Monday, 19 September 2016

12 brilliant meal prep ideas to free up your time (part 2).

5. Roast different vegetables with same cooking time.
Roasting vegetables is a great way to bring  out their natural sweetness, but waiting 30 to 40 minutes for each pan of nutrient-rich goodness to cook can be time-consuming.

 To prep a large batch of veggies, try pairing them based on roasting time. Fast-cooking vegetables that can bake in the same pan include asparagus, mushrooms and cherry tomatoes; slow-roasting vegetables include carrots, cauliflower, onions, potatoes and parsnips. Photo: Jenny / Picky Palate



6. Make portions crystal clear.
Guard against overeating by portioning your nuts, pretzels, veggies or favorite nibbles into plastic baggies or portable jars. It’s easy tomindlessly munch when you’ve got an entire bag sitting in front of you, but having just enough ready to go for lunch or a snack will keep you from going overboard. Jars: Blender Bottle Go Stack Twist ‘N Lock

7. Customize healthy oatmeal jars.
Fiber-rich foods like oatmeal are ideal for keeping you satiated until lunchtime, but most packets have lots of added sugar and unnatural preservatives.If you DIY and use portable glass jars, you’ll control exactly whatand how much you’re eating. From “monkey mix” to “raspberries and dark chocolate,” these genius flavor combinations will keep your taste buds happy, too. Photo and recipe: Rachel / Clean Food Crush

8. Bag up smoothie ingredients.
Ever put a little of this, a little of that in your blender and end up with a supersizedsmoothie? Save yourself from unnecessary calories by pre-assembling and freezing the ingredients.By measuring out your berries, yogurt (frozen in an ice cube tray) and greens ahead of time, your shake will be perfectly portioned, every time. Photo and recipe: Rachel / The Chic Site
9. Use muffin tins for smarter breakfast frittatas
You could enjoy a fancy frittata every morning of the week, and only turn your stove on once. The secret? Make-ahead egg muffins! Make several of these recipes in advance (you can store in the fridge for up to five days) so you don’t get bored throughout the week. Wrap them in a paper towel to microwave them so they won’t dry out. Photo and recipe: Kendra Montgomery / Full Fork Ahead
10. Always roll with some protein-rich snacks.
Protein is essential for muscle recovery after a tough workout and it also keeps hunger at bay — making it an A+ choice for snacks. Instead of reaching for a packaged protein bar that could have more than 400 calories and 28 grams of sugar, try making your own energy balls. Whip up a batch and store them in the fridge for up to six days. Photo and recipe: Lee Hersh / Life by Daily Burn
11. Skewer meats for quick portions.
Kabobs aren’t just for street meat. Weighing your chicken (or salmon or beef) and putting it on wooden skewers can help you control how much you’re eating in one sitting. (Four ounces of chicken has approximately 36 grams of protein, and six ounces of salmon has 34 grams of protein.) Cook up a batch and save some skewers for the rest of the week. If you’re using wooden ones, remember to soak them in water so they won’t catch fire in your grill or oven. Photo and recipe: Emily Miller /Life by Daily Burn
12. Pre-assemble jarred lunch salads.
Think salad from home is a no-go because it always gets soggy? Think again. Using a glass jar will save your veggies from getting mucky before lunchtime.Put your dressing at the bottom of the jar, layering sturdier produce like cucumbers and peppers, and then saving any leafy greens or grains (we’re loving quinoa) up top.Put a paper towel square at the top to absorb moisture if you’re storing the salad for multiple days. Still hungry? We’ve got nine more mason jar recipes to show off in your work fridge. Photo and Recipe: Carmen Sturdy / Life by Daily Burn 



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