Achieving a good work / life balance can be challenging. When trying to balance all your demands do you often find yourself taking shortcuts when it comes to your health - especially your diet? Although you may have the best intentions when it comes to eating healthy, you might find yourself reaching for junky, fast food at the end of a hectic day.
Get back on track with your healthy diet by preparing healthy ingredients, snacks, and meals in large batches before you need them. This will take some planning and effort, but the payoff of healthy foods at your fingertips during your busy week is huge.
Having key ingredients prepped ahead of time can mean an easy meal of pre-cooked veggie burgers with potatoes that can be reheated in your toaster oven. Or how about a bowl of homemade soup that can be reheated as you set the table? Salads and power bowls can be put together in minutes if all your ingredients are ready to go. Lunch and dinner can really be that simple.
Here are some tips to help you be successful with prepping:
1. Plan ahead
Plan a simple menu for the week and create a shopping list of ingredients you are low on. Having a running list of pantry items to keep in stock is helpful.
2. Shop weekly
Trying to plan and shop for more than one week can be overwhelming and going to the store every few days can be time consuming. Weekly shopping ensures that your produce stays fresh and keeps food waste to a minimum.
3. Find a system that works for you.
Try using theme nights. For example, Monday is soup or chili night, Tuesday is burgers or tacos, Wednesday is pasta, Thursday is bowl night, Friday is leftovers night, Saturday is Mexican, and Sunday is a day to try new recipes.
4. Cook in large batches
If you are making something that freezes well like soup, grains, chili, and veggie burgers then double or triple the recipe. With a freezer full of options you won’t need to spend all day in the kitchen creating a meal for each day of the week.
5. Create a “Salad Bar” in your fridge.
Have all your veggies for the week washed, sliced and ready to use. Make a couple of dressings and sauces to last the week. Serve your veggies with some grains, beans, and a sauce to make easy power bowls for lunch or dinner.
6. Don’t forget the potatoes
Have some cooked potatoes and sweet potatoes in the fridge makes easy meals when combined with leftover soups or chili or paired with steamed veggies. They also make salads more filling.
7. Breakfast is important too.
Eating a wholesome breakfast is a great way to start your day. Have some oatmeal prepped ahead or portion out your smoothie ingredients so they’re ready to blend. Pancakes and waffles can be made in large batches and frozen – just pop in your toaster for an easy morning meal. Or just reheat some potatoes (& add some veggies) for a savory breakfast.
Life can be hectic. Help yourself out by having healthy foods easily available for you and your family during busy those busy weekdays.
What are your favorite things to prep? Let me know in the comments below.
Need help with meal planning, shopping, batch cooking, and learning which simple, yet tasty recipes fit best with your lifestyle? Want to develop habits to reduce stress, increase movement, and improve sleep? Let’s talk about it. Schedule a Health Consultation on my calendar or send me an email.