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The Visual Guide to

EASY
MEAL
PREP

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The Visual Guide to

EASY
MEAL
PREP
Save Time and
Eat Healthy with
over 75 Recipes

ERIN ROMEO

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Text © 2019 by Erin Romeo
Photography © 2019 by Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.
(except photos on pages 18, 24, 26, and 31 © Shutterstock)

First published in 2019 by Race Point, an imprint of The Quarto Group,


142 West 36th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10018, USA
T (212) 779-4972 F (212) 779-6058 www.QuartoKnows.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the copyright
owners. All images in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the artists concerned,
and no responsibility is accepted by producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise,
arising from the contents of this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure the credits accurately comply with
information supplied. We apologize for any inaccuracies that may have occurred and will resolve inaccurate or missing
information in a subsequent reprinting of the book.

Race Point titles are also available at discount for retail, wholesale, promotional and bulk purchase.
For details, contact the Special Sales Manager by email at specialsales@quarto.com
or by mail at The Quarto Group, Attn: Special Sales Manager, 100 Cummings Center Suite, 265D, Beverly, MA 01915, USA.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

ISBN: 978-1-63106-596-5
Digital edition: 978-0-76036-497-0
Softcover edition: 978-1-63106-596-5

Digital edition published in 2019

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Romeo, Erin, author.


Title: The visual guide to easy meal prep : strategies and recipes to get
organized, save time, and eat healthier / Erin Romeo, the Food Prep
Princess.
Description: New York : Race Point Publishing, [2019] | Includes index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2019010070 (print) | LCCN 2019016463 (ebook) | ISBN
9780760364970 (e-book) | ISBN 9781631065965 (pbk.)
Subjects: LCSH: Quick and easy cooking. | Cooking (Natural foods) |
Cooking—Planning, | LCGFT: Cookbooks.
Classification: LCC TX833.5 (ebook) | LCC TX833.5 .R656 20191 (print) | DDC
641.5/1--dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019010070

Editorial Director: Rage Kindelsperger


Creative Director: Laura Drew
Managing Editor: Cara Donaldson
Senior Editor: Erin Canning
Interior Layout: Amelia LeBarron
Food Photography: Alison Bickel Photography
Author Photography: Saleme Fayad

Big thanks to Corelle Brands for supplying Purex and Snapware storage containers
and Chicago Cutlery knives and cutting boards.

Printed in China

This book provides general information. It should not be relied upon as recommending or promoting any specific diagnosis
or method of treatment for a particular condition, and it is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or for direct diagnosis and
treatment of a medical condition by a qualified physician. Readers who have questions about a particular condition,
possible treatments for that condition, or possible reactions from the condition or its treatment
should consult a physician or other qualified healthcare professional.

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This book is dedicated to my daughter, Rachel.
I hope healthy eating is always a part of your life, pumpkin.
I often think I couldn’t love you more than I do today, and yet tomorrow, I always do.

And a special thank you to my husband, Vince.


Thank you for all your support and encouragement throughout this journey.

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CONTENTS

9
INTRODUCTION

15
THE 5 STEPS TO MEAL-PREP SUCCESS

30
K I TC H E N M U S T- H AV E S F O R M E A L P R E P

34
–APPROVED FOOD LIST

38
4 M E A L - P R E P P L A N S T O G E T Y O U S TA R T E D

Low-Carb Plan ..................................................41 Gluten-Free Plan ..............................................49


Vegetarian Plan ................................................45 Dairy-Free Plan ................................................53

57
BREAKFAST

Breakfast Burritos ............................................ 59 Apple Cinnamon Waffles .............................. 68


Feta, Tomato, and Spinach Omelet ........... 60 Berry Vanilla High-Protein Pancakes ........ 70
Hard-Boiled Eggs in the Oven ..................... 61 Easy Egg Scramble .......................................... 73
Healthy Egg Cups ........................................... 63 Mocha Monkey Smoothie ............................. 74
Egg and Cheese English Muffin Healthy Booster Smoothie ........................... 74
Sandwiches ....................................................... 65 Pineapple-Ginger Green Smoothie ........... 75
Overnight Oats ................................................. 66 Very Berry Smoothie ...................................... 75
Chia Seed Pudding .......................................... 67 Chocolate Raspberry Breakfast Quinoa ... 77

79
MAINS

Spinach Fettuccine with Turkey Bolognese .. 81 Zucchini Noodles Caprese-Style .................... 86


Paprika and Lemon–Baked Salmon .............. 82 Broccoli, Chicken, and
Ultimate Black Bean Burgers ............................ 84 Cheese–Stuffed Sweet Potatoes ..................... 88
Chicken and Bacon Club Wraps ..................... 85 Superfood Green Salad ....................................... 90

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Mediterranean Chicken ................................. 91 Ginger-Soy Chicken Thighs .........................112
Mediterranean Steak Salad ........................... 93 Tomato, Egg, and Lentil Bowls ....................115
Falafel Bowls ..................................................... 95 Pan-Fried Teriyaki Salmon ............................116
Pesto Tilapia ...................................................... 97 Turkey and Kale Soup with Super Grains..117
Roasted Vegetables and Chicken Wraps ... 99 Chicken Tortilla Soup ......................................118
Thai Bowls with Peanut Sauce .....................101 Roasted Butternut Squash Soup ..................120
Vegetable and Tofu Skewers .........................103 Soba Noodle Stir-Fry ......................................123
Lemony Pasta Salad with Asparagus .........104 Spanish Rice .......................................................124
Savory Rice and Beans ...................................105 Southwestern Salad .........................................125
Colorful Fish Tacos ..........................................106 Steak Fajitas ........................................................126
Classic and Lean Chili ....................................109 Mixed Bean Salad ............................................127
“Not Your Mama’s Meatloaf” Muffins .........110
Ground Chicken and
Quinoa–Stuffed Peppers ............................... 111

129
SNACKS AND SIDES

Chocolaty Quinoa Squares ............................. 130 Healthier Tuna Salad ......................................... 145
Amazeballs ............................................................. 132 Roasted Chickpeas ............................................. 146
Tropical Energy Balls ......................................... 133 Vegetables with Greek Yogurt Dip .............. 147
Apple Cinnamon Walnut Muffins ................ 135 Superfood Popcorn ............................................ 148
Pumpkin-Spice Granola ................................... 136 Nut Butter Roll-Ups ............................................ 149
Energy-Bite Cookies .......................................... 137 Baked Tortilla Triangles .................................... 151
Simple and Healthy Trail Mix ......................... 138 Cauliflower Rice ................................................... 152
Sweet-and-Salty Trail Mix ................................ 139 Crispy Sweet Potato Medallions ................... 153
Peanut Butter Brownies ................................... 140 Roasted Vegetables ............................................ 155
Chocolate Granola .............................................. 143 Pesto Zucchini Noodles ................................... 156
Crispy Cubed Tofu .............................................. 144 Garlicky Green Beans ........................................ 157

159
DRESSINGS, DIPS, AND SAUCES

Guacamole ............................................................ 160 Tangy Salad Dressing ........................................ 165


Herb Greek Yogurt Dip ...................................... 162 3-Step Tomato Sauce ........................................ 166
Spicy Greek Yogurt Dip ..................................... 162 Avocado Aioli ........................................................ 167
Salsa ........................................................................... 163 Hummus .................................................................. 168
Basic Salad Dressing .......................................... 164 Pesto .......................................................................... 169
Citrus Salad Dressing ......................................... 164

Index .................................................................. 170


About the Author ............................................ 176

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IN TRODUCTI ON
I’M SO GLAD YOU’RE HERE! If you have meal-prepped, attempted to meal-prep, or thought
about meal prep before, you’re in the right place. I’ve been teaching others my formula for
meal prep and meal planning for over ten years in workshops and small groups, and I’ve also
had (and still have) the pleasure of working with clients one-on-one as a nutrition coach. The
one takeaway I’ve discovered from all my coaching is how valuable meal prep and planning
is. Over the years, I have found that meal preparation is the most underutilized strategy for
healthy eating. Period. If what you desire is real change, it’s critical that you pay attention to
the food you consume. Once you learn how to prepare them in easy, healthy, and convenient
ways, you will wonder why you waited so long to incorporate this simple routine. Beyond the
health benefits of meal prep, after just one week of doing it, my clients have raved about how
it’s changed everything for them, and how accomplished they feel at the end of a meal-prep
session, when neatly placing their food-filled containers into the fridge. They also have said how
great it is to grab their prepped food for work every day without spending time, effort, or energy
on having to think about what to make or spend money on healthy takeout.

It has taken me years of prepping for myself and my family to create a system that works for
the long term. My system is easy to follow, and anyone can do it. I fully trust that you, too, will
benefit from this process and all the benefits that result from it. In fact, I know you will. I’ve had
(and continue to have) clients from all over the world who share their successes with me. After
reading comments time after time like, “It’s a lot easier than I thought” or “I just follow your
process and it’s working!,” I knew I had to collect and share what I was teaching. This is how my
5 Steps to Meal Prep Success (page 15) was born.

The daily stress of deciding what to eat, cooking, and cleaning is behind you. Even if you
haven’t meal-prepped before, or think it will be overwhelming or complicated, you can and
will do this! Whether you’re starting small (lunches for your work week) or going for the big
win (an entire week of meals and snacks), these five steps will have you on your way to meal-
prep victory in no time.

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W H AT C A N Y O U E X P E C T F R O M M E A L P R E P P I N G ?

• You will never reach for that fat-laden bar or muffin at breakfast again.
• You will never feel the guilt of eating fast food or frozen dinners again.
• You will say goodbye to everyday cooking and dish washing.
• You will say goodbye to gassiness and bloating.
• You will say hello to long-lasting energy throughout the day.
• You will say hello to renewed mental clarity and focus.
• You will say hello to a slimmer and trimmer body.
• You will say hello to newfound hours in your day.
• You will say yes to eating healthy foods you love.

So, if you want to take back control of your life and be a healthier, more vibrant, and more
energetic version of you, you’re right where you need to be—holding this book in your hand!
Keep reading as I break down the what, why, where, and how of meal prep. You’re on your way
to becoming an “expert prepper,” and it starts right here.

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W H AT I S M E A L P R E P ?
Simply put, “meal prep,” or “food prep,” is preparing several meals all at once through the acts of
shopping, washing, cutting, cooking, and packaging. This practice has been around for a long
time. In the past, food prep and batch cooking were most commonly seen in large families; they
had no other choice but to prepare large quantities of food to ensure there was something for
everyone to eat. Maybe this is what you think about when you hear the words “meal prep.” More
recently, meal prep has become popular in fitness and bodybuilding circles, where athletes haul
around precisely portioned containers of food, consuming a certain number of calories a day to
ensure peak performance. But for the purpose of this book, meal prep is the go-to method for
people just like you and me, looking to live a healthier and more organized lifestyle.

Whether you’re interested in cooking for yourself, your significant other, or your entire family,
adopting my meal-prep system is doable and life-changing. I know the term “life-changing”
gets thrown around a lot. Recently, I was shopping, and the salesperson said, “This cable-knit
sweater is life-changing.” Really? I don’t know about that, but what I do know is this: once you
start meal prepping, your entire life will change for the better. The benefits of the simple act of
meal preparation will trickle down into other parts of your life too.

WHY MEAL-PREP?
From my experience, most people explore the world of meal prep to experience the health
benefits it provides. This is certainly what will happen once you incorporate my routine, but it’s
actually the unexpected benefits that amaze most people and what I love hearing about:

• You will regain hours in your day. I cannot emphasize this enough. You’ll have more
time each day to do the things you never had time to do. You’ll have more time to relax,
to learn something new, or fit in another healthy habit like daily exercise or meditation.
• You will eliminate the need to multitask as you prepare lunch or dinner.
• You’ll be more present with the people around you. For those of you with children
at home, that means no more bouncing back and forth between the kitchen and
family room, watching the stove and helping with homework at the same time.

Picture the beginning of your day. Think about what it will be like to wake up each morning
knowing your tasty and healthy breakfast is already waiting for you. Say goodbye to those
frantic mornings of running out of your house, fighting traffic, and racing against the clock as
you try to squeeze in a drive-through run for something to eat. The money and time you’ll save
each morning will add up quickly. The best part of my coaching is when these unexpected

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benefits accumulate for my clients. We end up planning the ways they are going to use the
money and time they’ve saved—anything from a date night to purchasing some new clothes to
fit your slimmer waistline.

As much as meal prep is about getting organized and taking control of your overall health, the
physical changes that are experienced are just as rewarding. When I hear my clients talk about
the compliments and accolades they receive from their coworkers and friends because of their
increased energy and weight loss, I can’t help but join in their excitement. I bet you didn’t think
meal prep could be this transformative, did you? Well it is, and I want you to experience all of
this too.

W H E R E T O S TA R T ?
The best part of meal prepping is that you get to direct it, by using my strategy and making it
your own. Some people prep a week’s worth of food in one day, while others organize two “mini
preps” for a few days at a time. No matter which method you choose, food prepping is all about
routine. And once you practice this new routine, it will become second nature to you. You’ll
develop an important healthy habit that will serve you for years to come.

Remember, although it might seem daunting at first, the routine I walk you through is tried
and tested—all you need to do is follow it, step-by-step. As you become more comfortable
with cook times, organization, and food combinations, you can tweak the routine to best
suit your lifestyle. I commonly say, “It’s not hard; it just takes practice.” It’s true. It’s not hard
to follow a meal-prep routine. All you need are three ingredients: a proven routine, some
patience, and an open and willing attitude. I bring the first ingredient; I need you to bring the
other two!

There have been numerous studies confirming that people who prepare meals at home are
more likely to have healthier diets. This may seem like an obvious conclusion, but, as you
know, it’s easier said than done. Home-prepared meals are healthier, and when combined with
a regular cooking routine, home-prepared meals lead to a healthier lifestyle that’s sustainable
for the long run. Cooking at home has another advantage: the cost factor. It’s significantly less
expensive to eat at home than to eat out (fast food and casual dining alike). So, why aren’t we
cooking at home all the time? I have listened to my clients, friends, and family repeatedly tell
me that most people aren’t cooking at home because they “don’t have the time to do it.” I, too,
believed that I didn’t have the time to prepare meals at home. It’s only in hindsight that I can
now honestly say that I don’t have time not to meal prep.

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H O W L O N G D O E S I T TA K E ?
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) studied time spent on
unpaid work in thirty-four countries and found that people spend an average of two hours and
eight minutes per day on meal preparation and cleanup. Even if you only spend half the average
time on these tasks, that’s still seven to fourteen hours of washing, cutting, cooking, packing
meals, and cleaning up every week. Whew, that’s a lot of time! And that’s time better spent
doing other things you want to do (you know, those “things” you always say you wish you had
more time to do).

I am so confident in the efficiency of my 5 Steps to Meal Prep Success (page 15) that I can
guarantee you will only need two to three hours, once per week, to reap the numerous rewards
that meal prep offers. Granted, in the beginning, it may take you a little more time to learn a new
routine and incorporate some rituals you may have never used before, but with a little practice
and the easy-to-follow recipes found in this book, you’ll be a meal-prep pro in no time. You will
be well on your way to a fridge full of healthy meals and an even better you.

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TH E 5 S TE PS TO
M E A L-PRE P S UCCE SS
THESE ARE THE EXACT FIVE STEPS I’ve been using for years to prepare my own meals for
the entire week in two to three hours, and it’s the same system I teach my clients so they can
achieve their goals. Following a prescribed set of steps to carry out any task is a surefire way to
get the results you’re looking for. This is especially true with meal prep. It can seem daunting in
the beginning, but if you start small, prepping just three lunches or two dinners, you will build
that prep muscle to a full week’s worth of prep in a few hours, and you can say goodbye to daily
cooking and cleaning and hello to nutritious, ready-to-eat meals.

Okay, so are you ready to start prepping?! The first thing I want you to do is take out your calendar
and pick your prep day. If you are planning to prepare meals for the entire week, block out two to
three hours, or three to four hours if you’re new to meal prepping. As you become accustomed to
the recipes and meal-prep rituals, it will take less time to prep. If you’re grocery shopping on the
same day as your prep, then you’ll want to take the time for doing that into consideration too. I like
to prep first thing in the morning (the earlier, the better); this way, I have the rest of the day free. No
time is a bad time, just as long as you get it done. I recommend prepping the same day each week
to build strong meal-prep habits. Sundays work best for most people, getting everything organized
before the work week begins. Before you carve your prep day in stone, here are a couple of things to
think about:

• If you’re crunched for time or don’t love eating foods you prepared on Sunday five
or six days later, mini preps might work better for you. Mini preps are a great way
to hammer out a few days’ worth of food in a shorter amount of time. And if you’re
a frequent shopper (two to three times a week), it gives you a little more flexibility.
Mini preps don’t require you to pick up a week’s worth of groceries all at once. From
time to time, I’ll do a mini prep on Sunday and again on Wednesday night to bring
me into the weekend.
• You may want to repeat some meals and snacks. Most people say they want a
varied meal plan, but when it comes down to it, easy trumps variety for most of us.
Repeating a few meals and snacks will make your prep day simpler and greatly reduce
your overall prep time. You can find sample plans to give you a head start on page 38.

