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Easy Meal Prep – Save Time, Eat Healthy

October 11, 2024

A busy week doesn’t mean you have to give up on healthy meals. If meal planning, shopping, and cooking feel too hard or make you rely on expensive and unhealthy takeout, we can help! Here’s an easy plan to make meal prepping simple.

Plan Ahead

Look at your calendar and make a menu that fits your week. Decide which days you can cook and which days you can eat leftovers. You can also make casseroles or prepare slow-cooker meals when you have extra time. This helps cut down on food waste and makes it easier to avoid takeout.

Before going to the store, check your fridge and pantry. Are there any foods that need to be used soon? Plan meals around those items so you don’t waste food. Also, check what you already have so you don’t buy extra.

Smart Shopping

There are many healthy and quick options at the store if you know where to look. Try things like microwavable grains, frozen veggies, whole grain wraps, and healthy sauces. Use the Guiding Stars program to find nutritious foods easily. Learn more at GuidingStars.com.

Think about what you like to cook. If you don’t have time to wash and chop veggies, buy pre-washed and pre-cut options. Grab easy-to-eat vegetables like grape tomatoes, baby carrots, mini cucumbers, and string beans. Shop for foods that are quick to prepare, especially on busy days (your future self will be happy you did!).

Cooking Tips

Don’t stress about doing too much meal prep at once—it can be time-consuming and may lead to waste if you don’t feel like eating what you’ve prepared. Instead, cook a little extra at each meal so you have leftovers. Use those leftovers to create new meals without having to cook from scratch every night.

Try ideas like “deconstructed dinners” and “nextovers.” Deconstructed meals let everyone choose their own ingredients without making a big recipe. Nextovers are leftovers turned into new meals, like turning last night’s roast chicken into chicken tacos. These tricks save time, reduce waste, and help you eat healthy without extra effort. For more tips, check out the blog at GuidingStars.com.

Need help? Hannaford dietitians are ready to guide you! Visit Hannaford.com/dietitians for tips on healthy eating and to sign up for free online classes on meal planning, budget shopping, and more.

Allison Stowell
Allison Stowellhttp://www.Hannaford.com/dietitians
Allison Stowell MS RD CDN serves as a dietitian for Hannaford Supermarket. The Hannaford Dietitian team offers free online classes, in-store tours, and more for the communities it serves. Visit Hannaford.com/dietitians for more information.
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