In the past years, my new year resolution usually involves something around the lines of working out more consistently, eating healthier, or saving more money. Not that any of those aren’t good habits to start and/or keep, but I wanted to do things a bit differently this year.
2018 was a year of big life changes for me, precipitated by the birth of my daughter. Before Maxine came into the picture, my schedule was already full to the brim. On a typical day, there was barely enough time to get things done and I would regularly sacrifice sleep for work. It wasn’t enough for me to have a day job at an advertising agency, I had to add blogging on top of that (which pretty much is a second full-time job). In addition, I was the kind of anal-retentive “A type” person that likes her things just so. This means I’m often times the one doing everything because, okay I’ll admit it, I’m a bit of a control freak.
After I had Maxine, things kinda went belly up. My attempts to try to control and do everything myself usually ends in a lot of frustrations, because (no duh) it’s just not possible to have two jobs, a baby, and keep up with life all at once.
So this year, my resolution is to be kinder to myself, recognize that it’s not possible to take on everything, and to ask for (and graciously accept) help where I can. One of the said help I receive is from my friend Ashley of A Cook’s Beet.
I joke around that in the first weeks post-partum, a great productive day is one where I made it to the shower. Max was basically clung to me 24/7 and it made doing basic things, like standing in front of a hot stove, really really hard. Lucky me, I have a great friend who also happens to be a private chef. Ashley came over and cooked some super yummy meals for us. Meal prepping is one of Ashley’s most popular service. So when I was stumped trying to figure out how I can have healthy home cooked meal, when I barely have enough time to actually eat the meal, I asked Ashley to help me out.
So how does meal prep work?
It starts off with a consultation with Ashley. She’ll take into consideration your likes, dislikes, and what a typical week looks for you in order to build you a completely customized menu.
So this means I can have whatever I want in the menu?
Yep, pretty much. I’m the kind of person that hates eating the same thing over and over again. So Ashley made me a menu, based on the concept of custom made bowls, where I can mix-and-match the ingredients so I would have a “different” meal every time and never get bored.
What happens after we set on a menu?
Ashley will then do all the grocery shopping for you. She may do some prep work prior, but most of the cooking will most likely be done in your kitchen. This way your meal is as fresh as it’s going to get. She’ll then package the meals in containers with instructions for reheating later in the week. The picture below shows my fridge situation around mid-week. As you can see below, she color coded the ingredients that goes together best, to make it easy for me to put together my meal.
Aren’t private chef services so expensive and only for rich people?
It’s surprisingly not as expensive as you’d think. Each meal starts at around $12, with cost varying depending on the ingredients that make the menu. Mine was in on the less expensive side as I opted for a simpler menu with “non-fancy” ingredients. If cost is an issue for you, she can also take it into consideration when planning the menu.
Ready to try it out for yourself?
Contact Ashley to get your menu consult started. She also does cooking lessons, event catering and dinner parties, so if you need a chef’s help beyond meal prepping, she’s got you too.
I need to do this! I have a bad habit of buying groceries and then not planning my meals very well. Thanks for the awesome post!
Ummm can you just send Ashley to Richmond? I need her help BIG TIME haha! We don’t have many meal prepping services like this in RVA – and anything we do have doesn’t cater to the number of food allergies I have (yeah. there’s that many). This sounds fantastic!
Wow, I would love a service like this. It would make my life so much easier!
I totally need to take cooking lessons! I usually avoid cooking at all costs and opt for already cooked items for meals. I would love a service like this :)
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com
Wow that is so awesome and I could definitely use something like this! The weekdays are so busy and hectic! & love how healthy and yummy this looks!
Kileen
cute & little
Oh wow, this is amazing! I love cooking and grocery shopping so I feel like I want to be Ashley actually haha!
This is seriously amazing. I ALWAYS say that I need a chef around. I get so caught up working that I forgot to cook/eat!! Such a great idea :)
This sounds like such a good idea! Honestly a healthy lifestyle is worth investing in, and a personal chef to help make sure you’re eating clean is such a good way to be healthy!
I need this in my life! Meal planning is everything!
This would make my life so much easier! Meal planning is so important, especially for a healthier lifestyle.
I SO need this in my life. I have got to be healthier!
Wow this looks so delicious and healthy! I would love to have a chef like this one to cook for me! ❤️
This is amazing. I always say I will start meal preps but fail. Maybe this year, I can actually do it.
Xx, Nailil
thirtyminusone.com
Yum so many delicious meals ready in the fridge to go!
https://www.bunnybernice.com
I need this so badly! I want to meal prep and don’t know where to start!
So easy to fall off the healthy wagon during the winter time for me. I definitely should check this out! xo, Suzanne http://www.suzannespiegoski.com
Man, when I meal prep it looks nothing like this! Talk about some tips here and game changers for meal prep! Also, that meal looks seriously amazing and I love how it combines so many easy pieces!
Denise | Fashion Love Letters