Once you’ve decided on your recipes and locked down your prep day, you’re ready to roll!

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· STEP ONE ·

GET CONTAI NE R S
In order to execute a smooth and organized meal prep, you must have the proper containers
on hand. (Note: Once you have these containers, this step does not need to be repeated in your
weekly meal-prep routine, except for the occasional purchase of resealable plastic bags.) There’s
nothing worse than not being able to find a suitable food container (or lid) for your beautifully
planned and prepared meals. Having the right containers, organized and in reach, will not only
speed up your prep and cleanup times, but will help you achieve your health goals too.

Chances are, you already have some containers at home. Are images of mismatched storage
and take-out containers coming to mind? If you have a bunch of random containers in your
kitchen, here’s what you need to do:

1. Take out all your containers and lay them on a countertop or table.
2. Sort and set aside the ones with properly sealing lids.
3. From that pile, cross-reference the ones you have with the ones you still need (using the
list opposite).
4. Make a list of containers you still need to complete the lineup.
5. Designate a specific spot in your kitchen for your weekly prep containers.
6. Donate or separately store extra containers.

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If you don’t have any suitable food-prep containers or need to supplement what you already have,
use this list. Here are the exact amounts and sizes of containers to get you through an entire week:

• 8 glass containers: 1 quart (32 ounces, or 946 ml)


• 8 plastic containers: 1 quart (32 ounces, or 946 ml)
• 4 or 5 glass and/or plastic containers: 1 cup (8 ounces, or 240 ml)
• 4 or 5 glass and/or plastic containers: 1½ to 2 ounces (45 to 60 ml)
• 4 or 5 glass and/or plastic containers: 3 to 5 ounces (90 to 150 ml)
• 4 or 5 Mason jars: ½ pint (8 ounces, or 240 ml)
• 4 or 5 Mason jars: 1 quart (32 ounces, or 946 ml)
• Resealable plastic bags: sandwich size and snack size
• Plastic freezer bags: large/1 gallon (128 ounces, or 3.8 L)

Whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, or maintain your weight, you should
prioritize using containers with appropriate portion sizes. Portion sizing is one of those elusive
concepts that people think they have a good grasp on; however, most people underestimate
the amount of food they eat in a sitting. (Note: Some people like food storage containers with
dividers, but they aren’t necessary.)

| GLAS S VS. PL A STIC CO N TA IN E R S |

I suggest having a mix of glass and plastic containers, as they serve different purposes.

Glass containers should be used for hot foods. They’re safe for reheating meals in the
microwave. If you eat right out of the container instead of transferring your meal to a
plate, you’ll only have one dish to wash—bonus! Speaking of washing, glass containers
are super easy to clean and don’t retain food odors and stains as much as plastic does.

Plastic containers should be reserved for cold food. They are affordable, portable,
and suitable for meals that don’t need to be heated. I love plastic containers—make
sure they are BPA-free—because they stack neatly and take up less space. (Note:
Plastic labelled “BPA-free” can still have chemicals that can leach out into your food.
“Microwave-safe” labels often refer to how the plastic will hold up—it won’t melt or
crack—when heated in the microwave.)

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· STEP TWO ·

GROCE RY S HOP
Grocery shopping is the catalyst of a successful food-prep session. Without a proper “grocery
haul,” there would be no prep. You may have seen #groceryhaul photos sweeping social media;
it’s a growing trend. These images detail the results of grocery-shopping expeditions, including
filled shopping carts or food items sprawled out on countertops and tables. I love seeing these
hauls. A healthy grocery haul leads to a healthy diet, right? Well, unfortunately, it’s not that
simple. Although your intention is to fill your cart with healthy foods, if you don’t have a plan for
all that goodness, some of those foods are likely to go to waste—we’re all guilty of letting those
veggies sit in the crisper to wilt and die; on the other hand, you may not have enough food to
get you through the days you need it to. Whether you love or loathe grocery shopping, I want
to call your attention to a few things and challenge you to reflect on your grocery-shopping
habits. Can you make a few changes that will result in some healthier outcomes? Always!

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| FOOD SHOPPIN G TE R M S TO KN O W |

Locally grown: This term refers to food, most often fruits and vegetables, that is
grown near where you are located. Buying locally grown produce often means
foods are fresher and pesticide-free. A farmers’ market is the best place to find
locally grown produce. Plus, buying directly from family farmers helps them stay
in business.

Organic: Organic produce carries significantly less pesticide residue than conventional
produce. Because organic regulations ban or severely restrict the use of food additives,
this may be something for you to consider when buying fruits and vegetables in big-box
grocery stores.

Whole foods: This term refers to foods that are unprocessed and unrefined, or
processed and refined as little as possible. Whole foods typically do not contain
added salt, sugars, or fat.

S H O P O N A F U LL S TO MACH. Grocery shopping on an empty stomach presents a


challenge—everything looks good! When you’re hungry, bags of munchies and sweets can slip
into the cart so fast, you won’t even remember putting them there. I’m all about setting the stage
for success, so let’s make it a “rule” to have a snack or meal before heading out to the supermarket.
I promise it will make it a lot easier to stick to your list, which brings me to the next tip . . .

MA K E A N D B R I N G A L I S T. It may seem obvious to go shopping with a list, but I want to


emphasize how important this is for food-prep success. We’ve all gone to the grocery store and
filled our carts with tons of food, only to get home and realize we can’t make one decent meal
out of what we have. The key is to stick to the list! To create a weekly list as an expert meal
prepper, you need to include all the food items—fresh, frozen, boxed, and canned—to prepare
your meals and snacks for the next five to seven days. Once you’ve picked the meals you
want for the week (more about how to do on pages 38 and 39), go through the recipes’ lists of
ingredients and add the items you don’t already have in your kitchen to your list. Don’t forget to
take into account the number of people you’ll be preparing meals for.

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D O N ’ T GET D I S TR AC TE D. This is a helpful tip for any food shopper, not just preppers.
Don’t get distracted by food packaging with buzzwords like “fat-free” and “gluten-free”; they
don’t automatically make these foods healthy. There’s a term for this distraction: health halo.
It’s given to foods that are perceived to be healthy, solely because of these claims. The problem
with choosing foods based on the message on the package is that people tend to overbuy and
overeat these foods. Stay out of the health-halo trap by following the next tip.

R E A D N U TR I TI O N FAC TS L A BEL S A ND I NGR EDI ENT L I S TS . Foods without Nutrition


Facts labels (fresh fruits and vegetables) are obvious healthy choices, but the reality is, foods in
boxes, bags, and cans are abundant in our kitchens. So, it’s your job to be a bit of a sleuth when
buying these things, and reading packaging labels will tell you everything you need to know
about what’s inside. The great part is that once you’ve done this a few times, you’ll establish
your go-to food items and brands.

Deciphering the list of ingredients may seem like a big job, but I’m here to make it simple—I only
want you to remember these two things:

• Focus on the first two or three ingredients listed. If you’re seeing wholesome
ingredients that you would use in a healthy recipe, you’re on the right track. For
example, if you’re shopping for a healthy, whole grain variety of pasta, bread, or
crackers, the word “whole” should appear as the first or second ingredient on the
package (e.g., whole wheat, whole grain millet, whole grain brown rice flour). The
ingredients used in the greatest amounts are listed first, followed by the ingredients
with the smaller quantities in descending order.
• The shorter the ingredient list, the better. Some people even stick to the five-and-
under rule. It definitely makes it easier to say yay or nay to a packaged food.

Manufactures can be a sneaky and try to “hide” sugar in the ingredient list by using a different
source to add sweetness. Be aware that added sugar comes in many forms (over 50 forms to
my knowledge). Here are a few common names to look out for: corn syrup, dextrin, honey,
brown sugar, molasses, maple syrup, sucrose, dextrose, fructose, maltose, glucose rice syrup,
cane syrup, coconut sugar, and beet sugar. It’s best to avoid foods that have sugar in the top five
ingredients or at all.

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| HOW TO R E A D N UTR ITIO N FA CTS
LABELS A N D IN G R E D IE N T L ISTS |

Here are the parts of the label I want you check out.

Serving size: Please don’t overlook this important piece of information found at
the top of the label; everything else on the label is related to this number! If the
serving size is ¼ cup (30g), but you mindlessly eat ½ cup (60g)—that’s twice the
serving size, so you would need to double the amounts of fats, calories, sodium,
and carbohydrates.

% Daily Value (DV): The nutrients in one serving of said food in your total daily
diet. If a certain nutrient has 5 percent or less of the DV, it is low in that nutrient; if
it has 20 percent or more, it is high in that nutrient. As a general rule, you want to
look for high percentages of protein, fiber, minerals (iron, calcium), and vitamins
(A, C) and low percentages of saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugars.

(continued)

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Calories: Calories are simply the amount of energy we get from food. Calories
can be a helpful measure for weight maintenance and weight loss, but I’m more
concerned with where the calories are coming from than the number of calories
in the food itself. For example, you can get the same number of calories from a
handful of gummy bears as you can from a cup of yogurt. As a general rule, 50
calories or less in a serving is low; 100 to 150 calories is modest; and 300 calories
or more calories is high.

Fats: Look for foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol. The American Heart
Association (AHA) recommends that no more than 5 or 6 percent of your daily
calories should come from saturated fat. The “good, or healthy, fat” we hear
about is unsaturated fat. This healthy fat is found in fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil,
avocado oil, and other vegetable oils. To give you a starting point, depending
on your age, gender, activity level, and weight-management goals, healthy fat
should be in the range of 20 to 35 percent of the total calories you eat.

Sugars: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced back in 2016
that new labels will indicate naturally occurring and added sugar as separate
quantities. This will make it easier for making more informed choices. As a
general rule, 5 grams of sugar or less per serving is low, and the 18 to 22+ range
is high. One fact I like to share with my clients to put sugar consumption into
perspective is that 4 grams of sugar equals about 1 teaspoon of sugar.

Protein: The amount of protein you need depends on your gender, weight, and
activity level, among other things. However, as a general rule, it’s a good to include
protein in every meal: 5 to 18 grams for snacks and 18 to 30 grams for meals.

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UN PAC K A N D O RG A N I Z E YOUR GROC ER I ES . Unpacking your groceries in an orderly
fashion will put you a step closer to food-prep success. If you are prepping your meals as
soon as you get home, the meats and other food items can be left on the counter for 10 to
15 minutes. If you need a little more time before cooking or are doing your prep the next day,
place your perishable items in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them. I do suggest that
you follow the next step, Clean and Cut, for produce before storing it in the refrigerator. As you
empty your shopping bags, organize your items in the following way:

• Take fruits and vegetables out of their bags/packages and place them near the sink
to be washed.
• Gather together the grains you’ll be using for prep (rice, bread, pasta, quinoa, etc.)
and leave them out on the counter; the rest can be put away.
• Group the meats (kept in their packaging).

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· STEP THREE ·

C LEAN AND CUT


This next section outlines the steps you need for a smooth meal-prep session. Washing and cutting
produce in advance will keep you ahead of the game when it comes to preparing meals and
healthy grab-and-go snacks, as well as save you time and money and eliminate food waste.

C LE A N. Before cleaning your produce, you want to start with a clean and sanitized prep area.
Thoroughly wash your hands, counters and/or tables, chopping boards, and knives to avoid
foodborne illnesses. To wash surfaces, simply use hot soapy water or an equal mixture of water
and vinegar. Now that your space is ready, wash your fruits and vegetables to reduce your
exposure to pesticides and bacteria and to extend the life of your produce. You can leave the
fruits and vegetables whole or cut them into smaller pieces before washing them.

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To wash your produce, fill a clean sink with fresh, cool water (or a plastic tub with 8 cups, or 2 L,
of water) and add ½ lemon (juice and rind) and ¼ cup (60 ml) of vinegar. Place your fruits and
vegetables in the sink. Let the produce sit for 10 minutes. During this time, take out additional items
you’ll need for prepping (e.g., peelers, knives, bowls, salad spinner, etc.). After 10 minutes, agitate
the fruits and vegetables, let the water out, and give them a quick rinse under cool water before
placing them on a clean dish towel to dry. (Note: For delicate fruits, such as berries, separately
wash them in a smaller bowl or container and let them sit for a shorter amount of time.)

If you are not prepping immediately, keep your cleaned fruits


PRO PREP and vegetables fresh by drying them with a paper towel or

TIP clean dishcloth before storing them in an airtight container


and placing them in the refrigerator’s crisper or temperature-
controlled drawer.

C U T. Divide your vegetables into two categories: to be cooked and to be kept raw. Vegetables
to be cooked may include zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, asparagus, potatoes, etc. Cut these
vegetables according to the recipe you are following (e.g., large pieces, roughly the same size,
for roasting and stir-frying or diced for sautéing). Once cut, toss them into the pan, skillet, oven
dish or baking sheet they will be cooked in. Vegetables to keep raw may include celery, carrots,
snap peas, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, etc. Either slice the vegetables lengthwise for snacking
and/or dice them for adding to meals according to the recipes you have chosen (e.g., salads and
wraps). Once the vegetables are cut, place them in appropriate-size containers to store in the
refrigerator or leave out on a large plate until you’re ready to add them to your dishes.

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· STEP FOUR ·

COOK
This step is when ultimate time-saving and efficiency comes into play. Having two or three
items cooking at once will greatly speed up the prepping process. Using the stovetop and oven
at the same time is the best way to get your prep done. If you’re new to cooking in this way
or new to prepping, this multitasking will become second nature—it just takes a little practice.
These are general guidelines for cooking mulitple recipes. The advantage of using the recipes in
this book is that they don’t have super-long cooking or marinating times.

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Remember, you don’t have to prep an entire week’s worth of food on your first go. Use these
instructions to nail your prep even if you’re only cooking two dishes. You will be able to add
more recipes each week to build up to the number of meals you would ideally like to have done
on your prep day. For examples of how to apply this step, see the cooking instructions for the
meal plans in the 4 Meal-Prep Plans to Get You Started section starting on page 38.

S C A N TH E R E C I P E S FO R INGR EDI ENTS TH AT WI LL TA KE TH E LONGES T TO


CO O K A N D S TA RT TH E R E ( E.G. , ROA S TI NG VEGETA BLES ) . Once those items are
cooking, prepare the next part of these recipes (e.g., sauces). Then move on to the ingredients
with the second longest-cooking times (e.g., meat, grains), and so on. When you have a few
items baking and simmering, you will have time to prep the no-cook recipes; for example, you
can start assembling salads or overnight oats into jars.

P R E H E AT TH E OV E N. Preheating will result in even cooking, so as soon as you come across


the words “preheat the oven” in a recipe, turn it on. Most foods have flexible cooking temperatures,
so if a recipe instructs you to cook something at 400°F (200°C) and something else at 450°F
(230°C), it’s completely acceptable to set your oven temperature in the middle at 425°F (220°C).
Please note, this does not apply to baking, where the cooking temperatures are more exact.

S W I TC H R AC K P O S I TI O N S OF PA NS H A LF WAY TH ROUGH COOKI NG TI M E.


Doing this is especially necessary for even cooking if you have two or more items in the oven
and are using both racks. Let’s say a recipe specifies to use a particular rack: simply swap the
position of the dishes from top to bottom and vice versa halfway through cooking. You should
also swap racks and rotate dishes if you feel the food is getting too brown in one area.

TE S T FO R D O N E N E S S . When you are cooking multiple items in the oven at the same time,
different foods will most likely be done at varying times. Cooking times can also increase when
cooking a few items at once, so keep an eye on things and promptly remove items from the
oven when they’re done.

If having a huge mound of dishes to wash has repelled you from


PRO PREP

TIP
cooking in big batches before, do your best to eliminate some
dishes as you prep. Once something is cooked, start filling your
containers up and wash the pan or pot as you go.

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· STEP FIVE ·

P ORT ION AND PACK


There are two methods for portioning and packing: batch, or bulk, and individual meals. The
recipes you decide to prep for the week will determine which method you use. Think of batch,
or bulk, packing as “buffet-style” meal prep, separately storing meats, vegetables, and grains.
When it’s time to eat, you take a portion from each container to make a complete meal (e.g.,
chicken, broccoli, and quinoa). Packing individual meals means portioning out the finished
meal into containers so it is ready to go. Meals like stir-fries, stuffed potatoes, and overnight oats
are good examples of this. You may want to try both methods in the beginning to see which
one works best for you. And before placing containers in the refrigerator, make sure any cooked
foods have completely cooled to avoid increasing the fridge temperature.

