Meal Planning Made Easy: A 3-Step Guide to Healthy Eating

Eating healthy can be tough, especially when you’re busy and constantly on the go. Temptations lurk around every corner, from fast food joints to the vending machines at work. However, with a little bit of planning, you can avoid these pitfalls and always have healthy, delicious meals at the ready. In this article, we’ll explore an easy 3-step guide to meal planning that you can actually follow.

Step 1: Make Two Sides During the Weekend

To start off your meal planning process, focus on preparing two healthy side dishes during the weekend. Choose easy-to-make recipes like bean, lentil, healthy carb or vegetable dishes that can be refrigerated for most of the week. By taking care of these sides ahead of time, you can save time and mental energy during the week when you’re more likely to be busy and tired.

To make your sides taste even better, use spices and healthy flavorings. Try a blend of cumin, turmeric, sea salt, and black pepper for a versatile seasoning that can work with almost anything. One recipe we recommend is the “No-Cook 3-Bean Salad”, which is quick to make and easily transportable to work or on-the-go.

Step 2: Store Food in Glass Containers

Once you’ve prepared your sides, store them in glass containers to keep them fresh for longer. Glass is a better option than plastic because it doesn’t absorb odors or stains, and it’s much safer for your food. Choose a selection of different-sized containers to store at home and take to work. If you need to transport your food frequently, you can still use plastic containers, but be aware that they don’t keep food as fresh for as long and shouldn’t be used for long-term storage.

One recommendation for high-quality glass containers is the Kinetic Go Green Glasslock Series, which comes in several sizes perfect for a family or individual meals.

Step 3: Make an Easy Protein During the Week

Finally, during the week, your focus should be on preparing an easy protein to pair with your pre-made sides. Grilled chicken, fish, or an omelet are all great options, as well as whey protein shakes or tofu for vegetarians.

By preparing your protein ahead of time, you’ll have a complete meal ready to go that’s delicious and healthy. And if you make extra, you’ll have leftovers to bring to work for the next day’s lunch. With a complete meal ready to go each day, you’ll be far less tempted to indulge in unhealthy fast food or snacks.

Putting It All Together

Imagine coming home from work to find a delicious, healthy meal already prepared and waiting for you. With this easy 3-step guide to meal planning, you can make that a reality! The key is to think ahead and take care of the prep work before you’re confronted with the temptation to eat unhealthily.

Recipes like the No-Cook 3-Bean Salad and Cumin Coriander Fish (found in our free “Weight-loss Recipes Handbook for Ambitious Women”) are quick and easy to make, yet delicious, healthy and packed with protein. By preparing your sides and protein ahead of time and storing them in glass containers, you’ll be setting yourself up for success in maintaining a healthy diet.

In Conclusion

Meal planning may sound like a chore, but it’s one of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy diet and avoid the temptation of unhealthy snacks and fast food. By following our easy 3-step guide, you can plan your meals ahead of time, making healthy eating easier and more convenient than ever. Give it a try and see how much time and energy it saves you!