What is batch cooking?
You've probably already heard about this new weekly meal preparation technique that's all the rage: batch cooking! What exactly is batch cooking? It's a concept that allows you to prepare all of your baby's meals for the week in just 2 to 3 hours! During this short time, you can prepare all of your baby's meals or simply the ingredients, like cooking rice and vegetables.
When it's time to eat, simply reheat the baby's food or assemble the different ingredients. This preparation technique is useful not only for baby's meals but also for the rest of the family!
Batch cooking: a family cooking activity for the weekend to save time during the week!
So why not do batch cooking for baby's meals?
How can this concept be implemented?
Batch cooking relies on a well-established system to properly prepare baby's meals for the week!
First and foremost, planning is key! Make a list of your baby's meals for the week, keeping in mind seasonal foods and how to vary their diet. Write down all the meals somewhere (notebook, computer, phone) so you can best organize your grocery shopping and, most importantly, how to store your baby's meals once they're ready! Don't forget to prepare for grocery shopping by making a list of the ingredients you'll need. Take a look at what you already have in your cupboards and fridge while you're making your shopping list.
After this planning stage, it's time to go shopping!
When you get back from shopping or the next day, set aside a few hours to prepare all of your baby's meals. Then all you have to do is store them in the fridge (meals to be eaten within 3 days) or the freezer (weekend meals).
Simply warm up or assemble baby's meals before serving! Enjoy your meal!
The great advantages of batch cooking!
Batch cooking has so many great advantages for baby's meals! You shouldn't miss out 🙂
A healthy diet
By applying this meal preparation technique, your baby's diet will be healthier and more varied. Having an overview of what your baby will eat makes it easier to diversify their diet and offer seasonal fruits and vegetables!
A time saver
By cooking for 2 to 3 hours on the weekend, you free up time during the week to spend quality time with your family after work! In just a few minutes, baby's meal will be ready (just enough time to reheat it or assemble the ingredients).
To make the most of these family moments, batch cooking requires some availability on the weekend (or another day) to prepare all the meals!
Savings
By strictly adhering to your carefully prepared shopping list, you avoid buying too much food or things you don't need. And a little saving can only be beneficial!
A low mental workload
With the weekly menu planned in advance, there's no more need to think about what baby will eat each day. You can spend your day with peace of mind; baby's meal is already prepared!
An anti-waste alternative
Thanks to the organization that batch cooking requires, food waste is reduced! Your shopping is done according to the meals you'll prepare for the week in advance. You avoid buying too much and seeing food end up in the trash! Did you misjudge the quantities for your baby's meals? Check out our tips for reducing food waste!
A moment with the family
The best thing about this method is simply the family aspect. Preparing meals can be a family activity, getting baby and children involved! Chopping vegetables, mixing, putting food in the pot – baby will have fun with you! Don't wait any longer and involve baby in preparing their meals!
Photo: © Lune et l'autre
Why do this over one week?
By implementing this batch cooking method over a week, you'll get a comprehensive overview of your baby's meals. This will help you achieve the key principle of BLW : diversification! Your baby will be able to enjoy varied and healthy meals throughout the week.
Batch cooking is also recommended for a week to help with preservation. Some preparations can be frozen, but not all. It would be a shame to waste good baby food by preparing too many meals.
This method is based on a one-week schedule, as it requires setting aside 2 to 3 hours of your time. Often, this free time is only available on weekends.
complete menu for baby's meals and snacks on our website
Some tips for batch cooking
Batch cooking is a great way to make the most of your time with your baby in the evenings after work! Here are our tips to become a pro:
- Start with foods that take a long time to cook so as not to waste time
- Maintain the cold chain by using slow defrosting. Place baby's meals in the refrigerator the night before or in the morning. Baby's meal will be defrosted by dinnertime!
- Offer your baby seasonal foods! They taste much better and provide the necessary nutrients!
All that remains is to check that you are properly equipped (glass jars, airtight container, etc.) and to start batch-cooking.
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