B AT C H PA C K I N G

P RO S CONS
• More flexibility when putting meals • Need additional large containers to
together. store foods separately.
• Can switch up food pairings and • More dishes to wash.
add different seasonings when
serving/eating.
• Works well when feeding people
with different food preferences.

INDIVIDUAL MEALS

P RO S CONS
• Grab and go. • Less flexibility when putting meals
• Can eat your meal straight from together.
the packed container.
• Fewer dishes to wash.

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K ITC H EN MUS T-HAVE S
FO R ME AL PR E P
WHEN IT COMES TO KITCHEN TOOLS, IT DOESN’T TAKE A LOT OF EXPENSIVE GADGETS
to get the job done! All the recipes in this book have been crafted with simplicity in mind; you
don’t need any fancy kitchen tools to prepare a great meal. It’s much more important that you
get the system for meal prep down pat down before buying the latest trendy gadget. In this
section, I give you the short list of basic tools you will need to get the meal-prep job done. (I bet
you have most of these items in your kitchen already!)

KITCHEN SCISSORS
This may seem like an odd place to start, but scissors are my favorite kitchen tool. I use them for
cutting lettuce and spinach, cutting off broccoli stems, slicing meat, cutting up noodles for my baby
daughter, and slicing pizza. It’s a good idea to dedicate a pair of scissors and/or shears (scissors with
larger blades) for only kitchen use. Treat your kitchen scissors just as you would any other kitchen
utensil, simply washing them with hot, soapy water. Make sure to get in where the blades meet the
handles, as bacteria can grow in those tiny spots. Some scissors are also dishwasher safe. Whatever
way you wash them, make sure to dry them thoroughly so the blades don’t rust.

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CUTTING BOARDS
Cutting boards are a must. They protect your countertop and
make for a safe cutting surface and an easier cleanup. You
only need three cutting boards, dedicating different boards to
different uses:

• A sturdy wood/bamboo board for everyday use


(e.g., chopping vegetables and fruit).
• A medium-to-large plastic board for cutting and
preparing raw meat and fish.
• A small plastic board reserved for foods that
tend to have a lingering odor, such as onion,
garlic, and ginger.

KNIVES
Since you’ll most likely keep these knives for life, I suggest
buying the best you can afford—it’s worth the investment.
You only need these three types of knives to chop and
dice with ease:

• A small paring knife for slicing or mincing smaller


items (e.g., garlic, hard-boiled eggs, lemons, and
limes).
• A large chef’s knife for the bulk of your cutting,
chopping, and slicing (e.g., chicken and vegetables).
• A serrated knife for slicing any food item with
a hard exterior and soft interior (e.g., bread,
tomatoes, melon).

BLENDER
A blender is a definite must-have in my kitchen.
Truthfully, any basic blender will do the trick when it
comes to smoothies, but if you’re looking to whip up
more than that—a big batch of soup, some pancake
batter, nut butter, or hummus—then you’ll have to
fork over a little more cash than what a basic bullet

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blender costs. Choosing the right one can be tough though, so spend a little time comparing
functions, such as power and speed, to find a blender that suits your needs and budget.

COOKWARE
Everyone has their personal preferences when it comes to cookware, but instead of buying an
expensive set with many pots and pans (some of which you may not use very often), consider
purchasing individual pieces of cookware to get you started. Here are the essentials:

• A large heavy-bottom pot with a lid to evenly cook ingredients in large batches
(e.g., soups and sauces).
• A medium pot with a lid for rice, grains, and sauces.
• A large oven-safe dish with a lid (i.e., a casserole dish or Dutch oven). Oven-safe
dishes range in material (from stoneware to tempered glass) and in price points too.
• A couple large nonstick skillets and/or sauté pans to cook food that will easily
slide out of the pan once cooked (e.g., eggs and quesadillas) and to quickly cook
food in oil over direct heat. A skillet has sides that slant outward at an angle, while a
sauté pan has a wide, flat bottom and taller, straight sides. Opt for a pan larger than
10 inches (25 cm) in diameter with a comfortable handle.

COLANDER AND STRAINER


A colander has larger holes and is great for draining pasta water and rinsing vegetables and
beans. A fine-mesh strainer is perfect for rinsing small grains (e.g., rice and quinoa).

S PAT U L A
A silicone-coated spatula is a good choice for flipping everything from pancakes to fish because
it won’t scratch your cookware. Since there are endless colors, sizes, and designs, the best way
to pick a spatula is to find one that feels good in your hand.

WOODEN SPOONS
Wooden spoons don’t transfer heat when cooking and they won’t scratch the surface of pans.

SALAD SPINNER
I only started using a salad spinner a couple years ago, but I sure do wish I had started using
one earlier. A salad spinner is great for drying any type of lettuce, of course, but it is also great
for drying herbs and greens, such as kale and broccoli rabe. It can also be used for spinning
excess water from pasta and hardy beans (e.g., garbanzo beans).

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MIXING BOWLS
Have a couple large mixing bowls, made of any material, on hand to ensure a less messy prep.

ADDITIONAL TOOLS
If you are looking to expand your meal-prep “tool kit,” here are some additional tools that aren’t
necessary but that I find to be helpful.

• A fine microplane grater/zester for zesting citrus fruit peels and grating Parmesan
cheese, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, etc.
• A pair of long tongs with silicone-coated handles and tips that will protect your
pans (and your hands) and are great for cooking and serving alike.
• Though a bit of a splurge, a countertop spiralizer for adding more vegetables to
your diet, by swapping out pasta for vegetable noodles (e.g., cucumber, zucchini,
sweet potato, and beet). I prefer an electric- or manual-powered spiralizer over a
handheld one for swiftness and ease of use.

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APPROVE D
FOOD LI ST
SUCCESSFUL MEAL PREP STARTS LONG BEFORE THE COOKING BEGINS. Whether you’re
new to meal prep or you’ve been at it for a while, this food list will help you build a healthier
kitchen without all the guesswork. The goal here is to stock your fridge, freezer, and pantry
with “prep-friendly” foods. By removing the foods that don’t serve your nutrition goals (e.g.,
mayonnaise, white bread, and cookies) and replacing them with whole and natural foods,
such as fresh salsa, whole grains, and antioxidant-rich dark chocolate, you will transform your
environment into a healthy-eating hub.

You don’t have to make these changes all at once, but from my experience working with people
just like you, there’s value in a one-time, thorough kitchen clean-out. If you’re serious about
making a change for yourself and possibly your family, too, I suggest you schedule a day to
revamp your kitchen space. Dedicate an hour or two to purging unhealthy food items and
filling your kitchen with the foods listed here. This activity will have you physically and mentally
prepared (not to mention excited) about the journey ahead.

Here’s the Food Prep Princess–approved food list you can use to build your own healthy
kitchen. The foods items are categorized by food groups. Beside some of the category headings,
you will see the macronutrient(s) the food group contains. When you choose foods from
different categories to build a meal, you’re more likely to have a macronutrient balanced diet
that supports all your body functions.

M E AT ( P R O T E I N )
chicken breast shrimp
eggs sirloin steak
lean ground beef tilapia
lean ground chicken tuna (fresh and canned, packed in water)
salmon (wild) turkey breast

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D A I R Y A N D M E AT A LT E R N AT I V E S
( P R O T E I N A N D S O M E H E A LT H Y F AT )
cottage cheese tempeh
Greek yogurt tofu
protein powder

G R A I N S ( C A R B O H Y D R AT E )
barley soba noodles
brown rice spelt pasta
oats whole grain bread
popcorn whole grain pasta
quinoa whole wheat tortillas

V E G E TA B L E S ( C A R B O H Y D R AT E )
alfalfa sprouts green beans
asparagus lettuce (romaine)
avocados kale
beets mushrooms
bok choy olives
broccoli onions
brussels sprouts parsley
cabbage peas
carrots peppers
cauliflower spinach
celery squash
corn (canned) tomatoes (fresh and canned)
cucumbers zucchini
garlic

F R U I T S ( C A R B O H Y D R AT E )
apples coconut
bananas grapefruit
blackberries kiwi
blueberries lemons
cantaloupe limes
cherries mangos
(continued)

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melon pears
nectarines pineapples
oranges raspberries
papaya strawberries
peaches watermelon

B E A N S ( C A R B O H Y D R AT E A N D P R O T E I N )
black beans kidney beans
chickpeas lentils
edamame white (cannellini) beans

N U T S A N D S E E D S ( H E A LT H Y F AT A N D P R O T E I N )
almonds pumpkin seeds
chia seeds sesame seeds
flax seeds sunflower seeds
peanuts walnuts

OILS/VINEGARS
avocado oil balsamic vinegar
coconut oil red wine vinegar
extra-virgin olive oil

SEASONINGS
almond extract nutmeg
basil onion powder
cayenne pepper oregano
cinnamon parsley
cumin rosemary
curry powder sage
garlic powder thyme
ginger (ground) turmeric
Himalayan pink salt vanilla extract

N AT U R A L S W E E T E N E R S
coconut palm sugar maple syrup (pure)
honey (raw and unfiltered) stevia

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BEVERAGES
almond milk (unsweetened) herbal tea
coconut milk (unsweetened) soy milk (unsweetened)
coffee

C O N D I M E N T S A N D P R E PA R E D S A U C E S
broth (chicken and vegetable, low sodium) salsa
hot sauce soy sauce (low sodium)
mustard tomato paste

| WHAT AR E M A CR O N UTR IE N TS? |

Macronutrients, often referred to as “macros,” are the three basic components


of every diet: proteins, carbohydrates, and essential fatty acids (or healthy fats).
Although many foods fall into more than one macro category, one usually serves
as the primary source. For example, a slice of whole grain bread contains small
amounts of protein, but it’s mainly a carbohydrate source, and your body will use
it as such. Here’s a quick look at how each of the macros are used in the body:

Proteins are the main component of muscles, organs, and glands. Your best
sources of protein are found in meat, dairy, and nuts.

Carbohydrates have one main function, which is to provide energy for the body,
especially the brain and the nervous system. Whole grain bread and pasta, oats,
legumes, and starchy vegetables are all good complex carbohydrate sources.

Essential fatty acids play a part in many metabolic processes, and there is
evidence to suggest that low levels of essential fatty acids, or the wrong balance
of types among them, may be a factor in a number of illnesses. Fish and shellfish,
flaxseed, olive oil, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, nuts, and avocados are
examples of healthy fats.

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4 M E A L-PRE P PL ANS
TO GET YOU STARTE D
I’VE LISTENED TO COUNTLESS PEOPLE—friends and coaching clients, family and colleagues—
tell me that they are always looking for those perfect healthy recipes. Their stories all have a
familiar ring to them: they spend so much time searching and looking for recipes that by the
time they are ready to prepare them, they have run out of time, energy, or motivation, and don’t
actually make the meal. I’ve been there, too. So, I made myself a commitment to end this time-
wasting by creating this book!

Every recipe in this book was created by me and included for its “foodprepability.” (Yes, I made
up my own word!) “Foodprepable” meals are:

• Ones that work best in any meal-prep situation. They are meals that you can put
together fast, that are simple to create, that are super healthy, and that you don’t
have to spend hours searching for special ingredients.
• Versatile. If you have to make an ingredient swap because of a personal preference
or intolerance, the recipe will still turn out fantastic as long as the swap has a similar
nutrient profile, meaning a similar consistency and property (e.g., almond milk for
coconut milk, butternut squash for pumpkin, broccoli for broccoli rabe, raspberries
for blueberries, olive oil for avocado oil).
• Ones that keep well in the fridge and taste just as good a few days later, reheated or not.

You will want to decide how many meals you would like prep at one time. Whether you are
starting small (preparing three dinner meals) or aiming big (preparing a full week’s worth of
meals at once), here are a few suggestions for picking recipes:

1. Spend some time browsing the recipe section, starting on page 57, in its entirety to get
an idea of what recipes are included in this book.
2. Decide which recipes you would like to try and how much you want to prep. Think
about how many days you’re going to prep for and for how many people.
3. Try to balance your meals, especially if you’re aiming for a few meals at once, so you are
not eating chicken every day (unless you choose to!).
4. Let your tummy lead you.

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Do the Breakfast Burritos (page 59) sound irresistible? Start there. Add a main for lunch or dinner
and include a couple snacks. To expand on the breakfast burrito idea: Let’s say you are making
them for two people. To have breakfast covered for four days, you’ll want to prep 8 burritos in
total. When you write out your grocery list, use this number when shopping for ingredients.

The recipes are categorized into four sections: Breakfast; Mains; Snacks and Sides; and
Dressings, Sauces, and Dips. My goal is for you to become comfortable prepping meals for four
days at a time. With most recipes yielding four portions, I’ve made it as simple as possible for
you to achieve this! To help get you started, I have included four meal-prep plans in this section
to help guide you along.

My hope is that you use this entire book and make it your own. Add notes about what works
best for you and/or your family. Turn up the music or throw on your favorite podcast and get
prepping (that’s what prep day looks like in my house). I can’t wait for you to experience the
feeling of accomplishment as you put the lids on all your prepped and portioned meals. There
is no better feeling than knowing you are prepared for the week (or at least a few days), with
healthy meals you made yourself. Be proud of your accomplishment when you’re finished. I
know I will be.

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LOW- CA R B PL AN
B R E A K FA S T MAINS SNACKS
Egg and Cheese Zucchini Noodles Caprese-Style Sweet-and-Salty
English Muffin Sandwiches, 65 with Sliced Chicken, 86 Trail Mix with Greek Yogurt, 139

Feta, Tomato, Mediterranean Steak Salad Amazeballs, 132


and Spinach Omelet, 60 with a Piece of Fruit, 93 Vegetable Sticks with Hummus,
Lemony Pasta Salad 168
with Asparagus, 104 Baked Tortilla Triangles, 151
Steak Fajitas with Salsa and Avocado Aioli,
(low-carb option in recipe), 126 163, 167

B RE AK FAS T S NACK LUN CH SN ACK DIN N ER

Mediterranean
Egg and Cheese Sweet-and-Salty Lemony Pasta
DAY 1

Steak Salad
English Muffin Trail Mix with Amazeballs Salad with
with a
Sandwich Greek Yogurt Asparagus
Piece of Fruit

Mediterranean
Egg and Cheese Lemony Pasta
DAY 2

Vegetable Sticks Steak Salad


English Muffin Amazeballs Salad with
with Hummus with a
Sandwich Asparagus
Piece of Fruit

Zucchini
Baked Tortilla
Feta, Tomato, Sweet-and-Salty Noodles Steak Fajitas
DAY 3

Triangles
and Spinach Trail Mix with Caprese-Style (low-carb option
with Salsa and
Omelet Greek Yogurt with Sliced in recipe)
Avocado Aioli
Chicken

Zucchini
Baked Tortilla
Feta, Tomato, Noodles Steak Fajitas
DAY 4

Vegetable Sticks Triangles


and Spinach Caprese-Style (low-carb option
with Hummus with Salsa and
Omelet with Sliced in recipe)
Avocado Aioli
Chicken

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LOW-CARB PLAN: COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

Before you start prepping this meal plan, take a moment to ask yourself these two questions:
Are you prepping for the entire four days in one meal-prep session or are you doing two mini
preps? And are you prepping for one or two people? If you’re planning two mini preps, decide
which meals you would like to prep during each session. This could mean breakfast and lunches
in one session and dinner and snacks in another, or any combination that works best for you.
And if you’re only prepping for one person, you will need to cut the recipes in half. Here are the
steps for prepping the entire four days in one session:

1. Get out all the containers that are required so you can assemble and pack your meals as
each food item is prepared.
2. Start cooking the proteins, as they typically take a little bit longer to prepare. Use 2 skillets, 1 for
the chicken in the Zucchini Noodles Caprese-Style (follow the directions for cooking chicken in
the Chicken and Bacon Club Wrap on page 85) and 1 for the steak in the Mediterranean Steak
Salad. Marinate the steak, bell peppers, and onion for the Steak Fajitas recipes.
3. In the meantime, make the Feta, Tomato, and Spinach Omelet. Slice the steak, chicken, and
omelet and place into separate containers.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Assemble the salad for the Mediterranean Steak salad
directly in the containers and pack the vegetable sticks for the Hummus.
5. Place the eggs for the Egg and Cheese English Muffin Sandwiches, the Sweet-and-Salty Trail
Mix, and the Baked Tortilla Triangles into the preheated oven.
6. In the meantime, boil the water for the pasta and asparagus for the Lemony Pasta Salad recipe.
While the water boils, spiralize the zucchini for the Zucchini Noodles Caprese-Style recipe and
cook the turkey bacon for the Cheese and Egg English Muffin Sandwiches.
7. Cook the pasta and asparagus in the boiling water according to the recipe instructions.
8. Remove the items from the oven as they finish cooking and set aside to cool. Increase the
oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) to cook the fajita filling for the Steak Fajitas.
9. While the fajita filling cooks, assemble and pack the Egg and Cheese English Muffin
Sandwiches, the Zucchini Noodles Caprese-Style, and the Lemony Pasta Salad. Place the
containers in the refrigerator.
10. Make the condiments: the salad dressing for the Mediterranean Steak Salad, the Hummus,
the Salsa and Avocado Aioli for the Baked Tortilla Triangles, and the Guacamole (if using)
and Spicy Greek Yogurt Dip (if using) for the Steak Fajitas.
11. Pack the Baked Tortilla Triangles, the Sweet-and-Salty Trail Mix, and the fajita filling for the Steak
Fajitas, along with the condiments. Refrigerate everything but the Baked Tortilla Triangles.
12. Lastly, make, pack, and refrigerate the Amazeballs.

