Coming home after a long day at work can make cooking a healthy meal a real chore. Before you opt for a frozen meal, try preparing meals for the week on the weekend!

We’re all guilty of throwing away the bag of soggy salad mix forgotten in the back of the refrigerator, but preparing your meat and produce early can save time, money, and your favorite foods!

Here are some tips for preparing a week of healthy meals and snacks:

  1. Cook a large portion of meat and put it in a covered container in the refrigerator. You can use chicken, lean beef, or turkey, and all you need to do is reheat and add to your favorite sides, stir fries or pastas.
  2. Cook a large box of pasta or quinoa and put it in a covered container in the refrigerator. Just add sauce for a quick meal!
  3. Hard-boil eggs for a grab-and-go breakfast or salad topping.
  4. Give all your produce a thorough wash and start chopping. Grill a portion of the vegetables for meals, and then put the raw pieces into plastic containers for snacks.
  5. Make Mason jar salads. Put your dressing on the bottom, firmer vegetables in the middle (think cucumbers and carrots), then lettuce on top. As long as the lettuce and dressing do not touch, the salad will stay fresh for days!
  6. Cook a double portion of your favorite soup and freeze half to stash in your freezer for up to six months!
  7. Crock pot meals cook while you are away and are an easy way to save time while making a delicious, fresh meal. Prepare the ingredients needed to make your favorite dish and set them aside in a container. Then, just put the ingredients in the crock pot in the morning and head on with your day. By the time you get home, you’ll have a hot, home-cooked meal waiting for you!

Having a supply of prepared, healthy meal options makes it easier to reach for salad rather than the take out menu. Take a couple hours out of your weekend to make your favorite meals and stay on the healthy track for the rest of the week!

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