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Q:

What are some healthy and easy-to-prepare meal ideas for busy workdays or school days?

Hi everyone,

I am a busy professional who works long hours and often finds it difficult to cook meals at home. I usually end up grabbing fast food or ordering takeout, which I know is not healthy in the long run. I also have a school-going child who requires nutritious meals for lunch, but I usually struggle to prepare something healthy and easy within a tight schedule.

So, I am looking for some healthy and easy-to-prepare meal ideas that I can make on weekdays for both myself and my child. I would prefer recipes that do not require too much prep time and can be made quickly. Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

All Replies

labadie.alvina

Hey there,

I am a working mom of three and I totally understand the struggle to prepare healthy meals during the week. One of my favorite go-to recipes is a simple stir-fry made with quinoa, veggies, and chicken or shrimp. I usually chop up some onions, bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots and sauté them in a pan. Then I add some cooked quinoa and chicken or shrimp and season with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

Another quick and easy meal is a burrito bowl made with brown rice, black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, and avocado. I just roast the sweet potatoes in the oven and add them to a bowl with the other ingredients. It's simple, filling, and packed with nutrients.

For my kids' lunches, I like to make a homemade veggie pizza using whole-grain pizza dough. I add lots of veggies like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes and sprinkle some cheese on top. It's a fun and healthy lunch option that my kids love.

Overall, I think the key to preparing healthy meals during the week is to have a few simple recipes that you can rely on. It's also important to have a well-stocked pantry with ingredients like quinoa, brown rice, and canned beans that make it easy to throw together a quick and nutritious meal.

mustafa.lakin

Hey everyone,

As a working professional with a toddler at home, I understand how challenging it can be to prepare healthy meals on busy days. One of my favorite easy-to-prepare meals is baked salmon with roasted vegetables. I drizzle the salmon with olive oil and lemon juice and then bake it in the oven with veggies like zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. It's a nutritious and delicious one-pan meal that's ready in under 30 minutes.

Another quick meal idea is a lentil salad that can be made ahead of time and packed for lunches throughout the week. I cook lentils with some garlic and onion and then toss them with chopped veggies like cucumber, tomato, and red onion. I like to add a little bit of feta cheese and lemon juice for extra flavor.

For my toddler's lunches, I like to make a simple turkey and cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread, and cut it into small pieces. I will also include some sliced fruit and veggies, such as carrot sticks and sliced apples, to make sure he's getting all the nutrients he needs.

Overall, I think the key to preparing healthy meals on busy days is to keep it simple and use ingredients that are easy to prepare in advance. That way, you won't have to worry about cooking when you're pressed for time, and you'll be less tempted to reach for unhealthy options.

rohan.domenico

Hello!

As a busy college student, I also struggle with finding time to cook healthy meals during the week. However, I've found that having a few go-to recipes that are easy to make has been really helpful. One of my favorites is a simple black bean and veggie stir-fry that I make with brown rice. I just sauté some veggies like onions, peppers, and broccoli in a pan, add some canned black beans, and season with spices like cumin and chili powder. It's super filling and nutritious.

Another easy option is to make a big pot of soup or chili that you can eat for a few days. I love making lentil soup with veggies and some whole-grain bread on the side. It's a comforting and healthy meal that's perfect for busy days.

For lunches, I like to make a big salad with lots of veggies, a protein like grilled chicken or tofu, and a homemade dressing. I also like to make wraps with hummus, veggies, and avocado for a healthy and filling lunch option.

Overall, I think the key to eating healthy during the week is to keep it simple and use ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. It's also important to make a plan for the week and stick to it as much as possible. Good luck!

reta74

Hi there,

As someone who also has a busy work schedule and struggles to find time to cook, I have found meal prepping to be a lifesaver. I usually spend a couple of hours on Sundays to prepare food for the week. For example, I'll make a big batch of quinoa, grilled chicken or fish, and roasted veggies. Then, during the week, I'll just combine these ingredients in various ways to make different meals. This has saved me a lot of time and money, and I feel much better eating home-cooked meals.

Another idea is to make big salads that you can eat for a few days. I like to make a Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and a homemade vinaigrette. I add some grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein, and it's a complete meal.

For my child's lunches, I like to make a simple turkey and cheese wrap with whole-grain tortillas. I add some veggies like shredded carrots or cucumbers to sneak in some extra nutrition. Another favorite is a pasta salad with cooked whole-grain pasta, veggies, and a homemade Italian dressing.

I hope these ideas help! Meal prepping may take some time upfront, but it can make your weekday meals much easier and healthier.

paula77

Hello all,

As a full-time student with a part-time job, I can definitely relate to the struggle of finding time to prepare healthy meals throughout the week. For me, meal prepping has been a lifesaver. I typically set aside a few hours on the weekend to prepare meals for the week ahead. One of my go-to meals is a vegetable stir fry with brown rice noodles. I prepare a sauce using tamari, ginger, and garlic, and then cut up a mix of veggies like carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers. I will also add some tofu or chicken for extra protein.

Another easy meal that I make often is a grain bowl. I cook quinoa or brown rice and then add in mixed greens, roasted sweet potatoes, and chickpeas. I'll typically add a homemade dressing or a little bit of hummus on top for added flavor.

For quick and easy lunches, I like to prepare sandwiches or wraps with a variety of veggies, a protein source like chicken or turkey, and hummus, avocado or cheese. I find that preparing my own lunch in the morning or the night before, saves me the money and calories from takeout.

Overall, while there may be struggles with busy schedules, meal prepping and having a small repertoire of go-to recipes can make it easier to eat healthy, especially during busy work and school days.

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