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VE GETA R I A N PL A N
B R E A K FA S T MAINS SNACKS
Berry Vanilla High-Protein Ultimate Black Bean Burgers, 84 Apple Cinnamon
Pancakes, 70 Walnut Muffins, 135
Falafel Bowls, 95
Mocha Monkey Smoothie, 74 Peanut Butter Brownies, 140
Superfood Green Salad, 90
Chocolate Granola
Vegetable and Tofu Skewers, 103
with Greek Yogurt, 143

Nut Butter Roll-Ups, 148

B RE A K FA S T S N ACK LUN CH SN ACK DIN N ER

Berry Vanilla Chocolate


DAY 1

Nut Butter Superfood Ultimate Black


High-Protein Granola with
Roll-Up Green Salad Bean Burger
Pancakes Greek Yogurt

Berry Vanilla Chocolate Ultimate Black


DAY 2

Nut Butter Superfood


High-Protein Granola with Bean Burger
Roll-Up Green Salad
Pancakes Greek Yogurt

Apple Vegetable
DAY 3

Peanut Butter
Mocha Monkey Cinnamon Falafel Bowl and Tofu
Brownie
Walnut Muffin Skewers

Apple Vegetable
DAY 4

Mocha Monkey Peanut Butter


Cinnamon Falafel Bowl and Tofu
Brownie
Walnut Muffin Skewers

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V E G E TA R I A N P L A N : C O O K I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S

Before you start prepping this meal plan, take a moment to ask yourself these two questions:
Are you prepping for the entire four days in one meal-prep session or are you doing two mini
preps? And are you prepping for one or two people? If you’re planning two mini preps, decide
which meals you would like to prep during each session. This could mean breakfast and lunches
in one session and dinner and snacks in another, or any combination that works best for you.
And if you’re only prepping for one person, you will need to cut the recipes in half. Here are the
steps for prepping the entire four days in one session:

1. The night before prep day, soak the dried chickpeas overnight for the falafel in the Falafel Bowls.
2. On prep day, get out all the containers that are required so you can assemble and pack your
meals as each food item is prepared.
3. Make the falafel dough for the Falafel Bowls and refrigerate the dough for about an hour
before cooking.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Make the batter for the Apple Cinnamon Walnut Muffins
and mix together the Chocolate Granola. Place both in the preheated oven.
5. On the stovetop, cook the quinoa for the Superfood Green Salad according to package directions.
6. In the meantime, rinse and drain the black beans for the Ultimate Black Bean Burgers,
remove the excess liquid from the tofu for the Vegetable and Tofu Skewers, and assemble
the Superfood Green Salad and the bowls of the Falafel Bowls directly in the containers.
Refrigerate the Falafel Bowls containers.
7. Remove the Chocolate Granola from the oven and let cool. Make the Ultimate Black Bean
Burgers, shape the falafel dough for the Falafel Bowls, and assemble the skewers for the
Vegetable and Tofu skewers. Cook the burgers and falafel in separate skillets on the stovetop.
8. Remove the muffins from the oven and let cool, along with the cooked burgers and falafel.
Increase the oven heat to broil and cook the Vegetable and Tofu skewers.
9. Make the salad dressing for the Superfood Green Salad, pack it into containers, and place in
the refrigerator. Prep the ingredients for the Mocha Monkey Smoothies in advance (if you
want; or you can quickly make the same day you’re going to drink it).
10. Add the quinoa to the containers with the assembled Superfood Green Salad and
refrigerate. Pack and refrigerate the falafel, burgers (with any toppings in separate
containers), skewers, muffins, and granola.
11. Lastly, make, pack, and refrigerate the Berry Vanilla High-Protein Pancakes and the Peanut
Butter Brownies.

Note: The Nut Butter Roll-Ups can be quickly made the day you are going to eat them.

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GLU TE N-FR E E PL AN
B R E A K FA S T MAINS SNACKS
Easy Egg Scramble Thai Bowls with Peanut Sauce, Roasted Chickpeas, 146
with a Piece of Fruit, 73 101 Tropical Energy Balls, 133
Healthy Booster Smoothie with Colorful Fish Tacos, 106 Superfood Popcorn, 149
a Small Handful of Almonds, 74 Classic and Lean Chili, 109 Vegetables with
Pesto Tilapia with Crispy Sweet Greek Yogurt Dip, 147
Potato Medallions, 97, 153

B RE AK FAS T S NACK LUN CH SN ACK DIN N ER

Healthy Booster
Smoothie
DAY 1

Roasted Thai Bowl with Tropical Energy Classic and Lean


with a Small
Chickpeas Peanut Sauce Balls Chili
Handful of
Almonds

Healthy Booster
Pesto Tilapia
Smoothie Roasted Thai Bowl with Superfood
DAY 2

with Crispy
with a Small Chickpeas Peanut Sauce Popcorn
Sweet Potato
Handful of
Medallions
Almonds

Easy Egg
Vegetables with Tropical Energy Classic and Lean
DAY 3

Scramble Colorful Fish


Greek Yogurt Balls Chili
with a Piece of Tacos
Dip
Fruit

Easy Egg Pesto Tilapia


Vegetables with
DAY 4

Scramble Colorful Fish Superfood with Crispy


Greek Yogurt
with a Piece of Tacos Popcorn Sweet Potato
Dip
Fruit Medallions

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GLU T E N - F R E E P L A N : CO O K I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S

Before you start prepping this meal plan, take a moment to ask yourself these two questions:
Are you prepping for the entire four days in one meal-prep session or are you doing two mini
preps? And are you prepping for one or two people? If you’re planning two mini preps, decide
which meals you would like to prep during each session. This could mean breakfast and lunches
in one session and dinner and snacks in another, or any combination that works best for you.
And if you’re only prepping for one person, you will need to cut the recipes in half. Here are the
steps for prepping the entire four days in one session:

1. Get out all the containers that are required so you can assemble and pack your meals as
each food item is prepared.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) for the Roasted Chickpeas. Marinate the fish for the
Colorful Fish Tacos and make the pesto for the Pesto Tilapia, if not using store-bought
pesto. Place the chickpeas in the preheated oven.
3. Using the stovetop, cook the Crispy Sweet Potato Medallions and make the brown rice for
the Thai Bowls with Peanut Sauce according to package directions. Once these are done,
place them into containers and let cool.
4. While the sweet potatoes and rice cook, make the Tropical Energy Balls and Superfood
Popcorn, and pack into containers. Immediately refrigerate the Tropical Energy Balls.
5. Remove the chickpeas from the oven, reduce the oven heat to 375°F (190°C), and place the
marinated fish for the Colorful Fish Tacos in the oven. Place the Roasted Chickpeas into
containers and let cool.
6. Moving back to the stovetop, start making the Classic and Lean Chili, the Easy Egg
Scramble, and the fish for the Pesto Tilapia at the same time. Start with the chili, and once
the ground meat is browning, tend to the Easy Egg Scramble and the tilapia.
7. Remove the fish for the Colorful Fish Tacos from the oven and place into containers to
cool. Finish cooking the Easy Egg Scramble and the fish for the Pesto Tilapia and place into
containers to cool (place the fish for the Pesto Tilapia into the containers with the Crispy
Sweet Potato Medallions). Continue cooking the chili recipe.
8. In the meantime, make, pack, and refrigerate the Greek Yogurt Dip, the Avocado Aioli for the
Colorful Fish Tacos, and the peanut sauce for the Thai Bowls with Peanut Sauce. Also pack
and refrigerate the vegetables for the Vegetables with Greek Yogurt Dip and the toppings for
the Colorful Fish Tacos.
9. Assemble, pack, and refrigerate the Thai Bowls with Peanut Sauce.
10. Lastly, place the Classic and Lean Chili into containers and let cool before refrigerating.

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DA IRY-FR E E PL AN
B R E A K FA S T MAINS SNACKS
Chocolate Raspberry “Not Your Mama’s Meatloaf” Pumpkin-Spice Granola
Breakfast Quinoa, 77 Muffins, 110 with Coconut Milk Yogurt, 136

Pineapple-Ginger Green Ginger-Soy Chicken Thighs, 112 Simple and Healthy Trail Mix, 138
Smoothie and Whole Wheat Tomato, Egg, and Lentil Bowls, 115 Healthier Tuna Salad
Bread with Almond Butter, 75 with Super Seed Crackers, 145
Chicken and Bacon
Club Wraps, 85 Energy-Bite Cookies, 137

B RE AK FAS T S NACK LUN CH SN ACK DIN N ER

Pineapple-
Ginger Green Healthier Tuna Pumpkin-Spice “Not Your
DAY 1

Smoothie and Salad with Tomato, Egg, Granola with Mama’s


Whole Wheat Super Seed and Lentil Bowl Coconut Milk Meatloaf”
Bread with Crackers Yogurt Muffins
Almond Butter

Pineapple-
Ginger Green
Energy-Bite Tomato, Egg, Simple and Ginger-Soy
DAY 2

Smoothie and
Cookies and Lentil Bowl Healthy Trail Mix Chicken Thighs
Whole Wheat
Bread with
Almond Butter

Chocolate Healthier Tuna Chicken and Pumpkin-Spice “Not Your


DAY 3

Raspberry Salad with Bacon Club Granola with Mama’s


Breakfast Super Seed Wrap Coconut Milk Meatloaf”
Quinoa Crackers Yogurt Muffins

Chocolate Chicken and


Energy-Bite Simple and Ginger-Soy
DAY 4

Raspberry Bacon Club


Cookies Healthy Trail Mix Chicken Thighs
Breakfast Wrap
Quinoa

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D A I R Y- F R E E P L A N : C O O K I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S

Before you start prepping this meal plan, take a moment to ask yourself these two questions:
Are you prepping for the entire four days in one meal-prep session or are you doing two mini
preps? And are you prepping for one or two people? If you’re planning two mini preps, decide
which meals you would like to prep during each session. This could mean breakfast and lunches
in one session and dinner and snacks in another, or any combination that works best for you.
And if you’re only prepping for one person, you will need to cut the recipes in half. Here are the
steps for prepping the entire four days in one session:

1. Get out all the containers that are required so you can assemble and pack your meals as
each food item is prepared.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for the “Not Your Mama’s Meatloaf” Muffins and Ginger-
Soy Chicken Thighs. Make the meatloaf muffins and marinate the chicken thighs. Place both
dishes into the oven.
3. On the stovetop, make the Chocolate Raspberry Breakfast Quinoa and use the traditional
stovetop method for cooking hard-boiled eggs for the Tomato, Egg, and Lentil Bowls (Set
the eggs in a pot of cold water and bring to a boil with the lid on. Once the water boils,
turn off the heat and let the eggs sit, covered, for 15 minutes or so before running under
cold water.).
4. In the meantime, make the Simple and Healthy Trail Mix, the Pumpkin-Spice Granola, and
the Energy-Bite Cookies. Place the trail mix into containers and set aside the granola and
cookies to bake later.
5. When the quinoa and hard-boiled eggs are done on the stovetop, place the quinoa into
containers and let cool and peel and slice the hard-boiled eggs.
6. Using the stovetop, cook the chicken and bacon for the Chicken and Bacon Club Wraps.
7. Remove the meatloaf muffins and chicken thighs, place into containers, and let cool.
Reduce the oven heat to 325°F (170°C) and place the Pumpkin-Spice Granola and Energy-
Bite Cookies into the oven.
8. In the meantime, assemble the Tomato, Egg, and Lentil Bowls; assemble the Chicken
and Bacon Club Wraps; make the Healthier Tuna Salad; and prep the ingredients for the
Pineapple-Ginger Green Smoothies in advance (if you want; or you can quickly make the
same day you’re going to drink it).
9. Remove the granola and cookies from the oven, place into containers, and let cool.
10. Lastly, refrigerate everything, once cooled, except the Simple and Healthy Trail Mix.

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BREAKFAST

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BREAKFAST

BREAKFAST BURRITOS
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 10 MINUTES

These breakfast burritos are great not only for meal prep, but also for serving a crowd.

5 large eggs 1
/4 teaspoon chili powder
3 egg whites 1
/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
1
/4 cup (60 g) canned black beans, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
rinsed and drained 4 large (10 inches, or 25 cm, each)
1
/4 cup (40 g) diced red onion whole wheat tortillas
1
/3 cup (50 g) diced green bell pepper 1
/4 cup (30 g) shredded sharp
1
/2 cup (75 g) halved grape tomatoes cheddar cheese
1
/4 cup (35 g) seeded and diced jalapeño 1 cup (245 g) salsa (store-bought
(optional) or see recipe on page 161), for serving
2 tablespoons (30 ml) cold water 1
/4 cup (30 g) guacamole (store-bought
1
/4 teaspoon cumin or see recipe on page 160), for serving

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and egg whites. Add the black beans, onion, bell pepper,
tomatoes, jalapeño, cold water, cumin, chili powder, and pink salt, and mix together.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat for 30 seconds. Pour the egg mixture into
the heated skillet and swirl until the eggs cover the entire bottom of the skillet. Cook until the edges
of the eggs begin to curl up, 3 to 4 minutes. Loosen the omelet from the skillet using a spatula and
fold it in half. Continue cooking until the eggs are set and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes more.
The omelet may be flipped once more if it gets too brown on one side.
4. Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface. Evenly divide the omelet among the tortillas, placing it on one-
half of each tortilla. Sprinkle the cheese on top of each omelet. Wrap the tortillas around the omelet by
tucking in the ends and rolling. Place the burritos, seam sides down, on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes, until the burritos begin to turn golden brown. Carefully watch the burritos
so they don’t burn. Remove from the oven and let the burritos cool slightly.
6. Diagonally slice the burritos in half and place into 4 containers. Divide the salsa and guacamole
into small containers to serve with the burritos. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat,
place the burrito on a baking sheet and cook in the oven for about 15 minutes at 325°F (170°C) or
microwave for 30 to 50 seconds. Serve with the salsa and guacamole.

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BREAKFAST

FETA, TOMATO, AND


SPINACH OMELET
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 10 MINUTES

Omelets for meal prep? You bet! Plus, you don’t have to reserve them for breakfast. They’re great for
any meal of the day.

1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
5 large eggs 3
/4 cup (23 g) chopped spinach
2 egg whites 1
/4 cup (38 g) crumbled feta cheese
Himalayan pink salt, to taste 6 cherry tomatoes, halved

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and egg whites with the salt and black pepper.
3. Pour the egg mixture into the heated skillet and swirl until the eggs cover the entire bottom of the
skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Arrange the spinach, feta, and tomatoes on one side of the egg mixture. Cook until the edges of the
eggs begin to curl up, 2 to 3 minutes. Loosen the omelet from the skillet using a spatula and fold it
in half over the filling. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes.
5. Transfer the omelet to a large plate or cutting board. Let the omelet sit for 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Slice into 4 pie slices and place each slice into a container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To
reheat, warm the omelet in a skillet over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, turning once, until it is heated
through or microwave for 50 to 60 seconds.

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BREAKFAST

HARD-BOILED EGGS
IN THE OVEN
YIELD: 12 EGGS OR 6 PORTIONS (2 EGGS PER PORTION)

PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES

Why use the oven to hard-boil eggs? First, it leaves the stovetop free for the preparation of other
foods, and second, there is minimal cleanup. Hard-boiled eggs make the perfect protein-packed snack.
They’re also a great addition to wraps, sandwiches, and salads (see the Tomato, Egg, and Lentil Bowls
on page 115).

12 large eggs
4 to 5 cups (950 to 1,180 ml) cold water
8 or 9 ice cubes

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place 1 egg in each cup of a 12-cup muffin tin or two 6-cup
muffin tins.
2. Place the muffin tin(s) on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
3. Remove from the oven and let the eggs sit while you fill a large bowl with the cold water and ice.
4. Plunge the baked eggs into the ice water, adding more water if the eggs are not completely
covered. Let the eggs sit in the ice water for about 10 minutes.
5. Place 2 eggs each, peeled or unpeeled, into 6 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

• Slight brown spots may appear on the shells while cooking, but
this will not affect the insides of the eggs.
PRO PREP • Oven temperatures can vary; therefore, the eggs may need

TIPS to cook 5 more minutes. Test 1 egg at 20 minutes and gauge


your cooking time from there. Once you know the exact timing
based on your oven temperature, you will always have perfectly
cooked eggs.

