Oh hey, third trimester! So… you’re basically a sleepy, snack-craving penguin now, right?
Let me guess: your back hurts, you’re peeing every 5 minutes, and your energy level is somewhere between “I might fold that laundry tomorrow” and “nope.” Welcome to the third trimester, where nesting instincts crash head-first into nap cravings. 😅
So here’s a wild idea: what if you stocked your freezer with actual food before the baby shows up? Like, full-on delicious, ready-to-go meals that your future sleep-deprived self will high-five you for. That’s what freezer meal prep for the 3rd trimester is all about—and I’ve got you covered, my fellow belly-buddy.
Ready to talk real food, freezer hacks, and the kind of meals that don’t require 19 steps and a YouTube tutorial? Let’s go.
Why Freezer Meal Prep Is Basically Self-Care in Tupperware
Let’s be real—cooking postpartum sounds like a bad joke. You’re bleeding, the baby’s screaming and your partner’s making toast like it’s a Michelin-star dish.
Freezer meals = sanity savers. Here’s why:
- Zero effort later: You cook now, eat later. Your sleep-deprived self will adore you.
- Nutritious meals on standby: No need to survive on crackers and granola bars (although no shame if you do).
- Budget-friendly: Skip the takeout guilt spiral and keep your wallet intact.
- No dishes. I repeat—no. dishes.
Ever wonder why people say “sleep when the baby sleeps” but never “cook when the baby sleeps”? Because they know better.
When Should You Start Freezer Meal Prepping?
Short answer? Before you hit ‘get this baby out of me’ mode.
Most mamas start around 32–34 weeks, while they can still see their toes. That sweet spot gives you time to:
- Shop smart (hello, bulk items and BOGO deals!)
- Prep without rushing
- Test out new recipes (read: burn things once before doing it right)
But hey, if you’re reading this at 37 weeks, no shame. Even prepping 2–3 meals now will feel like a hug from your past self.
What Makes a Great Freezer Meal?
Okay, not every dish loves being frozen. (Looking at you, lettuce.)
Here’s what you want in a winning freezer meal:
- Freezes like a champ: Think casseroles, soups, stews, pasta bakes.
- Reheats like magic: Tastes just as good (or better) the second time around.
- One-pan wonder: Less cleanup = more baby snuggles.
- Nutritious and satisfying: Protein, veggies, healthy fats. Aka fuel for healing.
Oh, and bonus points for meals that you can eat with one hand—because the other one’s gonna be holding a baby (or a boob).
My Go-To Freezer Meals (Tested. Approved. Eaten too many times.)
Here’s my real-life list. I’ve made every single one of these while waddling around my kitchen in maternity leggings. Some even survived my husband’s “creative” reheating.
1. Chili for Days
- Ground turkey or beef, beans, tomatoes, bell peppers
- Spice it how you like it (or tone it down if you’re heartburn-central)
- Freeze flat in gallon bags = stackable space-saving win
2. Lasagna, Baby
- Use whole wheat noodles if you’re feeling fancy
- Sneak in spinach or zucchini (I won’t tell the kids)
- Individual slices reheat super fast
3. Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Layered like lasagna but way spicier
- Black beans + corn = fiber goals
- Add sour cream later so it doesn’t go weird in the freezer
4. Breakfast Burritos
- Eggs, sausage or beans, cheese, and sweet potatoes wrapped in tortillas
- Wrap in foil and freeze individually
- Perfect for midnight feedings when hunger hits hard 😴
5. Slow Cooker Dump Meals
No, not glamorous. But oh-so-handy.
- Label a freezer bag. Throw in:
- Raw protein (chicken, beef, tofu)
- Chopped veggies
- Sauce/spices
- Freeze it flat. Dump into slow cooker when ready. Done.
FYI: The name “dump meal” sounds gross. The taste? 👌
Smart Freezer Prep Tips (So You Don’t Cry Later)
Because nothing’s worse than freezer-burned soup and mystery bags with zero labels.
Label. Everything. Always.
Use a sharpie and include:
- Meal name
- Cooking instructions (oven temp, time, whether to thaw)
- Date (because 6-month-old stir-fry is just sad)
Cool it before freezing
Don’t toss hot food into the freezer. It’ll raise the temp and mess with everything else in there. Let meals cool first—patience, grasshopper.
Double your dinner, freeze half
Making spaghetti tonight? Double the batch and freeze half. Easy win, no extra work.
Freeze flat when you can
Soups, stews, and sauces go into freezer bags, laid flat. They’ll stack like a dream and save you tons of space.
What You Shouldn’t Freeze (Because I Tried. It Was Sad.)
Let’s save you the heartbreak, shall we?
- Raw potatoes – they go mushy. Like, baby-food mushy.
- Creamy sauces – sour cream or cream cheese doesn’t always reheat well. They separate and get weird.
- Crispy foods – think fried anything. It’ll just be soggy. No thanks.
- Leafy greens – except in cooked form (like spinach in lasagna). Raw kale? Nope.
Storage Supplies You Actually Need (And No, Not 75 Tupperware Lids)
Been there. Done that. Still can’t find matching lids.
Here’s the real MVP list:
- Gallon freezer bags – perfect for soups, stews, marinades
- Aluminum pans – ideal for casseroles, no cleanup, stack easily
- Sharpie markers – label like your life depends on it
- Foil + plastic wrap – double wrap for extra protection
IMO, reusable silicone bags are also fab if you’re going the eco-friendly route (but $$$, so use wisely).
How Many Meals Should You Prep?
There’s no magic number, but I aimed for 12–15 dinners, 5–6 breakfasts, and a few snacks. That lasted me about 3–4 weeks postpartum, with leftovers and the occasional pizza delivery 😅.
If that sounds like too much, start smaller. Even 5 solid meals = 5 nights you don’t have to think.
Snacks You’ll Want on Hand (Trust Me)
Because sometimes all you can do is eat with one hand and hope no one’s crying (including you).
- Lactation muffins – even if you’re not nursing, they’re yummy AF
- Frozen smoothie packs – pre-portion fruit + greens in bags
- Energy balls – oats, nut butter, honey = magic
- Soup cups – pop in a mug, heat, sip like a boss
Tip: Make a nursing snack bin for the couch. Load it up with protein bars, trail mix, water bottles. Because you’ll live there.
Final Thoughts: You Got This, Mama
Look, I know the idea of freezer meal prep in your third trimester might feel like one more thing on a to-do list that’s already longer than your birth plan.
But trust me—it’s so worth it.
Even if you just freeze a few trays of lasagna and a stack of burritos, future-you (and your sleep-deprived partner) will be doing a happy dance in your honor. Maybe even without pants on. 😆
So throw on your comfiest clothes, put on your favorite playlist, and get cooking like the nesting queen you are.
Your postpartum belly (and soul) will thank you.
Now go freeze your way to sanity. You’ve got this. 💪
Want more easy-breezy pregnancy tips or postpartum hacks? Stay tuned for more real talk coming your way. Until then—enjoy that lasagna, mama. You earned it. 🍝