“Grilling, oven-cooking or barbecuing meats is ideal because you can cook loads with very minimal effort. And prepping plenty of starchy carbs such as rice and pasta is also super easy to do, and will ensure you keep your energy topped up across your week,” says Crick.

Not all dishes work, however. Veggie stews are great – in fact, they actually get better after a few days of resting. But salads run the risk of going soggy, so it’s best to make those on the day or the night before. You can, however, prep any salad dressings ahead and batch cook the carbs you want to have alongside any fresh veg. Get your couscous, rice or barley boiled ahead of time. Think about creating a tray of date bombs and energy balls for mid-afternoon pick-me-ups.

Of course, you can meal prep any meal. Batch cooking breakfasts can save loads of time; whip up a big container of overnight oats and simply dish out a serving every morning. Yoghurt barks, fruit salads and home made baked beans are also brilliant, nutritious options that can be made well ahead and keep in the fridge or freezer.

Meal prep for beginners: how to cook ahead for busy days