Eat Smart, Save Time- Prep Ahead

It seems that a likely overused excuse as to why many of us don't eat healthy is that we don't have time. People say things like  "I didn't have time to cook... so I went through the drive-thru". I'm glad these people aren't starving themselves, but I have found the best way to keep on track to reaching your nutritional goals is to plan ahead.
Ideally you should make yourself a bunch of small meals all at once that will last you the next few days. Tupperware is probably one of my favorite kitchen gadgets and makes it easy to bring things anywhere and pre-portion them, though there are a variety of coolers and containers that serve the same purpose.

Another benefit of prepping meals ahead of time is that you always have food with you right when you feel hungry.

Also, you will likely be saving money due to the fact that you aren't eating take-out all the time.

Here are ideas of some healthy options you could make meals out of, some meet individual needs differently than others:

• Grill chicken breast or tofu in batches you can measure out portions and combine to make a meal (here are some examples:
• put on salad (with balsamic, salsa, or other light healthy dressing)
• mix with rice and veggies
• Make a large batch of rice, quinoa, etc that you can take portions from for the week
• Chop veggies ahead of time and store them in containers for easy prep or for snacks
• Fruit is a good portable snack, just don't overdo it
• Dry oatmeal with raisins and pumpkin pie spice- if you have a way to get hot water/cook it where you are going
• Protein bars and shakes
• Hard boiled eggs/egg whites
• Try my easy Jazzy Bean Salad Recipe

Jazzy Bean Salad

This quick and easy salad is great for a pot luck, or just a snack. Its full of protein and contains some good fats.

• 1 15oz. can garbanzo beans
• ½-1 can black beans
• ½ can kidney beans (optional)
• 1 cup cooked, shelled edamame
• ½ cup corn kernels removed from cob or cooked from frozen
• 1/3 cup diced red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

Combine all ingredients in large bowl. Allow ingredient flavors to combine for a few hours more flavor.

These options are just a few of the many ways to bring "clean eating" food with you wherever you go. Remember: "Failure to prepare, is preparing to fail"...