So Very Busy.

This is Part VIII of the “31 Days of Healthy Living” series.

You know those days when all you can think about is bed?

When the drive-through looks pretty appealing?

When the only thing you feel like cooking is a can of beans?

Yeah.

Me too.

Thankfully, I’ve come up with a few solutions.

1. Make big batches of soup or chili on the weekend and freeze them immediately.

I like to keep a few containers as “single serve” options.  The other containers are kept as “family serve” options for 3 or more people.

Trust me, you’ll be so happy you took the time on Saturday or Sunday to prepare for the upcoming week.  There’s nothing like pulling into your driveway and knowing that a nutritious dinner just needs to be pulled from the freezer and popped in the microwave.

2. Keep your freezer stocked with veggie burgers and whole wheat rolls.

Serve with a side salad and enjoy the healthier form of fast food. 😉

My personal favorite:

3. Keep a jar of marinara and a box of whole wheat pasta in your pantry.

You’d be amazed at how many meals you can make with these two staples.

• Pasta with sauce.  Obviously.
• Pasta with olive oil, grated parmesan cheese and sauteed spinach with garlic.
• English muffin pizzas: toast whole wheat english muffins, top with heated marinara sauce and shredded cheese, heat under broiler and serve with side salads.

4. Turn a basic salad into something amazing.

A bed of greens.

A little feta cheese.

Some walnuts.

Cranberries.

A drizzle of your favorite dressing.

Voila!

5. When in doubt…omelettes, cereal and baked potatoes make a fine (and nutritious) stand-in for dinner.

There’s no shame in pouring a bowl of cheerios for dinner now and then.  Stick with the low-sugar, fiber-rich varieties which will keep you feeling full longer.  Add some walnuts, berries and milk for a nutritious, quick meal.

Millet, oatmeal, and quinoa make great warm alternatives too.

Or add some black beans and salsa to a baked potato for a quick and easy meal.

Or make an omelette with some leftover roasted vegetables from the weekend (asparagus and goat cheese are wonderful in omelettes!)

6. Stop at the supermarket.

If you really, really, really don’t feel like cooking, stop off at the supermarket.

Pick up some vegetable sushi.  And a side salad with a lite vinaigrette dressing.

Or head to the salad bar, pile on the greens and raw veggies, add a little protein (i.e., tuna, chicken, tofu, etc.) and add a small amount of two of your favorite toppings.

Or make yourself a sandwich by picking up some whole wheat wraps or bulkie rolls, adding some lean roast beef or turkey (ask for the low sodium varieties if you’re watching your salt intake!) and purchase a tomato and a small bag of lettuce for a complete sandwich.  Mustard and mayo packets are usually available at the salad bar.

QUESTION: How do you continue to eat healthy when times get busy and you just don’t feel like cooking?