Golden Glow Sunday #3

Meal prep hacks for a nourishing week.✨

Remember the warm, fuzzy feeling of a Sunday well-spent? Today, let's add another layer to that golden glow with the magic of meal prep! ✨

Embracing a "whole foods" lifestyle feels amazing, but finding the time (seriously?!) to make it happen? Not always my strongest suit. That's where meal prep comes in, my secret weapon for maintaining healthy eating habits amidst the week's craziness.

Think of it this way: imagine coming home after a busy day, your little munchkins tuckered out from tae-kwon-do or dance lessons. Do you want to face empty plates, tempting you towards quick fixes laden with questionable ingredients? NO WAY!

Instead, picture opening the fridge to a rainbow of prepped meals and sides, ready to nourish your crew and keep everyone's energy levels soaring (NOT crashing). Now we are talking my language :)

Here's how to turn that vision into reality:

Opt for Seasonal Produce:

In winter, roast up hearty Brussels sprouts. When spring peeks in, welcome broccoli and asparagus. Summer sunshine calls for zucchini fritters or omelets packed with their freshness. Remember, these beauties reheat like champs, giving you breakfast options that stabilize blood sugar and keep you fueled. Explore these resources from

Recipes Made Healthy

,

What To Cook When You Don't Feel Like Cooking

, and Nourishing Lab:

• Greek Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables by Recipes Made Healthy

• A Really Simple Meal Plan v6 by What To Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking

• Nourishing Lab’s One Pan Rosemary Roasted Vegetables

  

  Craving crispy, flavorful veggies without the fuss? Look no further than this one-pan wonder! Seasoned with fragrant rosemary, these roasted vegetables transform a side dish that's both healthy and addictive!

Double Down on Grains:

Brown rice and quinoa are your BFFs in the meal prep world. Cook a big batch on Sunday, knowing they'll last 2-3 days and serve double duty. Wrap them up for a satisfying lunch, throw them into egg scrambles for an afternoon pick-me-up, or even sneak them into your kids' lunchboxes for a healthy surprise.

Need inspiration? Check out these fantastic quinoa recipes:

• Quinoa Salad with Hazelnuts, Apple, and Dried Cranberries

• Quinoa and Kale Crustless Quiche

Photo by Food52

Feeling adventurous? Combine leftover veggies and grains for a one-bowl meal packed with nutrients.

Dip into Deliciousness:

Hummus and guacamole are protein powerhouses with minimal sugar. Bonus points for whipping up your own versions to avoid hidden nasties. Here are some recipes to get you started:

• Classic Guacamole

• The Best Hummus

Snack Smart:

Outsmart temptation by prepping your own snack bags. Think trail mix (make your own to avoid added sugar!): nuts, seeds, seaweed snacks, chia seeds, granola, and organic popcorn. Feeling adventurous? Whip up a batch of Dark Chocolate Trail Mix for an irresistible treat. This trail mix contains walnuts which are my favorite nut for overall health because they are rich in antioxidants (especially vitamin E that protects your cells and heart), a source of omega-3 fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory. BONUS!

Photo by Taste of Home

Dress Up Your Meals:

Store-bought dressings can be sugar and preservative bombs. Ditch them and create your own in minutes! Olive oil, lemon, apple cider vinegar, mustard, avocado, and/or tahini are your flavor friends, offering endless possibilities. Explore these dressing recipes for inspiration:

• Yogurt Tahini Dressing

• Carrot Ginger Dressing

Photo by Goop

Remember, a little prep work on Sunday goes a long way in nourishing your entire family and yourself with delicious, healthy meals throughout the week.

So, gather your ingredients, put on some upbeat music (I like Old Dominion right now) and turn meal prep into a fun family activity or dance in your kitchen alone like I do! ✨

With these simple tips, you can create a Golden Glow Sunday ritual that fuels your body and soul, leaving you feeling energized (blood sugar levels stabilized) and ready to conquer the week ahead.

Remember, healthy habits don't have to be complicated – just a little planning and creativity can make all the difference!