A hectic week full of conferences, meetings, calls, meetups, etc., can leave you feeling drained of energy. With so many things going on around you, it might be easy for you to skip a mealtime or two. Preparing a well-balanced meal is no simple task after all. However, your body will suffer in the long run if you subject it to hard work without providing adequate fuel.
10 Easy Meal Preparation Ideas for a Hectic Week
Ensuring adequate nutrient intake is very important for your body. You need to make sure that whatever you are eating provides enough energy and goodness for you to function. You should make a proper meal plan before the week commences. Here are ten easy meal preparation ideas for a hectic week.
1. Salad
A salad doesn’t have to be a pile of leaves – that is neither feasible nor nutritious. You should add different types of food items that fall under the various categories of the food category. For a nutritious salad, add protein in the form of meat, tofu, or fish. You can add berries, roots, nuts, chopped vegetables, some leafy greens. A substantial salad ought to keep you satiated for a considerable amount of time. A fulfilling salad is a great choice if you are looking to stay in shape as well as a tasty food option with a variety of toppings. Remember, a light dash of dressing will make a world of difference.
2. Curry and Rice
Curry and rice is an extremely filling dish that you can prep for a few days a week. The best thing about curry is the insane amount of variety that you can make. You can experiment with various food groups. Truly, with curry, there is always something for someone. There are meat-based curries for the non-vegetarians, veggie curries for those on a vegetarian diet, vegan recipes for people on a plant-based diet. Curry is very easy to make and full of rich goodness and nutrients. You can store the leftovers in kitchen storage containers or casseroles for later use.
3. Savory Muffin Cups
Everybody loves muffins. However, you can bake muffins with savory ingredients that can stand-in as healthy snacks or a full-fledged meal. You can combine eggs, meat, or veggies, and accompaniments and bake it in a muffin tray. It saves time and can be consumed on the go. You can pack the muffins in food canisters for later use. Savory muffin cups can be frozen for over three months.
4. Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are the easiest meals to make, and they are full of rich nutrients. The acid and starch in the oats break down when oats are soaked overnight. This makes for easier digestion and helps regulate insulin in your body. Overnight oats are great if you are looking to shed some extra weight. The presence of high fiber ensures that you remain satiated for a long time and clears out your digestive tract. You can store overnight oats in insulated food containers for later consumption.
5. Chia Seeds
You may have seen aesthetically pleasing food jars piled to the brim with chia seeds and berries. Nutritionists consider chia seeds a superfood. These seeds may look innocuous, but they help you remain full for a long time. Chia seeds are high in insoluble fiber and help prevent constipation. They are also rich in calcium, antioxidants, protein, and healthy fats. You can make a variety of dishes with chia seeds – chia pudding, chia pancakes, chia granola, etc.
6. One-Pot Pasta
After a long day at work, no one has the energy to make an elaborate dinner. It is not just food that you are preparing – the cleanup that comes after is also a hassle. Therefore, a one-pot pasta dish is a lifesaver in times when you simply can’t drudge over a meal. All you need to do is boil some pasta al dente in a pot. Drain the water, and add your ingredients into the same pot. Add the pasta and you are done. All you need to wash is the pot. Store the leftovers in kitchen storage containers for later use or when you want a snack.
7. Smoothie
A smoothie is a great way to meet your required nutrient intake while having a healthier version of a dessert. A smoothie is an excellent breakfast item for when you don’t have the time or inclination for anything else. You can customize a smoothie however you want. Add frozen bananas, berries, and fruits, and mix them in a blender. You can add chia seeds, nuts, granola, chocolate chips, etc. as toppings. Store your delicious smoothie in an insulated flask until it is time to consume, and you are all set for a delicious drink for the day.
8. Veggie Stir Fry
A veggie stir fry is one of the easiest and quickest meals to prep and cook. Add a tablespoon of your preferred oil in a non-stick pan, and pop in your favorite vegetables. You can add a variety of vegetables. You may also add strips of meat or eggs if you wish to. Stir the veggies for a few minutes, sprinkle some sesame seeds on the top, and serve it hot. Serve hot or save it in insulated food containers.
9. Slow-Cooked Stew
After a long week, the last thing you want to do is slave over a three-course meal. If you have a slow cooker or a big pot, you can make things simple. Add four to six cups of water, some stock, meat, spices, and/ or vegetables. Let the whole thing stew over for a few hours. Just stir it sometimes. You can keep the leftovers in kitchen containers for the next day.
10. Everything Sandwiches
Sandwiches are the simplest meals. You can add your choice of filling – veggies, meat, eggs, etc. There are many types of sandwiches you can make. Choose healthy options that will fill you up. Add a seasonal fruit with your meal.
The Bottom Line
You can add your twist or tweak the recipes a little to fit them in your schedule. Remember, the main thing is the simplicity and time-saving element of the meals to accommodate your busy routine.