We know you’re busy…and it can be challenging to get healthy meals on the table each night.
Below the bluebird chic ambassadors and myself are sharing our tips for fitting the preparation of quick, yet healthy meals into our busy schedules.
#1 – Make double batches of sides such as rice or veggies.
Maryam of Hi + Hello Photography says,
If I’m cooking rice or veggies, I make twice the amount I need for dinner, then divide up the leftovers. Making an extra staple with a side of veggies means I just have to add an easy protein like tuna or pre-cooked grilled chicken strips and I have a healthy but easy meal that can be made in under 5 minutes!
#2 – The power bowl is where it’s at…
Bowls are so versatile, easy to make ahead and healthy too–it’s the perfect choice for people with minimal time to put into creating meals.
Monika of Internationelle says,
Made with a trifecta of veggies, grains, and protein, power bowls can be endlessly customizable with whatever you have on hand and can quickly throw into a bowl.
They are super filling and endlessly energizing, there’s nothing in here to feel guilty about or that will make you feel sluggish. Most bowls (unless using iceberg lettuce) can be frozen for later use, as well. Meal prepping a week of these takes almost no time at all!
Some of my favorites include:
- Harvest power bowl (craisins, kale, carrots, butternut squash/pumpkin, cabbage, shredded gold/red beets, spinach and chicken)
- Southwest chicken bowl (roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, spinach, avocado, salsa, black beans and cilantro).
Anna of Anna Aspnes Designs says,
Bowls are great little vessels for holding all types of deliciousness, helps with portion control and allows you to eat on the move if you’re in a real time crunch. I keep it simple by choosing one of each of the following:
- Greens: Kale, Lettuce, Arugula, Spinach, Raddichio
- Carbs: Cold or Warm Rice, Quinoa, Sweet or New Potatoes
- Veggies/Fruits: Any variety of raw, grilled, baked, or sautéed veggies or fruits.
- Protein: Cold or warm Poutry, Fish, Pork, Beef, Cheese, Eggs, Beans
- Fat: Salad Dressing, Oils, Vinegars, Lemon, Lime
- Crunch: Bacon, Nuts or crushed crackers.
- Optional: Salt, Pepper, Spice, Seasonings.
There’s no need to make it more complicated than it needs to be. Just choose one food from each group. Make it hot/cold and then mix everything up so you get a bit of everything in each bite.
#2 – Opt for a quick and easy “snack-style” meal
Jennifer of Live Life. Create Art says,
Sometimes I make things more difficult than they need to be…meals, especially at lunch time, can be made so easy if I just make the decision to keep things simple! Being a homeschooling family means I’m responsible for breakfast, lunch and dinner all the time. For lunch, I’ve found, that I can get away with making a quick snack style lunch. Some days it’s a mix of crackers and cheese with veggies and an assortment of fruit…other days popcorn or nuts may make an appearance. You get the idea, simple and still delicious!
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BONUS TIP FROM LEAH:
BUY MEATS AND OTHER STAPLES IN BULK
Just having the things that you use often in meals and that everyone likes on hand, can be a huge help! Buying meats, grains, and other staples that you’ll use in multiple meals will not only save you time it will save you money too!
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Do you have any tips of your own for getting quick, yet healthy meals on the table? Share them with us in the comments below!
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