National Nutritional Month

Here’s an opportunity to boost your energy during National Nutrition Month with some quick and easy food prep tips for healthy snacks and lunch box meals:

• Overnight oats: Mix raw oats, milk and fruit in a jar. Leave it in the fridge overnight and enjoy a delicious and nutritious ready-to-go breakfast in the morning.
• Hard-boiled eggs: Boil a batch of eggs at the beginning of the week for a protein-packed snack or to add to salad or sandwiches on a daily basis.
• Batch cooking: Dedicate a day during the weekend to preparing large batches of grains (like rice or barley), proteins (lentils, soy or chicken) and veggies. Portion them into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• Bean-based meals: Beans are affordable, satisfying and packed with protein and fiber. It’s worth the time it takes to whip up mixed bean salads, chakalaka or even hearty bean soups that can travel to work in a flask.
• Snack packs: Spend time washing, peeling, and chopping vegetables and fruits and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Choose things that will keep their crunch like carrots, apple, cucumbers and green beans. Add a scoop of sugar-free peanut butter or mashed butterbeans and you’ve got the perfect snack and dip

These easy meal prep strategies not only save time but also support a healthier and more energetic workday.