Meal Preparation

I really do look up to my best friend Catie; she's always making such healthy decisions - both body and mind. I really wanted her to share the benefits of meal preparation and how conducive it is to a salubrious work-week. Thank you, Catie, for writing this post and sharing these amazing recipes and tips. I can't wait to try them out.

Catie:

For those of you who don’t know me, I like to plan EVERYTHING in advance.  So naturally, I like to plan my meals out for the week and prepare accordingly.  Not only does meal preparation save you hours of cooking during the week, but it also guarantees that you’ll reach into the fridge for a healthier option.  It saves money as well.  I know that if I have a yummy, nutritious meal waiting for me in the fridge, then I won't feel the need to dine out and make a potentially unhealthy and expensive meal choice.

Typically, I use Sunday to get everything ready for the week.  That way, I can pack a nutritious lunch for work and have a healthy meal waiting in the fridge when I come home after a long day.  I find it most useful to prepare options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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Breakfast:

Normally I prepare energy bites or hard-boiled eggs.  Both options are wholesome and high in protein so I can receive the fuel I need to start my day.  Both of these options are also great pre- and post-workout snacks!  It’s awesome to be able to come home hungry after a hard workout and reach for these healthy, satisfying snacks.  They’re also easy to eat in the morning as you head out the door for work.

Here is a link for the perfect hard-boiled eggs! (It took me a while to master these):

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Here is a link for some delicious peanut-butter energy bites: 

No Bake Energy Bites

Lunch:

Typically I’ll pack one or two of my hard-boiled eggs, or I’ll pack a healthy salad topped with avocado and fresh feta cheese.  My favorite meal to prepare ahead of time is a healthy chicken or tuna salad with Greek yogurt.  It’s super easy to stir up and throw in a Tupperware container to take to work.

See this link for a tasty tuna salad recipe!

Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad

Dinner:

Normally on Sundays, I’ll put together a quick, healthy casserole for the week or a quiche. Both options are simple to throw together with ingredients you have on hand. Also, both options can bake in the oven while you complete your other chores. Recently, I tried the ground turkey casserole below and the yummy crust less quiche!

Ground Turkey Tortilla Casserole

Jackpot Crustless Quiche

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I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I did and good luck as you prepare your meal ahead of time! You won’t regret it -- trust me :)