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BREAKFAST

HEALTHY EGG CUPS


YIELD: 12 EGG CUPS OR 4 PORTIONS (3 CUPS PER PORTION)

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES

My clients love this meal-prep idea for their entire family because the ingredients can be changed
based on the taste preferences in their homes. Here are some of the combos I like to use: mushroom,
spinach, and goat cheese; roasted red peppers and feta cheese; and pizza flavored (pepperoni, tomato,
and mozzarella with basil and oregano seasonings).

Nonstick cooking spray (olive, coconut, Himalayan pink salt, to taste


or avocado oil) Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
10 large eggs 3 medium bell peppers (any color), diced
1
/4 cup (60 ml) milk (dairy, soy, or nut) 1 cup (75 g) finely chopped broccoli florets
Onion powder, to taste 1
/4 cup (30 g) shredded cheddar cheese
Italian seasoning, to taste

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or two 6-cup muffin tins with the
cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Equally divide the bell peppers, broccoli, and cheese among the muffin cups.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the top of the vegetables, filling each cup three-quarters full.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the egg cups set and a toothpick inserted into the center of a cup
comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before taking the cups out of the tins.
6. Place 3 egg cups each into 4 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer
for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm the egg cups in the oven at 325°F (170°C) for 6 to 7 minutes
until heated through. If using the microwave, prick 1 or 2 egg cups with a fork, cover, and heat for
30 to 40 seconds.

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BREAKFAST

EGG AND CHEESE


ENGLISH MUFFIN
SANDWICHES
YIELD: 6 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 15 MINUTES

Skip the fast food line and make this breakfast classic at home. You can reheat these egg sandwiches
quickly and easily in the microwave—perfect for those busy mornings!

Nonstick cooking spray (olive, coconut, Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
or avocado oil) 6 slices turkey bacon (optional)
6 large eggs 6 whole wheat English muffins, sliced in half
1 tablespoon (15 ml) dried oregano 6 slices Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
Sea salt or Himalayan pink salt, to taste

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a jumbo muffin tin or 6 ramekins with the cooking spray.
2. Crack 1 egg into each muffin cup or ramekin and beat slightly with a fork, avoiding contact with the
muffin tin or ramekin. Season the eggs with the oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Bake the eggs for 12 to 15 minutes, or until fully set. Remove from the oven and let the eggs cool,
5 to 6 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the muffin cups or ramekins to remove the eggs.
4. While the eggs are baking, cook the turkey bacon (if using) per the package directions.
5. To assemble the sandwiches, layer one-half of each English muffin with 1 cooked egg, 1 slice of
cheese, and 1 slice of turkey bacon (if using). Top with the other half of the English muffin.
6. Individually wrap the sandwiches in aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days,
or wrap in plastic wrap or freezer bags and place in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat,
remove the foil or plastic wrap and place in the microwave until warmed, 1 to 2 minutes. If
frozen, microwave the sandwich on the defrost setting for 21/2 to 3 minutes.

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BREAKFAST

OVERNIGHT OATS
YIELD: 4 OR 5 PORTIONS

P R E P T I M E : 1 0 M I N U T E S ( P LU S O V E R N I G H T R E F R I G E R AT I O N )

Overnight oats aren’t actually a “new” thing. They are more of a rediscovery of a recipe called bircher
muesli that was developed in the early 1900s, and it was love at first taste for me. Oats are loaded with
goodness, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Any variety of oats will work with this recipe (quick
oats, rolled oats, and steel-cut oats). You may have to experiment a little (as Goldilocks did) before you
find your perfect texture; the less liquid, the thicker your overnight oats will be. Once you’ve mastered
that, all you need to do is have fun creating your own combinations of add-ins.

1 part base: rolled oats Add-ins: chia seeds, hemp hearts,(shelled)


1 part cold liquid: water, dairy milk raisins, chopped nuts, coconut, sunflower
(any variety), cashew milk, coconut milk, seeds, granola, Greek yogurt, vanilla
almond milk, or soy milk or almond extract, protein powder,
Suggested toppings: raspberries, chopped cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin spice
apple, kiwi, grapes, pear, plum, peaches,
figs, melon, banana

1. Prep 4 or 5 half-pint (8 ounces, or 227 g) Mason jars at a time. Add the oats to the jars, then pour in
an equal amount of cold liquid and stir well. (If using chia seeds, add them in this step.)
2. Refrigerate overnight. Add additional liquid in the morning (if desired). Top with your choice of
fruit and add-ins before eating. If you are taking the jar to go, toss the add-ins on top and then mix
before eating.
3. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

PRO PREP Chia seeds will soak up some of the liquid when added to the oats.

TIP Make sure to have some additional cold liquid on hand when you are
ready to enjoy the oats and add enough for your desired consistency.

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BREAKFAST

CHIA SEED PUDDING


YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

P R E P T I M E : 1 0 M I N U T E S ( P LU S 2 H O U R S R E F R I G E R AT I O N )

This easy, healthy, and delicious pudding is great on its own or with toppings. And you can enjoy it
as a breakfast at home or take it to go for a satisfying snack. Here are some of my favorite topping
combos: sliced banana and coconut flakes; sliced peaches and shaved ginger; blueberries and
sliced strawberries; halved seedless green grapes and ground flaxseed; and peanut butter and dark
chocolate chips.

1 cup (240 ml) light (reduced fat) 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
coconut milk (from a can) 4 teaspoons (20 ml) pure maple syrup,
3 cups (700 ml) milk (dairy or or to taste
unsweetened nut milk) 1
/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 to 12 tablespoons (60 to 72 g)
chia seeds

1. Place all the ingredients into a large bowl (preferably one with a pouring spout) or large glass
measuring cup and whisk together.
2. Equally pour the mixture into 4 half-pint (8 ounces, or 227 g) Mason jars and secure the lids.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to thicken, stirring occasionally. You want the mixture to have a
pudding consistency. If the pudding still seems thin at the 2-hour mark, add more chia seeds,
1 tablespoon (6 g) at a time. Stir and let sit in the refrigerator for 20 minutes after each addition.
4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy, add any toppings to the pudding.

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BREAKFAST

APPLE CINNAMON
WAFFLES
YIELD: 4 TO 6 PORTIONS (1 WAFFLE PER PORTION)

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES


COOK TIME: VARIES DEPENDING ON WAFFLE IRON

I’m pretty new to the waffle game, but once I realized they would work for meal prep, I was hooked.
There are so many ways to make waffles your own, from the filling to the toppings—there is no need
to stick to butter and syrup when you can keep it healthy with berries or seeds. Boost the protein with
Greek yogurt or nut butter.

2 cups (240 g) flour (gluten-free 2 large eggs


or whole wheat) 3
/4 cup (180 g) unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons (30 ml) flaxseed meal 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (15 ml) baking powder 1 tablespoon (15 ml) pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 apple of choice, diced (optional)
1
/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt 3
/4 cup (90 g) chopped pecans (optional)
1 /2 cups (350 ml) almond milk,
1

plus more if needed

1. Since waffle irons can vary, follow the instructions included with your iron for preheating, prepping
the iron (cooking spray or oil may be suggested), and cooking.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, flaxseed meal, baking powder, cinnamon, and pink salt.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 11/2 cups (350 ml) almond milk, eggs, applesauce, vanilla, and
maple syrup.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, along with the diced apple (if using) and pecan
pieces (if using), and mix together. If the batter is too dry, add more almond milk, 1 tablespoon
(15 ml) at a time, and mix.
5. Use a ¾ cup (180 ml) measuring cup to scoop and pour the batter onto the center of the waffle
iron. When the waffle is done, slip a rubber spatula underneath the waffle to lift it off the iron. Let
cool on a cooling rack. Repeat this step with the remaining batter.
6. Once cool, place each waffle into a container. Store in the refrigerator for up 5 days. To reheat,
warm in the microwave, toaster, or toaster oven.

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PRO PREP To freeze these waffles, let them cool completely on the cooling rack.

TIP
Place a square of parchment or wax paper in between each waffle
and wrap a stack of waffles in plastic wrap or put into a resealable
freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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BREAKFAST

BERRY VANILLA
HIGH-PROTEIN
PANCAKES
Y I E L D : A B O U T 9 PA N C A K E S O R 3 P O R T I O N S ( 3 PA N C A K E S P E R P O R T I O N )

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES

You don’t have to save these pancakes for breakfast; they can act as a filling, healthy midmorning or
afternoon snack too! I’ve been known to eat these pancakes cold, but you can also reheat them.

2 cups (160 g) rolled oats Coconut oil, for cooking


1 /4 cups (295 ml) unsweetened
1
1 cup (75 g) frozen or fresh mixed
almond milk, plus more if needed berries (e.g., raspberries, blueberries,
2 scoops vanilla whey protein powder blackberries), for topping
1
/2 cup (60 g) coconut flour /4 cup (64 g) unsweetened desiccated
3

1
/2 cup (120 g) unsweetened applesauce coconut, for topping (optional)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Place the oats, almond milk, protein powder, coconut flour, applesauce, and vanilla (in the order
they are listed) into a blender. Blend on low to medium until well combined. If the batter is too
thick—doesn’t pour easily off a spoon—add more almond milk, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) at a time, and
blend until the desired consistency is reached.
2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough coconut oil to coat the pan
when melted. You may need to cook in batches, so if the pan becomes dry at some point, add a
little bit more coconut oil. Slowly pour the batter from the blender onto the skillet, forming circles
about the size of the palm of a hand. When the edges of the pancakes start to look dry and
bubbles begin to form, 2 to 3 minutes, flip and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes on the other side.
Remove from the heat.
3. Place 3 pancakes each into 3 containers, storing the toppings in separate containers. Store
in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the pancakes in the microwave, toaster,
or toaster oven. Top with the berries, warmed for 30 seconds in the microwave if frozen, and
coconut (if using).

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BREAKFAST

EASY EGG SCRAMBLE


YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 10 MINUTES

This egg scramble is fantastic on its own, but if you are looking for an accompaniment for it, a couple
slices of toasted rye bread, or my favorite, a whole wheat English muffin, can easily round out this meal.

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil 1


/4 cup (60 ml) milk
1
/4 cup (18 g) chopped mushrooms 1
/4 cup (45 g) chopped tomato
1
/4 cup (40 g) diced onion of your choice 1
/4 cup (30 g) shredded cheddar cheese
1
/4 cup (35 g) diced red bell pepper 1 cup (245 g) salsa (store-bought
6 large eggs or see recipe on page 163)

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds.
2. Add the mushrooms, onion, and bell pepper to the skillet, and cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. While the vegetables are cooking, crack the eggs into a large bowl, add the milk, and whisk
together until combined.
4. Add the egg mixture and the chopped tomato to the vegetables in the skillet. Cook for 4 to
5 minutes, stirring frequently to scramble all the ingredients together until the eggs are completely
cooked through. Turn off the heat, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the egg scramble, and let
the cheese melt slightly.
5. Equally divide the scramble into 4 containers, storing the salsa in separate small containers. Store
in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy, microwave for 45 seconds and top with
the salsa.

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BREAKFAST

SMOOTHIES
YIELD: 1 PORTION

PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES

To prep any of these smoothies ahead of time, place all the ingredients (except the protein powder
and liquid) into a resealable plastic freezer bag and place in the freezer. Arrange 1 bag for each day of
the week. When you are ready to make your smoothie, simply dump the contents of the bag into the
blender, add your protein powder and liquid, and blend. Frozen smoothie bags are best used within
6 weeks of preparation.

MOCHA MONKEY SMOOTHIE


1
/2 teaspoon instant coffee 1 tablespoon (14 g) raw almond butter
1
/2 frozen banana 2 ice cubes
1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder 1 cup (240 ml) almond milk
1 tablespoon (15 ml) chia seeds (unsweetened vanilla or plain)

1. Place all the ingredients (in the order they are listed) into a high-speed blender and blend until
smooth, 30 to 60 seconds (depending on your blender).
2. Serve immediately.

HEALTHY BOOSTER SMOOTHIE


1 cup (70 g) baby spinach 3 ice cubes
1
/2 cup (83 g) chopped pineapple 1
/2 teaspoon raw honey
or 1 pineapple spear (fresh or frozen) 1 tablespoon (15 ml) ground flaxseed
Flesh of /3 avocado
1
Pinch sea salt
Juice of /4 lemon
1 1
/2 cup (120 ml) coconut water

1. Place all the ingredients (in the order they are listed) into a high-speed blender and blend until
smooth, 30 to 60 seconds (depending on your blender).
2. Serve immediately.

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PINEAPPLE-GINGER GREEN SMOOTHIE
1 cup (67 g) kale 1
/2 cup (52 g) chopped cucumber
1
/2 cup (83 g) chopped pineapple or 1 large cucumber spear
or 1 pineapple spear (fresh or frozen) 1 scoop hemp protein powder
1
/4 green apple 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk
Juice of 1/2 lemon (unsweetened from a carton)
1 small slice ginger (approximately
1
/2 teaspoon minced), peeled

1. Place all the ingredients (in the order they are listed) into a high-speed blender and blend until
smooth, 30 to 60 seconds (depending on your blender).
2. Serve immediately.

VERY BERRY SMOOTHIE


1
/2 cup (75 g) frozen mixed berries 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
3
/4 cup (50 g) baby spinach 1 cup (240 ml) almond milk
1
/2 cup (120 g) nonfat plain (unsweetened vanilla or plain)
Greek-style yogurt

1. Place all the ingredients (in the order they are listed) into a high-speed blender and blend until
smooth, 30 to 60 seconds (depending on your blender).
2. Serve immediately.

If you don’t have a high-speed blender and are finding it difficult to


get rid of leafy chunks when blending, blend the greens with some
PRO PREP of the liquid for 30 to 45 seconds before adding the rest of the

TIP ingredients. If your ingredients still aren’t blending, you may need to
remove the blender from the base, give it a shake, and try again. If
you are using a high-speed blender, start blending on low speed and
slowly increase to the maximum speed.

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BREAKFAST

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY
BREAKFAST QUINOA
YIELD: 3 OR 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 25 MINUTES

Quinoa is a staple food for meal prep—it is easy to cook and keeps well through the week. If this
breakfast bowl doesn’t get you up in the morning, then I don’t know what will!

1 cup (173 g) quinoa, rinsed 1


/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups (475 ml) coconut milk Pinch Himalayan pink salt
(from a carton), plus more for serving 1
/4 cup (23 g) sliced almonds,
1 teaspoon raw honey for topping (optional)
2 tablespoons (30 ml) raw cacao powder 1 cup (120 g) raspberries,
or unsweetened cocoa powder for topping (optional)
1
/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. In a medium pot with a lid, combine the quinoa, coconut milk, and honey. Bring to a boil, reduce
the heat, cover, and cook at a slow simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the
quinoa is cooked through.
2. Stir in the cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, and pink salt until well combined. Remove from the heat.
3. Equally divide the quinoa into 3 or 4 containers or Mason jars, storing the toppings (if using) in
separate containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of coconut
milk, stir, and heat in the microwave for 30 to 40 seconds. Top with the almonds (if using) and
raspberries (if using).

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MAINS

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MAINS

SPINACH FETTUCCINE
WITH TURKEY BOLOGNESE
YIELD: 6 TO 8 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 25 MINUTES

I was excited to add turkey Bolognese as a “foodprepable” recipe. My Instagram community voted this
recipe in, so I guess you could say it’s a fan favorite. No need to simmer this sauce for hours to get the
rich and delicious taste that Bolognese is known for—you’ll be twirling your pasta around your fork in
less than 40 minutes.

1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil 1


/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 small red onion, finely chopped 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 garlic cloves, minced 1 pound (454 g) lean ground turkey
1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped 1 can (28 ounces, or 794 g) whole peeled
1 celery rib, finely chopped tomatoes (with juices)
3 tablespoons (45 g) tomato paste 10 ounces (280 g) fresh spinach fettuccine
1
/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium heat for 30 seconds.
2. Add the onion and garlic, and cook and stir until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the
carrot and celery, and cook and stir until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the tomato paste, pink salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, and stir to combine the
ingredients. Add the ground turkey and tomatoes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and gently
simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often. When the turkey is fully cooked (no longer pink inside or a meat
thermometer reaches 165°F, or 75°C), turn off the heat off but leave the sauce in the skillet.
4. While the sauce is simmering, cook the fettuccine in a large pot of boiling salted water for 2 to
3 minutes, until al dente. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of the cooking liquid, then drain the pasta.
5. Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to coat, adding enough of the reserved cooking liquid to
moisten if needed.
6. Equally divide the pasta into 6 to 8 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 or 5 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently. If using
the microwave, warm for 2 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time.

