Mum makes 106 meals for $410.53 – that works out at around $3.86 PER MEAL!

The word ‘busy’ and ‘mum’ go hand in hand. Which is why it is so easy to use being busy this excuse, “I don’t have time to cook.”

But before you start scouring the Uber Eats app for takeaway options, why not set aside time to do some meal prep and save yourself time later on in the week?!

It took Melissa James only a few hours to make over 100 meals from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge and she says it will last her OVER a month!

Mum makes 106 meals for $410.53 – that works out at around $3.86 PER MEAL!

“I made 100 meals and after having our lunch we now have 96 meals going in the freezer,” says Melissa.

“Once I took the kids nappies off the bill, the total for shopping has come to $410.53, and I still have some ingredients left over enough to make 13 snack recipes!”

Melissa says she loves the recipes on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge app.

“It will last over a month for two adults. I still have about 24 more serves to make along with all the snacks,” she continues.

“We will have some fresh meals like salmon once a week as that is not something I like freezing!”

What Melissa made:

Crustless Quiches x 6

Savoury muffins or crustless quiches are a great way to add more veggies to your fussy eater’s diet. Eggs are a great protein source for fussy eaters who don’t want to eat meat. This recipe is 277 calories per serve.

You can get this recipe on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Mexican Chicken Pie x 5

This is a healthy alternative to the classic chicken pie with a Mexican twist. It’s sure to be a hit with the whole family and it’s only 342 calories.

You can get this recipe here.

Pumpkin and Pinenut Pasta x 6

This pasta dish contains healthy fats and protein to keep you fuller for longer. It’s also 337 calories per serve.

You can get this recipe on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Sausage and Veggie Pasta Bake x 9

Here’s a recipe that is family friendly comfort food at its best – pasta and sausages! With the veggies well hidden, you’ll be getting high fives all round from the whole family. This recipe is 455 calories per serve.

Find this recipe here.

Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Pasta x 6

A delicious, easy vegetarian pasta recipe that the whole family will enjoy. This pasta is 462 calories per serve.

You can also find this recipe on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Spanish Rice with Chorizo x 8

You can make this super speedy meal if you prepare the rice beforehand and then reheat it so it’s steaming before you cook the rest. Plus, it’s only 409 calories per serve.

Check out the recipe for this here.

Asparagus and Tomato Risotto x 7

Risotto is a great family meal. This Asparagus and Tomato Risotto is only 357 calories per serve.

You can get this recipe on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Honey Soy Chicken and Rice x 6

If you love the combination of sweetness, salt and crunch, this simple Honey Soy and Chicken Rice will be right up your alley.

You can also get this recipe on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Chicken and Mushroom Risotto x 6

At 454 calories, this yummy risotto is perfect for everyone and is a nice healthy meal for a cosy night in.

This recipe is available for Challenge members and can be found on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Easy Satay Chicken and Rice x 5

Choose simple to prepare dishes like this when you want to save time in the kitchen. This rice is 451 calories.

You can also get this recipe on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Shepherds Pie x 4

A hearty and warming dinner perfect for the whole family. If you’d like to have this recipe more than once in your weekly meal plan use the ‘leftovers /’ eating out / own choice’ thumbnail. This recipe is 236 calories.

You can get this recipe on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Chicken and Tomato Penne x 7

A quick and easy dish, where penne pasta is tossed with chicken in a simple tomato-based sauce. This meal is 402 calories.

This recipe can be found on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Bacon and Veggie Frittata x 6

This recipe is 317 calories and can be served with a delicious side salad for a quick dinner.

You can get this recipe on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Bacon, Spinach and Tomato Risotto x 4

This risotto uses a great combination of flavours with bacon, tomato and spinach. It’s only 363 calories per serve.

This recipe can be found on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Easy Chilli Con Carne and Rice x 7

This healthy, filling recipe for Chilli Con Carne is made with lean beef and is packed with vegetables for a good dose of fibre, vitamins and minerals. This recipe serves four at 364 calories per serve

Beef and Sweet Potato Stew x 6

This hearty beef stew is 309 calories and it’s easy to freeze any leftovers you have.

This recipe can be found on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.

Pork larb x 8

This is Melissa’s own recipe.

“Being organised has helped so much, I can’t fail now,” says Melissa. “I’ve not lost 1.3kg and I’m actually eating more than I did before.”

Join the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge this year and have access to 4,500 recipes. Change your body and your mind in 2018. There’s no time like the present to start a new and healthy life!

Sign up to the Challenge here.