All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Here’s how to eat healthy when you’re busy.
A couple of lunch boxes on white, stone background
Look beyond fresh produce.
Keeping frozen or canned options on hand can be a lifesaver when youre short on time.
Chop everything at once.
Always chop the whole onion (or pepper, carrot, or celery), saysMarisa Moore, R.D.N.
L.D., M.B.A., culinary and integrative dietitian.
Frozen onions and peppers work great as the base for soups and stews!
Plus, it can combat boredom since various items can be combined in different ways each time.
Think of it as an elevated Lunchable or low key charcuterie board.
Buy pre-cut and pre-bagged foods.
Theres no denying that the more budget-friendly option is to buy ingredients whole and prep them yourself.
Sure, these are a little more expensive, but they save you time and give you energy.
Stock your freezer with healthy meals that require zero prep.
Batch cook and freeze.
Then, defrost and heat up as needed.
Prep ingredients in advance.
To keep some variety in your meal prep game, try prepping individual ingredients instead of fully constructed meals.
That way, you could combine them in different ways and keep things feeling fresh throughout the week.
Get creative with condiments.
A well-organized space can do just the opposite.
Have a plan without sticking to a meal plan.
When youre busy, sticking to a rigid, planned set of meals can be challenging.
Make a recipe book.
Take things one step further and actually put together a physical recipe book, Pitts suggests.
Prep breakfast the night before.
This can be especially helpful if youre someone who never has time to eat breakfast in the morning.
you might alsopre-freeze smoothie bags.
So quick and easy.
Remember that every meal and snack does not have to be fancy, Ziegelbaum says.
So does a snack-meal.
Stock up on healthy pantry essentials.
Awell stocked pantrycan save trips to the grocery store, Pitts says.
Carry snacks with you.
I like to stash granola bars in my bags so I always have something just in case.
