Life can be so incredibly hectic between family, work, endless responsibilities and social time. Convenience and ease are a huge deal when it comes to meals but the problem is that a lot of times convenience = processed not so healthy foods. The good news- its actually really easy to make your life easy all while planning your meals ahead of time. I’ve put together some simple breakfast, lunch and snack ideas to help you out! 

I know I post some very indulgent dishes and I love them all but I also lead a pretty healthy life. Two years ago I made a HUGE change in my life, started taking nutritional supplements and eating clean most of the time. I lost 30 lbs, I have more energy and am stronger then ever… heck this past weekend I finished my very first half marathon {woohoo!!}.

Whether you are looking just to make life easier, get healthier or save some money then meal planning may be just what you need!  Seriously, you’d be amazed at how much $$$ you can save by packing rather then going out to lunch every day. Planning ahead takes some extra effort and a little bit of extra time but it is so worth it. Take 1 day out of your week to come up with a list of meals, grocery shop and get those meals ready. A few hours on a Saturday or Sunday and you are set for the week.

Breakfast Meal Ideas:

• Organic plain oatmeal packets with cinnamon apples or any fresh fruit
• Whole grain pita bread with natural peanut butter
• Hard boiled eggs
• Egg, spinach & cheese on a sandwich thin
• Scrambled eggs with veggies or Egg Muffins
• Fruit Smoothies {that picture there on the right is my freezer packed full of fruit prepped for smoothies. And on the left is my littlest who happens to love Green Smoothies and my Peanut Butter, Banana & Chia Smoothie}

Lunch Meal Ideas:

• Salad with grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers. fresh mozzarella and balsamic dressing
• Salad with sliced cheese, ham or turkey, hard boiled eggs and dressing
• Black Eyed Pea Salad topped with a grilled chicken breast
• Hummus, fresh veggies, hard boiled eggs and pita bread
• Italian tuna salad with olive oil, oregano, tomatoes, chick peas and mozzarella, over a salad
• Black bean burger with a sweet potato and veggies
• Avocado Chicken Salad 
• Balsamic Chicken Salad
• Chicken taco meat mixed with brown rice and veggies

Snack Ideas:

• Fresh fruit
• Apples and peanut butter
• Organic granola bars
• Almonds
• Dried fruit

Tips:

• Be sure to separate wet ingredients from dry- example: put tuna salad in a plastic baggie over the lettuce or along side bread
• Salad dressings in a small tupperware or baggie
• Keep separate things that need to be warmed and things that stay cool- example: black bean burger in a baggie to warm on a plate before putting with a salad
• Never throw away fruit again! Starting to get to towards the end of ripeness, dice and freeze
• Stock up on berries when they are on sale and freeze in portioned sized baggies