Maintaining a healthy diet can be challenging when you have a busy schedule. That’s where meal prep comes in handy! By preparing your meals in advance, you can ensure that you’re fueling your body with nutritious foods even when you’re short on time. Here are 5 healthy meal prep ideas for a busy week:
Mason Jar Salads
Mason jar salads are a fun and easy way to meal prep your lunches for the week. Start by layering your ingredients in a jar, starting with your dressing on the bottom, followed by your protein, veggies, and finally your greens. You can also add toppings such as nuts, seeds, or cheese. Some examples of mason jar salads include a Greek salad with chicken, cucumber, tomato, and feta cheese or a spinach salad with roasted sweet potato, quinoa, and goat cheese.
Sheet Pan Meals
Sheet pan meals are a great way to prep a week’s worth of dinners with minimal effort. Simply chop up your veggies and protein of choice, toss them with some olive oil and seasonings, and roast them on a sheet pan in the oven. Some examples of sheet pan meals include roasted salmon with asparagus and lemon or roasted chicken with sweet potato and Brussels sprouts.
Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a perfect breakfast option for busy mornings. Simply combine rolled oats, milk of your choice, and any toppings you like (such as fruit, nuts, or honey) in a jar and let it sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious breakfast ready to go. Some examples of overnight oats include banana nut, apple cinnamon, or chocolate peanut butter
Quinoa Bowls
Quinoa bowls are a great way to meal prep a hearty and filling lunch or dinner. Cook up a batch of quinoa and add your favorite veggies, protein, and sauce. You can mix and match different ingredients to keep things interesting throughout the week. Some examples of quinoa bowls include a Mediterranean bowl with falafel, cucumber, and tzatziki sauce or a Mexican bowl with black beans, salsa, and avocado.
Freezer Smoothie Packs
Smoothies are a quick and easy way to get a healthy dose of fruits and veggies. Make things even easier by prepping freezer smoothie packs. Simply combine your favorite smoothie ingredients (such as fruit, yogurt, or spinach) in a zip lock bag and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to make a smoothie, simply dump the contents of the bag into your blender with some liquid and blend until smooth. Some examples of freezer smoothie packs include a green smoothie with spinach, banana, and almond milk or a berry smoothie with mixed berries, yogurt, and honey.
