Healthy Meal Prep? Here Are 9 Easy Tips!
by Denise Austin |
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Nutrition
Want some quick and easy meal plan prep tips? This post is for you! It seems like I am always pressed for time (I’m sure you you feel that way, too, sometimes!). And occasionally that can get in the way of eating a healthy diet - but it doesn't have to! Here are some of my tricks for healthy meal prep so you are eating a diet that will help you stay healthy and fit. These tips require just a little prep time and will help you to avoid giving into daily cravings:
Denise
Healthy Meal Prep: 9 Tips
- Look for quick prep side items at the grocery store. Pre-cut fresh veggies and brown rice can both be steamed in less than 10 minutes, adding a quick healthy side to your meal. Or, combine together with a little soy sauce, top with some slivered almonds, and you have a healthy veggie bowl! My DeniseAustin.com plan offers delicious, fast and easy recipes in the personalized eating plan - check it out today!
- Buy bagged salads. They are a huge time saver, and you can easily add your favorite seasonal fruits such as sliced apples, strawberries, and blueberries and then toss in some walnuts for extra crunch and healthy fat.
- Small apples are great for when you are on-the-go. These can also be sliced up and served with a roasted chicken and packaged salad for a Fat-Blasting Meal-in-a-Minute. A healthy meal prep meal in no time at all!
- Pick up some prepared foods from the deli counter, such as roasted turkey and rotisserie chicken (stay away from the fatty skin), and even some veggie-based sides - avoid the mayo-laden pasta salads. If you're a vegetarian, tofu is a great meat substitute that provides many of the same nutrients!
- Whip up a homemade veggie pizza. Spread low-sodium tomato sauce on a pre-made whole-wheat flatbread, add some healthy toppings such as broccoli, spinach, fresh tomatoes and black olives, and pop it in the oven for a few minutes!
- Go nuts! Nuts are full of protein, minerals and healthy fats - it’s all about omega-3s, and they require no preparation or clean up. Grab a handful next time you're on the go.
- Cook in large batches. This is the ultimate healthy meal prep tip - cook it once, then freeze for later! Try cooking some legumes and intact whole grains in big batches and freeze them in single servings. These can later be thawed and heated in 1-2 minutes and added to any meal.
- Cut up some fresh veggies and fruit every few days. It only takes 10 minutes, and you will have healthy snack options waiting for you when you are hungry. Add a spoonful of hummus or fresh yogurt for some protein!
- Have a backup plan. When all else fails, having a good back up plan in place is important! I love to keep some of my Prepared Meals in the freezer for those days that I am unable to cook, or at the end of the week when I'm low on groceries. Add your zip code HERE, pick the way of eating you prefer to follow (the Denise's Fave's section is a Mediterranean style diet), and see which local meals are available in your area!
Denise