Cut costs and calories by prepping meals at home

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- If your kids complain that there's nothing good to eat at home, it might be all in how you plan.

One working mom says not only is meal prepping helping her save time and money, she credits it to saving her life.

It might look like just a bunch of Tupperware sitting on her counter, but the plastic containers represent so much more for Iriel Franklin.

"I went to the doctor's office and I stepped on the scale and I was 298 lbs. I am like, 'Your scale is broken,' but the reality is I had gotten that big, and I had an emotional attachment to food," Franklin said.

She left the doctor's office inspired to make changes and to be a positive role model to her family.

A year and a half later, she has lost 101 lbs. by preparing her meals and consistently exercising.

"Nothing you want to work for comes easy, but it is the best reward ever," she said.

Her weight loss journey inspired her to launch a site called Get Fit Or Get Fat. It's a place she created to give people a place to go to get recipes, workout plans, and any information someone may need while trying to get fit.

With a 7-year-old daughter at home for the summer, she also has the challenge of planning kid friendly meals on a budget.

"The average American family spends about $500 a month eating out," Franklin said. "If I prepare food for the week, this is costing me about $0.74 and $0.68."

Her recipes include grilled turkey sandwiches, egg muffins, and tortilla pizza.

Iriel has been so successful in prepping her meals for several reasons. One is that she only uses one day each week to plan.

"I buy on Sundays, and Sundays are the start of the week, and I prep for the entire week," Franklin said.

Another key is to use clear containers so you can see the food easily. You can portion out meals individually or place meals in bulk in larger containers.

She says keeping recipes easy is another big factor, but the key is to choose healthy ingredients. Substitute white flour pancake mix for a fiber filled option. Get rid of white bread rolls, and use whole wheat for the pizza crust. You can also cut the calories in half by using whole wheat tortillas. Ground turkey is a great, healthier alternative to ground beef.

For the kids, make it fun! Portion out their snacks and use food coloring on foods like pancakes to make it interesting.

Here are some of Franklin's favorite recipes:

Grilled PB & J

Ingredients:

- Cinnamon Wheat Bread

- 2 tbsp low sodium peanut butter

- 1 tbsp Organic preserves (we used Strawberry)

Directions:

- Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread, preserves on the other slice.

- Put slices of bread together.

- Place on a panini maker for 60 seconds.

Grilled Turkey Sandwich

Ingredients:

- 2 Slices Whole Wheat Bread

- Low Fat Cheese

- 3 slices of sliced turkey breast

- 1 tbsp low fat mayo

- (You can add lettuce, tomato, avocado, etc. Basically, whatever your kids like)

Directions:

- Preheat Panini Maker. You can also use a skillet on medium heat.

- Layer your sandwich as you normally would.

- Place on a panini maker for 60 seconds.

Easy Tortilla Pizzas

Ingredients:

- Whole Wheat Tortillas

- 2 tbsp low sodium marinara sauce

- 3 tbsp low fat/organic mozzarella cheese

- low sodium pepperoni

- chopped mushrooms

- Feel free to add any additional toppings that your kids like as well)

Directions:

- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

- Add marinara sauce and add toppings.

- Put in the oven for 10 minutes.