs (like garlic, ginger, or thyme) to individual bags, and store them in the freezer. At lunchtime, simply add all ingredients to a pot with your stock of choice, and let simmer until fully cooked.

      This post includes a sponsored mention of Blue Apron, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

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      7 Lessons From 2020 We’re Bringing Into 2021

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      Considering the blockbuster-worthy, 12-month, traumatic event that was 2020, even the most enthusiastic “new year, new me” advocate is probably tempted to skip the whole resolution thing this year (or forever). I must admit that I am an avid New Year’s resolution writer; there’s just something about setting down a year’s worth of intentions on paper that feels magical to me. But this year I’m feeling a little different. As 2020 (also known as the most drawn-out, sped-up, chaotic year in recent memory) comes to a close, I realized that this was a year that life forced a lot of very necessary lessons on me. And despite my very valid apprehension about 2021, I owe it to myself, to bring those lessons along with me. 2020 taught me a hell of a lot—here are some things I definitely don’t want to forget in the New Year. 
      1. Some days (or weeks), you’ll accomplish absolutely nothing—and that’s OK
      Throughout this pandemic, my productivity came in waves—some days all I could find the energy to do was shower and eat handfuls of cereal. I felt so frustrated with myself because I’d always said “if only I had more time…” and now here I was, with an excess of time, and squandering it. And so I’d plan my days out—‘Learning Tuesdays’, ‘Writing Wednesdays’—in hopes of forcing productivity, and end up feeling totally overwhelmed. Now, I try to listen to my body’s natural rhythms; to be guided by my energy’s ebb and flow, rather than try to fight it. These past few months have shown me that our desire to create needs to be coupled with moments of rest. We won’t always be in a pandemic, but the rules don’t change—real productivity comes with peace, and peace comes from mental, physical, and emotional rest. So rest.

      Source: @jaceyduprie

      2. Personal space is not negotiable
      I’m eagerly awaiting the day that face masks are a thing of the past, but I will definitely be maintaining my six feet of distance. Having a mandated personal bubble has shown me that people (often men) really have been encroaching on my space in a way that I’ve never enjoyed. And yet, I’ve just been allowing it. But now that I know the peace that comes with the appropriate amount of breathing room, I’m never going back. Back it up, please!

      Source: @jahirka

      3. Dressing up has everything to do with you, and nothing to do with anyone else
      My Leo sun already knew this, but this year definitely solidified it for me. There were a lot of days this year where I just didn’t feel like myself, and doing my hair, putting on something nice, and adding a swipe of my favorite Fenty lipstick made a huge difference. I’d look at myself in the mirror-like, “sure, you might have lost your job in the middle of a pandemic, but sis, don’t you look good?” Getting all dolled up for no one’s benefit but my own gave me the boost I so desperately needed at times. And I learned a very valuable lesson: there’s no one who deserves me showing up as my best self more than me.

      4. Black lives still matter
      This year was a tumultuous one, and for many of us, a wake up call, especially when it comes to issues of racial injustice. But the work does not and cannot stop in 2020. No one wants to be a ‘black square’ ally, where posting that black square back in June is the extent of your engagement with racial issues. You still need to buy Black, you still need to support Black women, and you still need to call out your racist colleagues, neighbors, and family members. Keep that same energy in 2021 and beyond; the work is not done.
       

      Source: @localwanderer

      5. You’re better than stressing over a few extra lbs
      Full disclosure—I’m still working on this one! While I understand that a little extra weight is NBD in theory, putting it into practice is where things get a little shaky. But here’s the thing, guys, maybe we did gain a little weight over this year… but like, so what? No seriously, so what? We survived every single thing this year has thrown at us—how dare we beat ourselves up over a couple of inches! Our bodies are operating constantly and dynamically on our behalf (even in a pandemic); let’s give them a little grace, shall we? It helps to remember that your body is not some future goal, but a current, wonderful reality. I used to see my post-HIIT sweat as calories burned, ergo, potential lbs lost. Now, I try to embrace the exhaustion and endorphins, focusing on the fact that I’ve done something that serves my body.

      6. Falling in love with your bare face is beautiful
      This year stripped me bare in a lot of different ways. Even though I certainly spent days in lockdown, thinking wistfully about my next visit to my wax girl, nail tech, lash girl, etc., the time forced me to come to terms with my face without the enhancements. And I started finding things I liked—the shape of my cheekbones, how my skin looks like the perfect cup of coffee, the way my smile reaches all the way to my eyes. I hadn’t realized how much I relied on the extra stuff to feel satisfied about the way I look and the process of becoming reacquainted and falling in love with my naked face feels really, really good. This doesn’t mean I don’t still love a perfect brow and a bomb highlight (cause I do), but I’ve also become OK with leaving home with just sunscreen and lip balm. We call that growth!

