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Which, unfortunately, is rarely as healthy as you probably would like in an ideal world.
via IriGri8 / Getty Images
The more you plan ahead, though, the fewer of those last-minute decisions you’ll have to make.
Why, all these healthy snacks andmeals you preppeda few days ago!
Easy, peasy.How to eat healthy without even thinking about it.
Nataša Mandić / Stocksy
But it’s one thing to know thatmeal prepwill help you and it’s another to actually do it.
For a lot of meal prep newbies, it can be a bit daunting to dive right in.
Carolyn Alish, Ph.D., R.D.
with Abbott
Here are13 overnight oats recipesfor the easiest morning ever.
Save the top half of the jar for your leafy greens.
Shannon Garcia, M.D.S., R.D.
If you’re short on time, you’re free to snack on raw carrots with hummus.
Tiffany Newenhouse, R.D., C.D.N.
Read more about how toprep veggies to use in different recipes all week long.
“One trick I use is making sauces that can be stored in the fridge and used multiple ways.
This makes dinner prep so much quicker without being boring.”
Most use the same equipment: just a large pot and water or low-sodium broth for added flavor.
Grains often cook just like rice, with a 2-to-1 or 1-to-1 ratio of grain to water.
They even freeze well for several weeks if needed.
Cara Harbstreet, M.S., R.D., L.D.
Here’show to cook every kind of whole grainperfectly every time.
“I collect two large containers of vegetable and herb scraps.
It helps prevent food waste, saves time, and tastes great!
Broccoli stem zoodles and carrot green pesto, anyone?
“Take 20 minutes out of your week to plan what groceries you will need for your next trip.
It will also save you a lot of money because it will prevent you from buying unnecessary food!
Go into the store knowing how many servings ofproteins, grains, and vegetables you need.
“I love Greek yogurt parfaits, so I’ll often create a few days of breakfast at once.
Then all I have to do is grab and go the next couple of mornings.”
Amy Gorin, M.S., R.D.N., owner ofAmy Gorin Nutrition
Try thispeach and quinoa yogurt parfait recipe.
Then I cover it for five to 10 minutes to soak up the juices and steam.
After that, I’ve got five meals for the upcoming week!
“Melissa Burchill, R.D., C.D.N.
forZone Manhattan
Here’sa simple recipe you’re able to turn into a week of healthy lunches.
I keep them indoors but by the window for good light.
It’s easy, and it’s fun to grow your own food!”
“Smoothies arent complicated.
“I use both a large 11-cup food processor and a smaller 7-cup food processor.
Do you have everything on the list?
But the key to eating a balanced lunch is partially in how you pack it, she says.
For instance, Ill pack nuts and hummus in my quarter-cup containers and fruit in half-cup containers.
For packing entrees, I use the 2 cup size containers.”
Yeung says she doesn’t use anything fancyjust regular tupperware and mason jars will do the trick.
Quotes have been edited and condensed for clarity.