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MAINS

PAPRIKA AND LEMON–


BAKED SALMON
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 15 MINUTES

This salmon is delicious when sliced and served cold on top of the Superfood Green Salad (page 90).

1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, 1 lemon, zested and juiced
plus more for drizzling 4 wild salmon fillets, with skin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (each 6 ounces, or 170 g, and 1 inch,
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2.5 cm, thick)
1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
1
/2 teaspoon freshly ground
black pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, then
drizzle a little olive oil to coat the foil.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, pink salt,
black pepper, and lemon zest.
3. Place the salmon fillets, skin sides down, on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon out the lemon-spice
mixture and spread onto the fillets.
4. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked and easily flakes with a fork. Remove
from the oven and drizzle the salmon with the lemon juice. Let the salmon rest and cool on the
baking sheet.
5. Place each fillet into a container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Eat cold or reheat in
the microwave for 30 seconds per fillet or warm in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes.

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MAINS

ULTIMATE BLACK
BEAN BURGERS
YIELD: 4 OR 5 PORTIONS (1 BURGER PER PORTION)

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 10 MINUTES

You’ll never want to eat a frozen veggie burger again after tasting this burger made with clean ingredients.

2 cups (500 g) canned black beans, rinsed, 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 ml)


drained, and patted dry with a paper towel extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 cup (80 g) rolled oats /2 teaspoon sea salt
1

1 cup (110 g) shredded carrot /2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper


1

1
/2 cup (80 g) chopped yellow /2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1

or white onion /2 teaspoon onion powder


1

2 garlic cloves, minced Suggested toppings: Lettuce, avocado,


1
/4 cup (22 g) chopped cabbage roasted red peppers, mustard, hummus
1 medium tomato, chopped 4 or 5 thin whole-grain buns (optional)
2 large eggs

1. Place the beans, oats, carrot, onion, garlic, cabbage, tomato, eggs, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the
olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder into a food processor and pulse until a
mixture resembling the consistency of crumbled meat is reached. Do not overmix.
2. Mold the mixture into 4 or 5 equal-size patties, about the size of a palm of a hand, and place on
parchment paper. (Note: If the mixture is slightly sticky, wet your hands with cold water and continue.)
3. Heat the remaining 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 ml) olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the patties for 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
4. Place each burger into a container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, storing any
toppings and the buns (if using) in separate containers. To reheat, microwave for 30 seconds or
warm in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. Assemble with the toppings.

PRO PREP To freeze, place the cooked burgers on a parchment-lined baking

TIP sheet and freeze for a couple hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a
freezer bag. Reheat after thawing.

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MAINS

CHICKEN AND BACON


CLUB WRAPS
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 15 MINUTES

Wraps are the perfect bring-to-work meal; this no-fuss, no-muss meal is easy to pack (no utensils needed).

CHICKEN WRAPS
3 boneless and skinless chicken breasts 4 large (10 inches, or 25 cm, each)
(6 ounces, or 170g, each), sliced in half whole wheat tortillas
lengthwise 2 teaspoons yellow mustard, divided
Himalayan pink salt, to taste 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked according to
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste package instructions
1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil 8 leaves romaine lettuce
2 beefsteak tomatoes, sliced

1. To make the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with the pink salt and black pepper. Heat the
olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 30 seconds. Add the chicken to the skillet
without overlapping the pieces. Flip each chicken breast over once the underside is golden brown,
about 6 minutes per side. To check for doneness, slice through one of the chicken breasts to see
that the meat is white and the juices run clear. Remove the chicken from the pan and let cool on a
clean cutting board, 6 to 7 minutes.
2. When the chicken has cooled, diagonally slice it into strips. You can begin to assemble the wraps or
store the chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
3. To assemble the wraps: Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface. Spread about 1/2 teaspoon of mustard
on each tortilla, leaving a 1/2-inch (13 mm) border around the edges. Top each tortilla with one-quarter
of the sliced chicken, 1 strip of the turkey bacon, 2 leaves of the lettuce, and the tomato slices.
4. To roll the wrap, start at the edge closest to you, fold the tortilla up slightly with your thumbs, fold
the sides in with your fingers, and continue to tuck and roll to create a burrito-like wrap. Repeat
with the remaining tortillas.
5. Wrap each wrap in aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you are making more
than 2 days’ worth of wraps, store the toppings separately for up to 5 days and assemble the wraps the
day of eating.

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MAINS

ZUCCHINI NOODLES
CAPRESE-STYLE
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES

You can create zucchini noodles with a countertop spiralizer, a handheld spiralizer, or a Y vegetable
peeler. If using a countertop spiralizer, cut off both ends of the zucchini, position it in the spiralizer, and
turn the handle to make a beautiful pile of curly “noodles.” With a handheld spiralizer, use it like a large
pencil sharpener. Run a Y or julienne vegetable peeler down the entire length of the zucchini to create
ribbon-like strands.

3 medium zucchini, unpeeled /4 cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar


1

and spiralized 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil


2 pints (550 g) cherry tomatoes Dried oregano, to taste
16 mini bocconcini (mozzarella cheese Himalayan pink salt, to taste
balls; if you can’t find bocconcini, a ball Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
of fresh mozzarella cheese cut into cubes 2 cooked boneless and skinless chicken
will work) breasts (6 to 8 ounces, or 170 to 227 g,
1
/2 cup (20 g) roughly chopped fresh each), sliced in half lengthwise (optional)
basil leaves

1. To a large bowl, add the spiralized zucchini, tomatoes, cheese, and basil.
2. Drizzle the vinegar and olive oil on top, and season with the oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Toss to combine.
3. Equally divide the salad into 4 containers and top with the chicken (if using). Store in the
refrigerator for up to 4 days.

If you’d like to keep the salad and dressing separate, equally divide
PRO PREP the spiralized zucchini, tomatoes, cheese, basil, and sliced chicken

TIP (if using) into the 4 containers and store the olive oil, vinegar, and
spices together in small containers. Dress the salad when you are
ready to enjoy it.

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MAINS

BROCCOLI, CHICKEN,
AND CHEESE–STUFFED
SWEET POTATOES
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 1 HOUR

This irresistible combo is a favorite with my family and my clients! You will have leftover “stuffing,”
so enjoy it on its own or add it to another tasty meal. I love to mix it with eggs for a super-satisfying
breakfast; simply add it to the pan when cooking your eggs.

4 medium sweet potatoes, unpeeled /2 teaspoon sea salt


1

1 teaspoon olive oil /2 teaspoon garlic powder


1

2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts /2 teaspoon chili powder


1

(6 ounces, or 170 g, each) Dash cayenne pepper (optional)


3 cups (210 g) finely chopped broccoli florets /4 cup (30 g) grated low-fat cheddar cheese
1

1
/4 cup (40 g) diced white onion

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). We’re going to cook the sweet potatoes and chicken in the oven
at the same time, taking the chicken out about halfway through the total cooking time.
2. Poke the sweet potatoes with a fork a few times and place them in a baking dish or on a large
baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil into the bottom of another baking dish with a lid and place the
chicken breasts into the dish.
3. Bake the sweet potatoes for 50 to 60 minutes, and bake the chicken, covered, for 25 to 30 minutes
(if you don’t have a lid, cover securely with aluminum foil).
4. As the sweet potatoes and chicken cook, place the broccoli into a large microwave-safe bowl. Add
2 tablespoons (30 ml) of water, cover with a plate, and steam in the microwave for 3 minutes.
5. Remove the chicken from the oven when it is cooked. To check for doneness, slice through one of
the chicken breasts to see that the meat is white and the juices run clear. With 2 forks, shred all the
chicken. Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the steamed broccoli.
6. When the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and cut a slit in the top of each
potato. Scoop out most of the flesh, leaving the skins intact. Add the flesh to the bowl with the

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broccoli and chicken. Add the onion, sea salt, garlic powder, chili powder, and cayenne (if using) to
the bowl. Mix the ingredients until well combined.
7. Scoop this mixture into the potato skins. Sprinkle the cheese on top of each potato.
8. Place each potato into a container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat,
microwave for 11/2 to 21/2 minutes or warm in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20 minutes.

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MAINS

SUPERFOOD
GREEN SALAD
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

The Basic Salad Dressing (page 162) is the perfect way to amplify all the goodness in this healthy dish.

3 cups (555 g) cooked quinoa (red or white) 4 teaspoons (12 g) sunflower seeds
6 cups (180 g) baby spinach 4 teaspoons (12 g) pumpkin seeds
2 cups (60 g) sprouts (broccoli, pea, Chopped fresh parsley, for topping
sunflower, or alfalfa) 1 recipe Basic Salad Dressing (page 162),
2 medium English cucumbers, chopped equally divided into 4 small containers
4 teaspoons (24 g) chia seeds Chopped fresh parsley, for topping

1. Place the quinoa, spinach, sprouts, cucumbers, and chia, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds in a large
bowl, and toss until combined.
2. Equally divide the salad into 4 containers and top with the parsley. Store in the refrigerator for
up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy, pour the salad dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly
to combine.

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MAINS

MEDITERRANEAN
CHICKEN
YIELD: 8 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 25 MINUTES

Pair this flavorful chicken dish with Crispy Sweet Potato Medallions (page 153) or Cauliflower Rice (page 152).

4 large boneless and skinless 1 cup (100 g) pitted green olives


chicken breasts (8 ounces, or 227 g, /4 cup (180 ml) low-sodium
3

each), sliced in half lengthwise chicken stock


3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil, divided 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 garlic cloves, smashed (optional)
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced Himalayan pink salt, to taste
2 large lemons, sliced Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup (150 g) cherry or grape tomatoes

1. Heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the olive oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium-high heat for
30 seconds. Place the chicken fillets into the skillet and cook each side until golden brown, 3 to 4
minutes per side. Reduce the heat to medium and transfer the chicken to a plate.
2. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil, garlic, and onion to the skillet. Cook over medium
heat until the onion is soft but not yet brown, 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add the lemon slices, tomatoes, olives, and chicken stock to the skillet. Place the chicken breasts back
into the pan, on top. Season with the red pepper flakes (if using), pink salt, and black pepper. Reduce the
heat to low, cover, and simmer until the chicken is just cooked through, about 15 minutes.
4. Place each fillet, with the cooking liquid, into a container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.

To freeze, place 1 or 2 fillets of cooled chicken in a resealable plastic


PRO PREP freezer bag with a few tablespoons (45 ml) of cooled cooking liquid.

TIP Squeeze out any air and tightly seal the bag. Enjoy within 3 to 4 months.
To reheat, empty the contents of the bag into a skillet over medium
heat, cover, and warm until heated through, stirring occasionally.

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MAINS

MEDITERRANEAN
STEAK SALAD
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 30 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 10 MINUTES

The healthy fats, protein, and vegetables make this salad a perfect lunch or dinner that is satisfying and
delicious. You can eat the steak cold or warm, which makes it great for prep!

DRESSING SALAD
1
/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil 2 boneless New York strip steaks (10 ounces,
2 tablespoons (30 ml) red wine vinegar or 283 g, each)
Fresh oregano, to taste Himalayan pink salt, to taste
Himalayan pink salt, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 4 cups (120 g) leafy greens (such as
spinach, spring mix, or endive)
4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
8 kalamata olives, drained, pitted, and chopped
1
/2 red onion, separated into rings
1 cup (150 g) crumbled feta cheese

1. To make the dressing: Place all the dressing ingredients into a Mason jar or sealable container and
secure with the lid. Shake to combine. Equally divide the dressing into 4 small containers.
2. To make the salad: Sprinkle both sides of the steaks with the pink salt and black pepper, and let
come to room temperature before cooking.
3. Preheat a grill or large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place the steaks on the grill/in the pan
and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Remove the steaks from the
grill/pan and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. Thinly slice.
4. Equally divide the greens, tomatoes, olives, onion, and cheese into 4 containers and top the salad
with the steak slices. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you prefer the steak warmed, heat
only the steak in the microwave for 45 seconds. When ready to enjoy, shake the dressing, pour
onto the salad, and combine. If you are making more than 2 days’ worth of salad and steak, store
the steak in separate containers from the salad for up to 4 days.

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MAINS

FALAFEL BOWLS
Y I E LD : 12 TO 20 FA L AFEL O R 4 P O RT I O NS ( 3 TO 5 FA L A FEL P ER P O RT I O N)

PREP TIME: 25 MINUTES (PLUS OVERNIGHT SOAKING)


COOK TIME: 10 MINUTES

When my craving for warm and savory Middle Eastern food hits, I comply. Instead of deep-frying these
gems, I pan-fry them in just little oil to cut down on the calories but to keep that yummy crunch of the
falafel. This bowl is an alternative to the classic pita, but you can use the falafel any way you like.

FALAFEL BOWL S
1 /2 cups (375 g) dried chickpeas
1
1 cup (30 g) baby spinach
1
/3 cup (20 g) chopped fresh parsley /4 cup (110 g) diced bell pepper (any color)
3

4 garlic cloves, minced /4 cup (90 g) chopped celery


3

2 shallots, minced 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil


2 tablespoons (30 g) tahini 1 tablespoon (15 ml) red wine vinegar
1
/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1
/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
1
/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 to 4 tablespoons (24 to 32 g) whole wheat
or chickpea flour
Extra-virgin olive oil, for cooking

1. To make the falafel: Pour the dried chickpeas into a large bowl and add enough cold water
until the chickpeas are just covered. Place a clean dish towel over the top of the bowl and let the
chickpeas soak overnight on the counter. (Note: If it’s warm in your house, you may opt to soak
the chickpeas in the refrigerator.) When you’re ready to prepare the falafel, drain any liquid from the
chickpeas and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Add the soaked chickpeas, parsley, garlic, shallots, tahini, cumin, pink salt, and black pepper to a
food processor or blender. Pulse to combine and stop to scrape down the sides when needed.
When the mixture forms a crumbly dough, start adding the flour, 1 teaspoon at a time, to absorb
any wetness. Don’t overmix the dough. Test the dough by forming a small ball in your hands; if the
dough sticks together and not to your hands, it is done. Refrigerate the dough for about an hour to
help the falafel stay together while cooking.
3. When you’re ready to cook the falafel, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and a large plate
with paper towels. Set aside.
(continued)

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4. Form the falafel dough into balls the size of golf balls and press them onto the parchment-lined
baking sheet to flatten slightly.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to generously coat the pan, about
2 tablespoons (30 ml). To test to see if the oil is hot enough, sprinkle a drop of water into the pan.
If it sizzles/pops, it is ready.
6. Add the falafel balls to the pan. Do not overcrowd. Cook until the underside is golden brown, 3 to
4 minutes, and then, using silicone-handle tongs, turn them over one by one, cooking them for
3 to 4 more minutes. Remove from the skillet and transfer them to the paper towel–lined plate to
absorb any oil.
7. Once cooked, store the falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze
them in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
8. To assemble the bowls: Equally divide the spinach, bell pepper, and celery into 4 containers,
storing 3 to 5 falafel each in 4 separate containers for up to 5 days. You can enjoy the falafel
cold or warm; to reheat, microwave for 30 seconds or warm in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5 to
6 minutes. When ready to enjoy, drizzle the salad with the olive oil and vinegar, and toss to coat the
vegetables. Top with the falafel.

• If you are short on time, you can use canned chickpeas. Two
cans (15 ounces, or 425 g, each), drained and rinsed, will give

PRO PREP you the same quantity of beans needed for the recipe.
• Making falafel from scratch can be tricky. If the balls are not

TIPS binding together, add flour, 1 tablespoon (8 g) at a time, to


your mixture, until you can easily press it into balls or patties.
Warming the mixture in the microwave for 20-second increments
before rolling into balls can also help bind the mixture.

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MAINS

PESTO TILAPIA
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 10 MINUTES

You can adapt this recipe to suit almost any type of fish. Red snapper and catfish, among other types of
fish, have a similar nutrient profile and also a mild taste, which is the perfect pairing with the freshness
of the pesto.

2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil 1


/2 cup (120 g) pesto (store-bought
4 tilapia fillets (each 6 to 8 ounces, or see recipe on page 167)
or 170 to 227 g) 1
/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated
1 teaspoon sea salt Parmesan cheese, divided
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1
/2 lemon

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until sizzling.
2. Place the tilapia in the pan without overlapping the fillets and season each fillet with the sea salt
and black pepper.
3. Cook the fillets for 3 to 4 minutes on one side then flip them over. Smear the pesto on the fillets
and cook for 3 to 4 more minutes, until the undersides turn a nice golden brown. Sprinkle the
Parmesan cheese and squeeze lemon juice onto the cooked fillets.
4. Place each fillet into a container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave for
45 to 60 seconds, warm in a skillet over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, or place in the oven at
375°F (190°C) for 4 to 5 minutes.

