Spring Forward with Flavor: Easy Meal Prep Tips for Daylight Savings Time
Ah, daylight savings time. That magical (and slightly cruel) moment when we lose an hour of sleep but gain an extra hour of sunlight. While the extra daylight is a win, the time shift can seriously mess with our routines—especially when it comes to food. If you’ve ever found yourself staring into the fridge at 9 p.m., wondering why you’re starving, you’re not alone.
To keep your meals (and your sanity) on track, here are some simple, delicious, and practical meal prep tips to help you spring forward without falling flat.
Plan and Prep Ahead
Mornings feel extra rough when you’re running on one less hour of sleep. The last thing you need is to scramble for breakfast while still half-asleep. Save yourself the struggle with some make-ahead breakfast options:
Overnight oats – Mix oats, milk (or yogurt), and your favorite toppings in a jar the night before for a no-brainer breakfast. Berry Almond Overnight Oats
Egg muffins – Bake eggs with veggies, cheese, and protein in muffin tins for grab-and-go goodness.
Smoothie packs – Pre-portion fruits, greens, and protein powder in freezer bags for a quick blend-and-go solution.
Trust me, your sleepy self will thank you later.
Hydration Matters
You might not realize it, but that lost hour can throw off your hydration levels, too. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and crankiness—none of which are fun. Start your day with a glass of water, and add hydrating foods to your meals, like:
Cucumbers – Crunchy, refreshing, and practically made of water.
Melons – Sweet, juicy, and perfect for snacking.
Citrus fruits – Bonus: they add a zing of freshness to your meals while boosting your immune system.
Pro tip: Keep a water bottle handy and sip throughout the day. (Yes, coffee counts... kinda.)
Quick and Nutritious Dinners
After a long day, nobody wants to spend hours in the kitchen. Keep dinners simple but satisfying with easy-to-prep meals like:
Sheet pan meals – Toss protein and veggies on a sheet pan, season, roast, and boom—dinner’s ready. Harissa Chicken with Spiced Veggies & Honey-Glazed Apricots and Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies
Grain bowls – Cook up a big batch of quinoa, rice, or farro, then mix and match toppings throughout the week. Miso-Maple Glazed Salmon & Wild Rice Bowl and Spiced Chickpea & Quinoa Bowl with Tahini Dressing
Protein-packed salads – Load up greens with grilled chicken, beans, nuts, or hard-boiled eggs for a meal that’s light but filling. Spring Harvest Salad
The goal? Less time cooking, more time enjoying that extra daylight.
Energy-Boosting Snacks
That mid-afternoon slump is real, and losing an hour of sleep doesn’t help. Instead of reaching for another cup of coffee (no judgment if you do), power through with smart snacks like:
Nuts – A handful of almonds or cashews gives you a good mix of protein and healthy fats.
Greek yogurt – Creamy, protein-packed, and great with a drizzle of honey.
Fresh fruit – Natural sweetness plus fiber? Yes, please.
Keep It Simple and Savor the Season
Daylight savings time may be a little rough, but with a few small tweaks to your meal prep routine, you can keep your energy up and your meals stress-free. Plan ahead, stay hydrated, and enjoy the flavors of the season. And remember, coffee is always there for you—just maybe not at 9 p.m.
Cheers to longer days and delicious meals!
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