Having surgery as a mom can completely throw off the rhythm of your entire household.
In my home, I’m the main person responsible for meals, so I knew that if I wanted my recovery to go smoothly, I needed to plan ahead. I wanted easy, nourishing options ready for myself, my kids, and my husband. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
You know the saying, “your future self will thank you”?
Well… my future self was VERY thankful for all the meals and snacks I prepped ahead of time.
Below are all the resources and ideas I used to make it happen.
Breakfast
These were perfect for a quick grab-and-go breakfast for both me and the kids.
- I swapped cubed breakfast sausage for ham
- Wrapped each muffin individually in plastic wrap
- Stored them in a freezer Ziploc bag
To reheat: Unwrap and microwave (covered) for 90–150 seconds.
I had never frozen overnight oats before, so I wasn’t sure how they’d turn out…
Oh. My. Lanta. They worked so well.
My favorite was the apple pie overnight oats recipe from Minimalist Baker, linked above, but any version works.
Tips:
- Let oats sit in the fridge overnight before freezing
- Use wide-mouth mason jars (prevents cracking)
To eat:
- Microwave 90 seconds → stir → another 30 second
- Thaw in fridge overnight
Smoothies
Another first for me – and a success!
Favorites:
- Peanut butter chocolate banana (my go-to)
- Strawberry banana
The berry-date version was… just okay
What I used:
- Protein powder
- Fruit
- Almond milk
Tips:
- Thaw overnight (fridge) or a few hours on the counter
- Again, use wide-mouth mason jars for freezing.
Dinner
Ground Turkey
Simple and versatile.Cook + seasonStore in freezer bags. Add a splash of broth to keep it from drying out
Taco Meat
Same idea, just add taco seasoning.
After my revision surgery, my stomach was not happy. I needed something gentle but nourishing. This was PERFECT.
Upgrade tip:
Swap some broth for bone broth → extra protein + collagen for healing.
Rice
This one was so easy. Cook your rice, let cool and place in freezer friendly bags/container. To speed up the cooling process I spread out my cooked rice on cookie sheets.
Meatballs
I used the recipe I grew up on –
- 1 pound of ground meat
- 2/3c parmesan cheese
- 1/2c bread crumbs
- 1/2c milk
- 1 egg
Mix all ingredients together, cook for 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once cooled place in freezer friendly containers.
You can thaw overnight it the fridge, or place in sauce over the stove and cook until heated through. You can also place in a crockpot with some sauce and cook on low for 4-6 hours until thawed.
This was another gentle-on-the-stomach option for me. Super simple but super yummy. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave.
This recipe was easy and yummy! I figured it would be good to have some basic chicken on hand that could be eaten on its own, or added to anything like soups or salads, for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.
I stored in freezer friendly container and added a splash of broth to keep from drying out.
Simple, nourishing, and easy on digestion.
Other
I made a few noodle baed casseroles from family recipes and froze in aluminum pans. I thawed overnight in the fridge, topped with cheese and then baked. I was nervous about how the noodles would freeze and defrost but it turned out great!
I also doubled any of my chili and soup recipes I was making in the weeks leading up to surgery.
Snacks
Energy Bites
I made my own version, but any recipe works.
Tip:
Freeze in a single layer first (like on a cookie sheet), then transfer to a bag so they don’t stick together.
Electrolyte Popsicles
I bought these popsicle molds on amazon and made my own blend of frozen fruit and coconut water for a belly friendly, hydrating and electrolyte boosting post op snack option!
Store Bought Options
I also bought a few pre-made onions from Costco that really came in clutch.
These were life savers:
- Pre-made meals from Costco
- Kodiak waffles (easy kid breakfast)
- Uncrustables (perfect for kids packing lunches)
- Orange chicken + frozen broccoli + rice = quick dinner
Helpful Tools
There was one tool in particular that made everything so much easier: This Nifty Tool
I also used the quart size freezer bag from Costco for easier portioning and storage. This video helps explain how to freeze liquid flat and why it’ better than chunky storage containers!
There you have it!
Prepping meals ahead of surgery made a huge difference in my recovery. Not just physically, but mentally. It removed so much stress and allowed me to actually rest and heal.
If you’re heading into surgery (or even just a busy season of life), I can’t recommend this enough.
Be sure to check out my Recovery Resources page for more helpful recovery tips!
Do you have any favorite freezer meals?
I’d love to hear—drop them in the comments!