Busy, stressed and just the thought of preparing a home-cooked meal evokes anxiety? You’re not alone if think there is not enough time in the day to cook a healthy meal. With modern work days bleeding into home life and commutes infringing upon personal time, it’s no wonder we feel rushed when it comes to nourishing our bodies.
Here are some items to have on hand that’ll save you time and enable you to still get some healthy nutrients in your body.
- Pre-washed Greens (arugula, spinach, mixed greens, spring mix) — Add a handful or two to any meal for a quick and healthy dose of greens.
- Canned Fish (salmon, tuna, sardines) — Though fresh is best, canned can be a convenient go-to food when you’re in a bind and have no protein on hand.
- Steamed Veggies — On a meal prep/cook day (usually a day off for most), steam a bunch of veggies to have on hand. Some of my favorites to steam are broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, and sweet potatoes. Make enough for 2-3 days and use them for meals where you won’t have time to cook.
- Soups/Stews — Using a crockpot to make soups or stews can be a huge time saver. Make soup while sleeping or turn the slow cooker on while leaving the house for work. Arrive home to a pleasant-smelling aroma and a ready-made no-fuss meal. I’m totally fine with eating soup for days as an accompaniment to various meals and even as my main dish for breakfast sometimes…HUGE soup lover!
- Hard/Soft Boiled Eggs — Take all of 8 minutes and boil some eggs. They are the perfect protein for a meal any time of day (if you can tolerate them), pack a whole array of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and also make a convenient snack when you’re on the go.
- Frozen Leftovers — When you do have time to cook and prepare meals, make a little extra and freeze for when you’re in a bind or have a busy week ahead. Thaw and enjoy without having to use your brain too much to plan. Homemade broths are another nutrient-dense food that freeze well that can be used for many meals.
What are some ways you’re able to save some time while not sacrificing your health and nutrition in doing so? Let me know!
And if you found this post helpful, please share with others. Thanks!
Mike is a holistic nutritionist that helps people feel more optimistic about their health and wellness through changes in diet and lifestyle shifts.
He has authored posts and articles featured on MarthaStewart.com, today.com, and iVillage.com.