Meal Prep Made Simple for a Healthier Week

Busy days often lead to rushed meals, takeout and unhealthy snacks. Meal prepping, preparing some of your food in advance, saves time, reduces stress and makes it much easier to eat well every day.

Start small

You don't need to prepare every meal for the week. Begin with lunches or breakfasts, then build from there once it becomes a habit.

Build balanced meals

• Protein such as chicken, eggs, beans, lentils or tofu.
• Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa or whole-grain pasta.
• Plenty of vegetables, raw or roasted, in many colors.
• Healthy fats from olive oil, nuts, seeds or avocado.

Try mason jar salads

Layer dressing at the bottom, followed by hearty vegetables, grains and protein, with leafy greens on top. Shake into a bowl when you're ready to eat, and everything stays fresh and crisp.

Cook once, eat well many times. That's the beauty of meal prep.

Store food safely

Use airtight containers, cool cooked food quickly and keep prepared meals in the fridge. Freeze portions you won't eat within a few days.

Keep it interesting

Change your sauces, spices and vegetables each week, so your meals stay tasty and varied.