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MAINS

ROASTED VEGETABLES
AND CHICKEN WRAPS
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 45 MINUTES

Roasted vegetables are already tasty, and when they are combined with goat cheese, like in this recipe,
they’re irresistible.

ROASTED VEGETABLES CHICKEN


1 medium sweet potato, unpeeled 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
and sliced into long strips 2 large boneless and skinless
1 cup (150 g) cubed squash (frozen or fresh) chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
1
/4 cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar WRAPS
1
/2 teaspoon dried thyme 4 large (10 inches, or 25 cm, each)
1
/2 teaspoon garlic salt whole wheat tortillas
1
/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 4 teaspoons (50 g) hummus (store-bought
1 large onion, thinly sliced or see recipe on page 168)
1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced 4 teaspoons (13 g) goat cheese
(substitute feta or smoked Gouda)

1. To make the roasted vegetables: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line 2 large, rimmed baking
sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, toss together the sweet potato, squash, olive oil, vinegar, thyme, garlic salt, and
black pepper. Evenly spread the sweet potato–squash mixture onto one of the prepared baking
sheets. Don’t rinse out the bowl. Roast in the oven for about 45 minutes, until the vegetables soften
and begin to brown. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Place the onion and bell pepper into the sweet potato–squash bowl and toss with the remaining
dressing. Spread the mixture onto the remaining prepared baking sheet. Cook for the last 30
minutes of the sweet potato–squash cooking time, until the vegetables soften and begin to brown.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 to 3 minutes.

(continued)

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4. To make the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken
to the skillet without overlapping the pieces. Flip each chicken breast over once the underside is
golden brown, about 6 minutes per side. To check for doneness, slice through one of the chicken
breasts to see that the meat is white and the juices run clear.
5. Remove the chicken from the pan and let cool on a clean cutting board, 6 to 7 minutes. Diagonally
slice it into strips.
6. You can begin to assemble the wraps or store the chicken strips in an airtight container in the
refrigerator for up to 4 days.
7. To assemble the wraps: Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface. Spread about 1 teaspoon of hummus
on each tortilla, leaving a 1/2-inch (13 mm) border around the edges. Top each tortilla with one-
quarter each of the roasted vegetable mixtures and sliced chicken and 1 teaspoon of the goat cheese.
8. To roll the wrap, start at the edge closest to you, fold the tortilla up slightly with your thumbs, fold
the sides in with your fingers, and continue to tuck and roll to create a burrito-like wrap. Repeat
with the remaining tortillas.
9. Place each wrap into a container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you are making
more than 2 days’ worth of wraps, store the toppings separately for up to 5 days and assemble
the wraps the day of eating.

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MAINS

THAI BOWLS WITH


PEANUT SAUCE
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

If you ask me, the peanut sauce is what makes this dish so good!

PEANUT SAUCE BOWLS


1
/4 cup (60 g) natural creamy peanut butter 2 cups (320 g) cooked brown rice
2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce 1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon (15 ml) rice wine vinegar 1 bag (16 ounces, or 454 g) shelled
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger edamame (thawed if using frozen)
1 teaspoon raw honey (optional) 1 large red bell pepper, diced
2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 ml) warm water 1
/2 large seedless cucumber, diced
1 medium-to-large carrot, julienned
4 scallions, chopped, plus more for topping
/4 cup (10 g) roughly chopped Thai basil leaves
1

2 tablespoons (16 g) sesame seeds


(white or black), for topping

1. To make the peanut sauce: Place all the peanut sauce ingredients into a Mason jar or sealable
container and secure with the lid. Shake to combine. Add warm water, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) at a
time, to thin the dressing to desired consistency.
2. Equally divide the sauce into 4 small containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The
sauce may need to be reheated to make it pourable. Simply pop the jar (without the lid) into the
microwave for 20 seconds, stir and pour.
3. To make the bowls: Drizzle the cooked rice with the sesame oil and set aside to cool (if the rice
isn’t already cooled). To a large bowl, add the edamame, bell pepper, cucumber, carrot, scallions,
and basil, and toss until well combined.
4. To assemble the bowls, equally divide the rice into 4 containers, followed by the vegetable mixture,
storing the toppings in separate containers. Top each portion with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and
some chopped scallion. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you are ready to enjoy, pour
the desired amount of peanut sauce over the vegetables and rice, and combine.

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MAINS

VEGETABLE
AND TOFU SKEWERS
YIELD: 6 TO 9 SKEWERS OR 2 OR 3 PORTIONS (3 SKEWERS PER PORTION)

PREP TIME: 30 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES

If you think you don’t like tofu, this recipe will make you think again. You can enjoy this vegetarian
delight on its own or pair it with your favorite grain. Cook these skewers on a grill, on a grill pan on
the stove, or under an oven broiler. If you are using wood skewers, you must soak them in water for at
least 30 minutes before using; metal skewers don’t require any prep other than a quick wash.

2 packages (14 ounces, or 396 g, each) 1 large red bell pepper, cut into
extra-firm tofu bite-size pieces
2 tablespoons (30 ml) tamari 1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into
3 tablespoons (45 ml) barbecue sauce bite-size pieces
6 to 9 skewers 1 large red onion, cut into bite-size pieces
2 large zucchini, cut into bite-size pieces 2 cups (300 g) cherry tomatoes

1. Remove the tofu from its packaging and drain any liquid. Set the blocks of tofu onto folded paper
towels (you may want to put a plate underneath the paper towels to catch excess liquid). Set
another folded paper towel on top of each block. Put a plate or small cutting board on top of the
tofu and press down firmly to remove the liquid.
2. Remove the tofu from the paper towels and place on a cutting board. Cut the tofu into 1-inch
(2.5 cm) cubes and place in a large resealable plastic bag.
3. Pour the tamari and barbecue sauce into the resealable bag, securely seal the bag, and shake to
coat. Let the tofu marinate in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes and up to 30 minutes.
4. Thread” the marinated tofu, zucchini, bell peppers, onion, and cherry tomatoes, alternating
between the tofu cubes and vegetables, onto the skewers.
5. To cook the skewers, choose your preferred method for cooking (see the recipe note above) and
cook for 6 to 12 minutes, depending on your oven, stovetop, or grill. Turn often to brown each side
before removing from the heat.
6. Wrap each skewer in aluminum foil after cooling and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Alternatively, you can remove the pieces from the skewer and store them in airtight containers for
up to 4 days. Reheat the skewers in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 4 to 5 minutes.

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MAINS

LEMONY PASTA SALAD


WITH ASPARAGUS
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES

This fresh and easy pasta salad is guaranteed to satisfy you on its own, but it I like to add a protein to
balance out the dish. The following lean sources of protein are great additions to this recipe: grilled
chicken, hard-boiled eggs (page 61), shrimp, or sliced steak.

8 ounces (227 g) whole wheat fusilli 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
or penne pasta 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 pound (454 g) asparagus, trimmed 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
and chopped into bite-size pieces 1
/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
1
/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese 1
/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, adding the asparagus during the last
31/2 minutes of the cooking time.
2. Transfer a ladleful (about 3/4 cup, or 180 ml) of the cooking liquid to a large bowl. Set aside. Drain
the pasta and asparagus, and rinse under cold water until cool, 30 to 45 seconds.
3. Transfer the drained pasta and asparagus to the bowl with the reserved pasta water. Add the
Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, pink salt, and black pepper. Toss to combine.
4. Equally divide the pasta salad into 4 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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MAINS

SAVORY RICE AND BEANS


YIELD: 4 TO 6 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES

The pairing of rice and beans can be found in cuisines all over the world. The combination creates a
complete protein, which makes this recipe an excellent choice for vegetarians and meat eaters alike.

2 cans (15 ounces, or 425 g, each) 1 teaspoon ground cumin


black or white beans, rinsed and drained 1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon olive oil 1
/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 medium onion of choice, chopped 1
/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 large red bell pepper, chopped 3 cups (90 g) baby spinach
11/2 cups (350 ml) vegetable broth 1
/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup (190 g) quick-cooking or instant 1
/2 cup (8 g) chopped fresh cilantro,
brown rice for topping (optional)
1 teaspoon chili powder Lime wedges, for serving

1. Place the beans into a medium pot with enough water to just cover them and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan with a lid over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add the
onion and bell pepper, and cook and stir for 4 to 5 minutes. Pour the broth into the skillet and bring to
a boil (you may need to slightly increase the heat). Once the broth is boiling, add the rice and reduce
the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, until the rice is cooked.
3. When the rice is cooked, add the chili powder, cumin, turmeric, and black pepper. Stir well to
combine. Add the beans and spinach, and cook, covered, for 5 to 6 more minutes. If there is a lot
of liquid in the skillet, leave the lid off and cook until mostly evaporated. Remove from the heat,
season with the sea salt, and let cool slightly.
4. Equally divide the rice and beans into 4 to 6 containers. Top with the cilantro (if using) and store in
the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to enjoy, microwave for 1 to 2 minutes and serve with
the lime wedges.

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MAINS

COLORFUL FISH TACOS


Y I E L D : 8 TA C O S O R 4 P O R T I O N S ( 2 TA C O S P E R P O R T I O N )

PREP TIME: 30 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 15 MINUTES

You don’t have to wait for Taco Tuesday to make this awesome recipe. It’s the perfect way to include
healthy fish and added vegetables to your diet. Tilapia is a nice mild fish to start with if fish is a new
addition to your diet, but if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can use catfish or shrimp with this
recipe too.

1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil 1


/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lime juice
1
/2 teaspoon smoked or regular paprika 1 pound (454 g) tilapia
1
/2 teaspoon cumin 8 corn tortillas
1
/2 teaspoon chili powder 1 cup (90 g) shredded purple cabbage,
1
/2 teaspoon onion powder for topping
1
/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 cup (70 g) broccoli slaw, for topping
1
/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt Chopped fresh cilantro, for topping (optional)
(use more or less to taste) Avocado Aioli (page 167), for topping
1
/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Limes wedges, for serving

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic
powder, salt, cayenne, and lime juice. Pour the mixture into a large resealable plastic bag.
2. Add the tilapia to the resealable bag with the mixture, securely seal the bag, and squeeze and
shake the bag to coat the fish with the spices. Let the fish marinate in the refrigerator for at least
10 minutes and up to 1 hour.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
4. Place the marinated fish, with the marinade from the bag, onto the prepared baking sheet and bake
for 10 minutes, or until the tilapia is fully cooked and easily flakes with a fork. If you would like to
add a golden color to the fish, set it under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes, until slightly brown.
5. Remove the pan from the oven and use a fork to break up the fish into bite-size chunks. Set aside.
6. Equally divide the fish into 4 containers, storing the tortillas, any toppings, and lime wedges in
separate containers and/or resealable plastic bags. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When
you are ready to enjoy the tacos, microwave the fish for 30 to 45 seconds and warm the tortillas in
a large skillet over high heat. Top with the cabbage, slaw, and cilantro (if using), and serve with the
lime wedges and avocado aioli.

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PRO PREP

TIP
This recipe is super flexible! You can use any vegetables and/or
beans you have on hand and adjust the spices to your personal taste.

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MAINS

CLASSIC AND LEAN CHILI


YIELD: 6 TO 8 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 35 MINUTES

My dad made a mean chili. When the craving hit at the beginning of fall (like clockwork), he would
assemble all his “secret” ingredients and get started on the half-day-long process. It was the only time
he would kick us girls out of the kitchen, and we were happy to scram knowing we’d be feasting on his
big pot of savory chili for days. This is the “healthified” version I use in my weekly meal preps.

1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil 1 can (15 ounces, or 425 g) black beans,
1 small yellow onion, diced drained and rinsed
2 or 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 can (15 ounces, or 425 g) kidney beans,
1 pound (454 g) lean ground turkey drained and rinsed
1 small poblano pepper, seeded and diced 1 /2 tablespoons (22 ml) chili powder
1

(optional) 1 teaspoon cumin


2 cups (300 g) diced bell pepper 1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 cup (120 g) diced carrot 1
/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup (30 g) baby spinach 1
/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 can (28 ounces, or 794 g) crushed tomatoes

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot with a lid over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Add the onion and garlic, and cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the ground turkey, stirring
occasionally, until browned, about 10 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients to the pot and stir
to combine.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and
simmer, covered, for at least 20 minutes and up to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste the chili
as it simmers to add additional spices if needed.
4. Equally divide the chili into 6 to 8 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze up
to 3 months. To reheat, warm the chili in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for
5 to 6 minutes. If using the microwave, place the desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl, loosely
cover, and heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time.

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MAINS

“NOT YOUR MAMA’S


MEATLOAF” MUFFINS
YIELD: 12 MUFFINS OR 4 PORTIONS (3 MUFFINS PER PORTION)

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 40 MINUTES

These protein-packed muffins are perfectly portioned for meal prep. It is one of those classic recipes
where the cooking method and ingredients can be tweaked to your personal preference or what you
have on hand in your kitchen (see Pro Prep Tips below).

Nonstick cooking spray (olive or avocado oil) 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds (907 g) lean ground turkey 2 teaspoons chipotle pepper spice
3 egg whites 1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
1 cup (80 g) whole wheat bread crumbs 2 teaspoons garlic powder
or quick-cooking oats 1 small yellow onion, diced
1
/2 teaspoon ground cumin 2 large celery ribs, diced
1
/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1
/4 cup (60 g) tomato paste
2 teaspoons dry mustard 1
/2 cup (120 ml) barbecue sauce (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 12-cup muffin tin or two 6-cup muffin tins with the
nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. To a large bowl, add all the ingredients, except the barbecue sauce, and combine well. Scoop
the mixture out of the bowl using a large spoon or ice-cream scoop and fill each muffin tin.
3. Bake for 40 minutes, or until cooked through (no longer pink inside or a meat thermometer
reaches 165°F, or 75°C). At the 30-minute mark, take the pan out of the oven and brush each muffin
with the barbecue sauce (if using), then continue cooking.
4. Place 3 meatloaf muffins each in 4 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave for about 1 minute.

PRO PREP • This recipe calls for lean ground turkey, but you can substitute
any lean meat and end up with the same delicious result.

TIPS • Turn this into a loaf by baking the mixture in a loaf pan instead
of a muffin tin. Increase the cooking time to 1 hour.

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MAINS

GROUND CHICKEN AND


QUINOA–STUFFED PEPPERS
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES

This is one of my favorite recipes for meal prep; it’s also a dish I love serving my family and friends
for dinner. It’s yummy, satisfying, and healthy. I also like that I can play with the ingredients a bit.
Depending on your taste (or the tastes of your guests), consider adding some heat to your stuffed
peppers with diced jalapeños, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes.

1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil 1 teaspoon sea salt


2 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup (185 g) cooked quinoa
1
/2 large yellow onion, chopped 4 large sweet red bell peppers,
1 pound (454 g) lean ground chicken tops cut off and seeds removed
1 cup (180 g) diced tomatoes 1
/4 cup (30 g) part-skim shredded cheddar
(canned or fresh) cheese (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder Low-fat sour cream or plain Greek-style
1 teaspoon chili powder yogurt, for topping (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).


2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium-high heat for 30 seconds.
3. Add the garlic and onion, and cook and stir for about 2 minutes. Add the ground chicken. Chop
or crumble the meat using a wooden spoon or silicone-coated utensil. Cook the meat for 5 to 8
minutes, stirring frequently to break up the meat.
4. When the meat has browned, add the tomatoes, garlic powder, chili powder, and sea salt to the
skillet and cover. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add
the quinoa and stir to combine.
5. Place the peppers, cut sides up, in a deep baking dish and bake for approximately 5 minutes, until
they begin to soften.
6. Spoon the meat-quinoa mixture into each pepper and fill to the top. Sprinkle with the cheese.
7. Place each stuffed pepper into a container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm
in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5 to 6 minutes or microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. Top with the sour
cream (if using).

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MAINS

GINGER-SOY
CHICKEN THIGHS
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 30 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 35 MINUTES

Chicken is my go-to protein when it comes to weekly meal prep, but I‘ll admit that chicken can get
a little boring. This is just the recipe you need to shake things up. (I have a feeling I’ll be hearing from
you about this one!) Searing the thighs before roasting them in the oven helps to hold in moisture and
prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.

