Make Ahead Meal Plans

When your goal is to eat healthy, nothing beats a home cooked meal where you control the ingredients and the portions. The problem is finding the time every evening to cook a full dinner. That’s where an easy make-ahead meal plan allows you to prep recipes in advance so only a few steps remain to finish up the meal.

Here are a few tips to get and stay on track:

  1. Plan 1½ to 2 hours to cook over the weekend. Sundays work best since it’s closest to Monday to keep your food fresh.
  2. Find ingredient overlaps. Spinach can be used in salad, on sandwiches or inside a quesadilla.
  3. Pick a lean protein that allows you to mix and match ingredients and sauces. Cooked chicken paired with vegetables for an Asian stir-fry, add to tacos, or use with pasta.
  4. Once you decide what meals you are making, write a shopping list. Look through your pantry first to see what ingredients you may already have on hand.
  5. Get proper containers such as mason jars, Tupperware or even plastic bags.

A little Sunday meal-prep can make it a reality to plate a healthy dinner in just a few minutes even during a busy week.