      Source: @onairplanemode__

      7. No more waiting for a ‘special occasion’
      I’m no longer putting down that bottle of wine for later or saving that outfit for a special date. Forgive the cliché, but life is short! I don’t think we consider how much of our life we spend waiting—waiting for the right moment, the right weather, the right mood, the right crowd. I’m here to say the right ‘whatever’ is exactly when and where you want it to be. If you feel like the right time to pop a bottle of champagne is on a Thursday evening after clearing a particularly daunting inbox, then so be it, darling! Forgive this second cliché, but being alive is the special occasion! More

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      How to Support Friends Who Are Spending the Holidays Alone

      by

      While this time of year is traditionally full of opportunities for celebration, there are many for whom the holidays can be an isolating and difficult season to get through. With the year that we’ve had, it’s also likely that for some, this is their first holiday season alone. And while spending time with ourselves is a great way to explore and invite growth into our lives, it can be particularly challenging to find the positive in being by yourself during a time of year when we’re expected to feel nothing but happy holiday joy.The good news is that while virtual chats have become our go-to—albeit exhausting—means of communication, there are many ways you can connect with and support loved ones from a distance. From dropping off baskets filled with homemade goodies to exchanging cards expressing your gratitude and love, below are 10 ideas that’ll help you foster connection and build community this season.

      1. Check in
      Reaching out is a great place to start. Be sure to ask before you assume how they’re responding to being on their own for the holidays. It’s possible that they’re looking forward to not having to endure a long family meal, and of course it’s also possible that they’re heartbroken over not being able to go home or gather with loved ones. By checking in, you’re inviting your friend to share their truth, and you’re offering them the space to be heard. 
      This is also a great time to provide additional outlets for your friend if they need extra support. Maybe that’s encouraging them to connect with their therapist or schedule a phone or Zoom call with their family. Listen as they voice their needs, and respond with resources that can further support them.

      2. Support their rest
      Many of us have at least a couple days off from work around the holidays, and 2020 plus a busy season means everyone is in need of more than a little rest. Curate a line-up of their favorite holiday episodes, send them a roundup of books they’ll love, or put together a soothing playlist of songs that will put them at ease. Not only are you sharing tools and resources that will help them unwind, but you’re also letting them know that their health and well-being is important to you.

      3. Marathon your favorite holiday movies 
      I’ve waxed poetic about The Holiday being my favorite Christmas movie more times than I can count. And while a Nancy Meyers script combined with scenes of a picture-perfect English village is enough to make me happily burrow away for several days without human contact, there’s really nothing better than watching your favorite holiday movies with friends. Whether that’s telepartying on Netflix or FaceTiming while you watch Happiest Season, there are plenty of ways you can still connect over the beautifully-cheesy films we can’t get enough of during this time of year. 
      Pull on your coziest PJs, mix up a batch of your favorite holiday-themed snack (I’m going for Muddy Buddies), and get ready for hours-long texting convos about whether or not The Princess Switch or The Princess Switch: Switched Again is the superior Vanessa Hudgens performance (we’re awaiting your honest thoughts!).

      4. Dream together
      Next time you’re chatting with your friend, let your focus shift to the future for a bit, and share how good it’ll feel when you can get together, go for dinner, or even just see each other from closer than six feet again. While a disheartening news spiral can make us all feel a little hopeless at times, it’s important to remember that it won’t always be this way. Dreaming up possibilities for a future trip to Europe together can brighten up any challenging day, and the only thing that’s better than travel planning is taking the vacation itself.

      5. Drop off a basket filled with their favorites
      There’s a reason sharing gift baskets with new neighbors was once a staple of every guide to etiquette. Putting together a collection of your friend’s favorite things—snacks, baked goods, the cedar-scented candle they can’t get enough of—and dropping it off on their front step is a thoughtful surprise anyone would be happy to receive. You can even pack your friend dinner plus a bottle of wine or pair store-bought jam with an assortment of homemade baked goods. Whatever it is you think they’ll look forward to the most, fill the basket with that.

      6. See the lights 
      Pack up your holiday beverage of choice (I’m pouring peppermint hot cocoa), and set out in your respective cars to find the prettiest holiday lights. A quick Google search for holiday light displays in your city will likely turn up helpful results, and you can always ask around for recommendations from those in the know. When you get to your destination, bundle up, walk around, and get ready to ooh and aah at all the winter wonderlands you find.

