If you want to start eating healthier, saving money on food, or both, the best way to accomplish that is by food prepping. Basically, it’s planning ahead and then getting those plans into action when you’re not busy so that you have good food ready to go for your meals.

Anyone can do food prep, whether it’s just for yourself or an entire family. It’s easy too, once you get started, but perhaps you’re not quite sure where to begin. Here’s how to get into food prep even as a newbie!

It all starts with a plan

Sit down and think about the food you want to make for the week. Think about your weekly menu and list out the foods you need to create it. Many people find that using common staple ingredients not only cuts down on costs but also making prepping more efficient. You can also split your list into sections for what needs to be cooked in the oven, slow cooker, or is merely a no-cook item (like cut-up veggies for salads and snacks, for example).

Master the multi-task

Did you get a second slow cooker as a gift and have yet to use it? Put it to good work prepping for you! Even if you only have one slow cooker, you can make use of other cooking methods simultaneously to get your food prep done. Have something in the oven or on the stove and time accordingly so you’ll have it all done in the time you’ve set aside for prepping. Most people work Monday through Friday and find that a Sunday is best for prepping, but whatever day works for you, go for it!

Easy does it

There is no sense prepping more than you and your family can eat. You don’t want to do all that work to have it all go bad in your fridge days later. Portion things out and freeze them, making sure to label them accordingly. Things that work well to double up for freezing are good as long as you plan for them, like soups and casseroles. Think about the storage space you’ve got available to as you’re planning.

Focus on the most difficult meals first

Perhaps dinner time is no trouble to you but breakfast or making healthy lunches and snacks is. If you struggle to eat right during those other times, find ways to make healthy items ahead of time like quick oats, breakfast bars or grab-n-go frittatas (which freeze really well). Mason jar salads, veggies and hummus, and other quick bits can all be thrown together with relative ease too.

Remember, food prep is supposed to make your life easier, not add more stress. Start slowly by making a few meals ahead, doubling those portions to freeze them for busy nights. As you get better and more efficient, you’ll eliminate a lot of wasted food and still look forward to your prepped meals, and so will the whole family!