Healthy Fast Pack Snacks & Meals

When we're juggling all that life demands, it’s tiring to have to cook and clean on top of everything. 

But we deserve to enjoy a healthy, quality life for ourselves and we need to stay strong for others.

Here are some ULTRA fast prep, healthy thingies I eat when I’m pressed for time and on the run (which is always 😉)

(On easy meals for those we care for, the below may also apply, but watch for other posts on meal prep for seniors, those with diet restrictions, etc.)

Chow down on this easy, healthy breakfast treat!

1. Toast a piece of sprouted bread (lots of healthy fiber).
2. Spread some all-natural peanut butter onto toast. 
3. Top with sliced bananas.
4. Flip open a bottle of honey and drizzle (antioxidants). Easy. 
5. That’s it! Enjoy the yumminess!

Another healthy, quick breakfast option …         

1. Toast a slice of sprouted bread.
2. Slice some avocados (healthy fat, fiber & antioxidants) and place on toast.
3. Shake a bottle of “everything bagel” seasoning on top (poppy, sesame & carraway seeds) for a little extra fiber, flavor, and crunch!
4. Eat and go to work. 

Quick & healthy salad for work or when you’re on-the-go:

1. Grab one of those wide-mouthed plastic take-out bowls with a lid (lightweight).
2. Open a bag of organic lettuce mix and toss some salad into the container.
3. Rinse some organic blueberries or strawberries and throw them on top.
4. I also add some organic hummus (heart-healthy). I get the little packs from Costco. If you don’t have time to scoop it out at home, just bring the pack with you to add later.
5. Toss a plastic fork and napkin in the bag – you’re ready to go!

30 seconds to prep lunch to go!

1. 1. Lay a paper towel down so you don’t dirty up another plate. 
   2. Make a quick sandwich by grabbing two pieces of sprouted bread (great texture and taste!) and two pieces of organic cheddar cheese.
   3. Grab a banana and a box of raisins and throw them into a bag along with the sandwich.
   4. Run out the door.

A refreshing snack:

1. Open up some healthy, Greek yogurt (with no added sugars).
2. Top with rinsed, organic berries of your choice (anti-inflammatory).
3. Eat as you work or sit in the sun on your break (for vitamin D production).
4. Relax and enjoy!

Another snack idea:

1. Wash and slice some apples and/or celery sticks
2. Smear on some all-natural peanut butter.
3. Nibble and smile! (an old Girl Scout recipe we enjoyed)

Always have these prepped and on hand for ready-to-eat or grab-n-go snacks:

1. Boiled eggs
2. Boiled or baked sweet potatoes (orange or purple, nutritious, filling, so much fiber)
3. Bananas – a no-hassle fruit, no prep, hygienic, easy to eat
4. Bags of nuts.
5. I also save the little packages of cranberries, nuts, and seeds that come with bagged salad mixes. Bring with you as a snack or add to salads, yogurt, or oatmeal.

An Easy-to-make healthy dinner:

Tip:  Use environmentally friendly paper plates and cups to save time from washing dishes.

For the protein

1. Take a baking pan and line it with parchment paper (for easy cleanup).
2. Place some raw chicken (breasts, thighs or drumsticks) or any raw fish (ie, salmon or cod) into the pan.
3. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and paprika.
4. Massage protein in the pan with your hands. (No need to dirty another bowl.)
5. Bake at 395 degrees for 50 minutes or until done.
   

For the vegetable

1. Boil a pot of water.
2. Open a bag of pre-cut, pre-washed organic broccoli or green beans (time saving). Pour veggies into pot and heat at medium heat for 7 minutes.
3. Drain and place in Pyrex serving dish. (For leftovers, conveniently seal the top with its rubber lid and place the container in the fridge.)

For the starch

Include an organic multigrain or whole wheat dinner roll. Store-bought is okay for convenience. Check the label to ensure there is no high fructose corn syrup or preservatives. Whole wheat flour has more fiber than enriched wheat flour.

For dessert

Peel and enjoy a mandarin orange. 
They’re sweet, delicious, and nutritious (vitamin C, beta-carotene, and fiber). They’re also anti-inflammatory and offer antioxidant benefits.