      7. Go virtual, but challenge yourselves to get creative
      With months of Zoom-only interactions behind us, Zoom fatigue is very real. But it’s also possible that it’s the way that we’re interacting virtually that’s contributing to the drain. Virtual happy hours were fun for about a minute, but it’s time that we branch out and find all the many amazing classes, performances, exhibitions, and more that we have access to now that we’re all online. DIY a winter wreath, tune in for a virtual performance, cue up an online workout, or learn how to create gorgeous lettering like an artist. Whatever you decide to do, it’ll be an opportunity for you to connect, grow, and learn something new together.

      8. Go for a socially-distant walk
      Walks are the real MVP of quarantine, and if you live in the same city, send a text to see if your friend wants to go for one together. Not only are endorphins, sunshine, and connection a game-changing combo for your mental space, but you’ll also get the opportunity to catch up in-person, even if from behind a mask.

      9. Volunteer together
      Whether you’re spending the holidays alone or not, giving back can raise anyone’s spirits and reminds us of all we have to contribute. See what opportunities are available right now in your community or go online for ideas. Connect with an organization that’s distributing hand-written letters to senior facilities or gather up donations to bring to your local food bank. Any option you choose will have the same effect: Boosted empathy and a reminder of what this season is really all about.

      10. Send a little “thinking of you”
      What are the things about your friend for which you’re the most grateful? Maybe it’s their vulnerability, their strength, or their kindness. Maybe it’s their ever-expanding imagination that keeps you inspired. Make a list of all the things you love and appreciate about them. Write your list in a card and drop the little love note in the mail.
      Whether that’s a DM, text, or a small note in the mail, it’s a simple gesture that can have an amazing impact. Sometimes the simplest things matter most. More

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      Do Not Disturb: 5 Vibrators to Spend The Holidays With

      by

      I’ve always been a little bummed about spending the holidays without a significant other. (Why yes, I have been single for every holiday since birth, let’s not discuss.) I’m so lucky to be with my family every year, and I have friends to boot to share the holiday joy with. But there are enough Christmas rom-coms out there to make me wish I had someone to introduce to my family in a chaotic way or worry about what to get them. However, not once have I ever wished that I’d have someone to have sex with, because frankly, my vibrator is better. Listen: it packs so neatly into my luggage, doesn’t require any talks about what to say when my mom asks, “When are you getting married?” and it shuts up the second I click off the off button. Whether you also don’t have a partner or you’re not seeing each other this year, these five vibrators are the next best thing—we might even argue they’re a little better.

      Deluxe Rechargeable Mini Massage Wand Vibrator

      If you’ve never tried a wand vibrator, now’s the time. These magical vibes are entirely for clitoral stimulation, but the large head makes it extra powerful. With seven patterns and 10 intensity levels, you’re bound to find the exact combo you need to have amazing orgasms on your own. It’s available in four colors and USB rechargeable (unlike the original wands you might recognize that plug into the wall—very ‘90s).

      Wild Flower
      Enby Vibrator

      This is the first truly gender neutral vibrator on the market, aptly named the Enby (which is a short term used to describe non-binary). It can be used in a number of ways, making it one of the most versatile vibes I’ve ever seen (and I’m a sex writer—I see a lot of vibrators). You can rub on it, tuck into a harness, place it between you and a partner, and mold it to fit almost any need. It has three speeds and five patterns of vibration and is USB rechargeable—which, if you can’t tell, is a major selling point (who wants to buy batteries?).

      Womanizer Starlet USB Rechargeable Clitoral Stimulator

      This vibrator is a best-seller on The Everygirl, and I can’t even count all the reasons why on one hand. From personal experience, these suction vibrators are the most unique sex toys on the market in recent years because they truly mimic oral sex in a way that makes me worry that finding a partner could become obsolete. This one is special because it’s petite, has four levels of intensity, and is USB rechargeable.

      Fifty Shades of Grey Greedy Girl G-Spot Rabbit Vibrator

      Everyone needs a classic rabbit vibrator in their collection if they receive orgasms from both oral and vaginal stimulation. They can all be pretty similar, but this one caught my eye because it’s luxe and high-quality without an outrageous price tag (sex toys can be astronomically expensive!). This one has two motors for each side, giving you 36 different combinations to achieve your best orgasm.

      Dame Zee Vibrator

      No matter what you’re doing this holiday season, a classic bullet vibrator is nothing short of a good time. This tiny vibe is made from ABS plastic instead of silicone, so it’s really easy to clean, ultra-soft on the body, and can be used with water and silicone-based lube. It’s water-resistant (happy bath season!), and—you guessed it—USB rechargeable. With three speeds, this is all the company you need. More