21/4 pounds (1 kg) boneless and skinless 1


/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
chicken thighs (about 12 chicken thighs) 3 tablespoons (45 ml) balsamic vinegar
1
/2 cup (80 g) thinly sliced red onion 2 teaspoons (10 ml) olive oil
2 tablespoons (20 g) minced garlic (you can Dash cayenne pepper
substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
2 tablespoons (12 g) minced peeled ginger
or 1 teaspoon ground ginger

1. Place the chicken thighs into a large resealable plastic bag. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together all the remaining ingredients. Add the marinade to the resealable
bag with the chicken, securely seal the bag, and shake to coat the chicken. Let the chicken
marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 20 minutes and up to 6 hours.
3. When you are ready to cook the chicken, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat a large skillet
over medium-high heat. Using tongs, remove the thighs from the plastic bag and place into the
skillet, reserving the marinade in the plastic bag. Cook the chicken thighs until browned, 2 to
3 minutes per side, and remove from the heat. Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish with a
lid and pour the reserved marinade from the bag onto the chicken.
4. Bake for 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. To check the chicken for doneness, slice
one of the chicken thighs in half. The inside should be fully cooked; if you see a lot of pink, bake it
for 5 more minutes. For a more accurate reading, use a meat thermometer to make sure the thighs
have reached 165°F (75°C).
5. Equally divide the chicken thighs into 4 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, microwave for 2 to 3 minutes.

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PRO PREP To reduce the sodium in any dish that calls for soy sauce, cut it with

TIP balsamic vinegar. The sweetness of the balsamic vinegar mellows the
salty punch of the soy sauce.

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MAINS

TOMATO, EGG,
AND LENTIL BOWLS
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

This nutritious bowl will keep you feeling full until your next meal, and it takes mere minutes to
prepare (especially if you have the hard-boiled eggs on hand). It’s the perfect summer salad that tastes
even better after a couple days, as the flavors meld together even more.

1 can (15 ounces, or 425 g) lentils, Hot sauce (I like Frank’s RedHot
drained and rinsed Original sauce), to taste
2 medium Roma tomatoes, diced Himalayan pink salt, to taste
½ cup (55 g) shredded carrot Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 small scallions, diced 4 Hard-Boiled Eggs in the Oven (page 61),
¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley peeled and sliced
3 tablespoons (45 ml) fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil

1. Place the lentils, tomatoes, carrot, scallions, and parsley into a large bowl.
2. Drizzle the lime juice and olive over the lentil-tomato mixture and stir to combine. Stir in the pink
salt, black pepper, and hot sauce.
3. Equally divide the mixture into 4 portions and top each portion with a sliced hard-boiled egg. Store
in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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MAINS

PAN-FRIED
TERIYAKI SALMON
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 30 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 10 MINUTES

You’re likely to find a few different options when buying salmon at your local grocery store or market:
fresh or frozen, wild or farmed, whole fish or individual fillets. What you purchase is a matter of
preference and/or availability in most cases; however, if you are buying a whole side, you’ll want to cut
the piece into equal-size portions before cooking. I love this tangy salmon served on top of Cauliflower
Rice (page 152).

2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil 1 small white onion, sliced


4 skinless salmon fillets (each 6 ounces, 3 garlic cloves, halved and thinly sliced
or 170 g) 1
/4 cup (60 ml) teriyaki sauce

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).


2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 1 minute. Place the salmon fillets in the
skillet without overcrowding. Place the sliced onions, garlic, and teriyaki sauce on top of the fillets
3. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is fully cooked and easily flakes with a fork.
4. Place each fillet into a container with the cooking liquid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4
days. To reheat, place the fish on a baking sheet and warm in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 3 to
4 minutes. You can also microwave for 1 minute per fillet, though oven reheating is preferred for
this dish.

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MAINS

TURKEY AND KALE SOUP


WITH SUPER GRAINS
YIELD: 6 TO 8 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 45 MINUTES

This savory soup doesn’t require you to roast a turkey in order to prepare it; however, making this recipe
around the holidays is a great way to repurpose leftover turkey. Feel free to swap out the pearled spelt
and barley with a whole grain of your choice (e.g., brown rice, quinoa, farro, or wheat berries).

32 ounces (4 cups, or 946 ml) chicken stock 1 to 2 cups (180 to 360 g) diced tomatoes
2 cups (475 ml) cold water (canned or fresh)
1
/2 cup (100 g) pearled spelt, rinsed 2 cups (134 g) chopped kale
1
/2 cup (100 g) barley, rinsed 1
/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil 1
/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 medium yellow onion, diced 1
/2 teaspoon dried oregano
3 large garlic cloves, minced 1
/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup (110 g) cooked crumbled turkey kielbasa
1 cup (140 g) cooked cubed roast turkey
(buy precooked turkey and cut into
cubes; look for low-sodium and nitrate-
free brands)

1. Bring the chicken stock and cold water to a boil in a large pot with a lid over medium-high heat.
2. Once boiling, add the spelt and barley, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the onion
and garlic to the skillet, and cook and stir for 2 more minutes. Add the turkey kielbasa and roast
turkey to the skillet and toss to heat through, 4 to 5 minutes.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the contents to the pot with the stock and grains.
5. Add the tomatoes, kale, sea salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes, and simmer, covered,
for 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Equally divide into 6 to 8 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6
months. To reheat, warm in a pot over medium-high heat for 7 to 8 minutes or microwave each
portion for 11/2 to 2 minutes.

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MAINS

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP


YIELD: 6 TO 8 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 50 MINUTES

I promise this soup will soothe and warm your soul. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I do.

3 boneless and skinless chicken breasts 1 can (15 ounces, or 425 g) black beans,
(each 4 to 6 ounces, or 113 to 170 g) rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil 1
/4 cup (4 g) chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
1 medium white onion, chopped 1 cup (240 g) guacamole (store-bought
3 garlic cloves, minced or see recipe on page 160), for topping
2 teaspoons chili powder (optional)
1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 cup (240 g) low-fat sour cream,
1 large red bell pepper, diced for topping (optional)
1 can (28 ounces, or 794 g) diced tomatoes 2 scallions, chopped, for topping (optional)
3 cups (700 ml) low-sodium chicken broth 1 recipe Baked Tortilla Triangles (page 151),
1 cup (240 ml) water for serving (optional)
1 cup (150 g) whole corn kernels (optional)

1. Place the chicken breasts into a large saucepan with a lid. Add enough water to just cover the
chicken. Cover the pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-
low and simmer the chicken until the meat is no longer pink, about 12 minutes.
2. Transfer the chicken breasts to a large bowl, and using 2 forks, shred the chicken meat. Set aside.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large pot with a lid over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook
and stir until both are soft, 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add the chili powder, oregano, bell pepper, tomatoes, broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce
the heat to low and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes partially covered.
5. Add the shredded chicken, corn (if using), beans, and cilantro (if using). Cook for 10 more minutes,
covered, stirring once or twice. Remove from the heat.
6. Equally divide the soup into 6 to 8 containers, storing any toppings and the tortilla triangles (if
using) in separate containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 days. To reheat, warm in a pot
over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, or microwave for 11/2 to 2 minutes.
Top with the guacamole (if using), sour cream (if using), and scallions (if using). Serve with the
baked tortilla wedges (if using).

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MAINS

ROASTED BUTTERNUT
SQUASH SOUP
YIELD: 4 TO 5 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 50 MINUTES

This soup will warm you up and give you a good dose of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). It
will also taste as though it took hours to make, but it’s super simple and quick to prepare. To make this
soup into a heartier meal, consider adding shredded chicken, Crispy Cubed Tofu (page 144), or quinoa
to your bowl of goodness.

1 large butternut squash (or 3 cups, /4 cup (60 ml) unsweetened coconut milk
1

or 450 g, frozen cubed butternut squash) (from a carton) or almond milk


1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil Sea salt, to taste
1
/4 cup (40 g) diced yellow onion Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 garlic cloves, minced Curry powder, to taste (optional)
2 /2 cups (600 ml) low-sodium
1
Cayenne pepper, to taste (optional)
vegetable broth

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and pierce a few times with a fork. Place the squash
halves on the baking sheet, flesh sides down. Bake until tender when pierced with a fork, 25 to
30 minutes. (If using frozen cubed squash, bake for 15 minutes.)
3. Remove from the oven, let cool, and carefully scoop out the flesh of the squash into a large bowl.
Set aside.
4. Warm the olive oil in a large pot with a lid over medium heat until shimmering, 30 to 60 seconds.
Add the onion and garlic, and cook and stir until soft and aromatic, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the broth
and roasted squash, and stir to combine. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil,
then swiftly reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

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5. Remove from the heat and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes. Using an immersion blender (see Pro
Prep Tip below) in a circular motion, blend the soup until smooth, about 1 minute. Slowly add the
coconut milk until the desired consistency is achieved and blend once again to combine. Season to
taste with the sea salt, black pepper, curry (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using).
6. Equally divide into 4 or 5 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 days. To reheat, microwave
for 2 minutes or warm in pot over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular


blender to create a smooth finish to your soup:
1. Pour the soup into your blender until one-half to three-quarters

PRO PREP of the way full (you will want to blend in batches depending on

TIP
the size of your blender).
2. Remove the center piece of the blender lid to allow steam to
escape, secure the lid on top, and place a clean towel over the
opening in the blender lid (to avoid splatters).
3. Blend until smooth and pour the contents into a large bowl (if
blending in batches), then back into the pot.

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PRO PREP To measure dry noodles, place a bunch of noodles between your thumb

TIP
and forefinger (like the OK sign) with the tip of your pointer finger at the
mid-thumb knuckle. This will measure approximately 4 ounces (227 g)
of dry pasta (approximately 2 cups of cooked noodles).

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MAINS

SOBA NOODLE STIR-FRY


YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 10 MINUTES

This is the perfect weeknight dinner! If you like your food spicy like I do, add some heat to this dish
before serving with 1 to 2 teaspoons of sriracha per portion.

SAUCE 1 cup (90 g) chopped broccoli


1 teaspoon minced garlic /2 cup (58 g) sliced red onion
1

1
/2 teaspoon minced ginger 2 cups (60 g) chopped spinach
1
/2 cup (120 ml) tamari 2 cups (228 g) cooked soba noodles
1
/4 cup (60 ml) sesame oil (cooked al dente per package
instructions, drained, and rinsed with
STIR-FRY cold water)
1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 cup (104 g) sliced cucumber
1 cup (92 g) sliced bell pepper 1 tablespoon (8 g) hemp hearts (optional)
1 cup (110 g) shredded carrot 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
1 cup (113 g) sliced zucchini (each 3 to 4 ounces, or 85 to 113 g), sliced
1 cup (70 g) sliced mushrooms

1. To make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients. Set aside.
2. To make the stir-fry: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium-high heat. Once
the oil is shimmering, add the bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli, and onion. Cook,
covered, for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the spinach and toss for another minute, until the spinach is slightly wilted and incorporated into
the vegetable mix. Add the sauce and noodles to the pan. Use silicone-handle tongs to toss the noodles
and coat the vegetables in the sauce. Allow the sauce to bubble up and thicken for 1 minute.
4. Equally divide the stir-fry and cucumber slices into 4 containers. Top with the hemp hearts (if
using). Do not rinse the skillet.
5. In the same skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sliced chicken. Turn it over when the underside
is golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. To check for doneness, cut a slice in half to see that the
meat is white and the juices run clear.
6. Equally divide the chicken slices among the containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To
reheat, microwave for 1 to 2 minutes per portion or warm in a skillet over medium heat for 4 to 5
minutes, tossing frequently.

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MAINS

SPANISH RICE
YIELD: 4 TO 6 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES

When I was growing up, Spanish rice was a family favorite. This dish was actually the first “real” dinner
my mom taught me to make. The original recipe calls for ground beef, but it is just as tasty with leaner
meats such as ground chicken or turkey. This hearty meal only takes about 30 minutes to prepare from
start to finish. I hope your family enjoys it as much as we do.

1 teaspoon olive oil 1 teaspoon chili powder


1 pound (454 g) lean ground chicken 1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups (240 g) chopped celery Dash Himalayan pink salt
1 can (28 ounces, or 794 g) diced tomatoes Dash cayenne pepper
1
/2 cup (95 g) quick-cooking brown rice /2 cup (120 ml) water
1

1
/4 cup (40 g) diced white onion

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add the ground chicken
to the skillet and cook until browned, 8 to 9 minutes.
2. Add the remaining ingredients to the skillet and stir together. Reduce the heat to medium-low,
cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste the dish to determine whether more
seasonings are needed and season accordingly. Remove from the heat and let cool.
3. Equally divide the Spanish rice into 4 to 6 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To
reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, or microwave
for 2 to 21/2 minutes.

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MAINS

SOUTHWESTERN SALAD
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

This flavorful and colorful dish is perfect the way it is, but if you would like to add some meat to this
plant-based salad, pulled pork or chicken is a great addition.

DRESSING SALAD
1 large ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, 1 cup (230 g) cooked wild rice and
and chopped bulgur blend (see Pro Prep Tip, below)
1
/2 cup (120 g) plain Greek-style yogurt 1 cup (120 g) corn kernels, fresh or canned
2 tablespoons (30 ml) taco seasoning 1 cup (250 g) canned black beans,
1 tablespoon (15 ml) ranch seasoning drained and rinsed
1 to 4 tablespoons (15 to 60 ml) milk 3
/4 cup (135 g) chopped tomato
3
/4 cup (110 g) diced bell pepper (any color)
1
/4 cup (50 g) chopped scallion
1 to 2 tablespoons (10 to 20 g) minced garlic

1. To make the dressing: Place the avocado, yogurt, taco seasoning, and ranch seasoning in a
blender and blend on medium-high speed for 20 seconds. Add the milk, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) at a
time, and blend until smooth and the desired consistency is reached. Set aside.
2. To make the salad: In a large salad bowl, mix together all the salad ingredients. Pour the dressing
over the salad and toss to coat.
3. Equally divide the salad into 4 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, periodically
tossing the salad to mix it up and refresh it.

Most large supermarkets carry some type of grain blend, which is


PRO PREP

TIP
commonly found in the rice aisle. If you can’t find a pre-blended
mix of wild rice and bulgur, buy them separately and cook
according to package directions.

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MAINS

STEAK FAJITAS
Y I E L D : 8 FA J I TA S O R 4 P O R T I O N S ( 2 FA J I TA S P E R P O R T I O N )

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES

Got 30 minutes? Of course you do! These feisty sheet-pan fajitas will soon be a part of your regular
meal-prep routine. This recipe is fast and easy, and the cleanup is a breeze. For a low-carb option, put
one serving of steak and vegetable filling into a bowl with 1 cup (30 g) of chopped romaine or baby
spinach and add the suggested toppings.

2 pounds (907 g) flank steak, sliced into 11/2 tablespoons (22 ml) olive oil
1
/2-inch-thick (13 mm) pieces 3 tablespoons (45 ml) fresh lime juice
1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced 8 large (10 inches, or 25 cm, each) whole
1 large yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced wheat tortillas (optional; see recipe note,
1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced above, for a low-carb option)
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced 2 jalapeños, seeded and thinly sliced,
2 garlic cloves, minced for topping (optional)
1 teaspoon ground cumin Guacamole (store-bought or see recipe
1
/2 teaspoon smoked paprika on page 160), for topping (optional)
1
/2 teaspoon chipotle pepper spice (optional) Spicy Greek Yogurt Dip (page 162),
1
/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt for topping (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Set aside.
2. Place the sliced steak, bell peppers, and onion into a large resealable plastic bag.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, cumin, paprika, chipotle spice (if using), pink salt, olive
oil, and lime juice. Pour the mixture into the resealable bag, securely seal the bag, and squeeze and
shake the bag to coat the steak and vegetables with the marinade. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Pour the steak and vegetables onto the prepared baking sheet and squeeze any excess marinade
on top.
5. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the steak reaches desired doneness.
Increase the oven setting to broiler and brown the meat and vegetables, 3 to 4 minutes. Watch the
meat and vegetables so they don’t burn. Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes.
6. Equally divide the mixture into 4 containers, storing the tortillas and any toppings in separate containers
and/or resealable plastic bags. When you are ready to enjoy, microwave the fajita mixture for 1 to 2
minutes and warm the tortillas in a large skillet over high heat. Assemble the fajitas and top with the
jalapeños (if using), guacamole (if using), and yogurt dip (if using).

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MAINS

MIXED BEAN SALAD


YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

This recipe has been a repeat in my meal-prep plan for years now. It’s quick and easy, and tastes even
better on days two and three. Feel free to change up the types of beans depending on what you have
on hand.

DRESSING SALAD
1
/4 cup (60 ml) avocado oil 1 cup (250 g) canned chickpeas,
1
/4 cup (60 ml) red wine vinegar drained and rinsed
1
/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1 cup (250 g) canned black beans,
1
/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper drained and rinsed
1
/2 teaspoon sea salt 1 cup (200 g) edamame, shelled
(thawed if using frozen)
1 cup (120 g) chopped cucumber
1 cup (150 g) halved cherry tomatoes
1 cup (150 g) diced orange bell pepper

1. To make the dressing: Place all the dressing ingredients into a Mason jar or sealable container and
secure with the lid. Shake to combine. Set aside.
2. To make the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine all the salad ingredients. Pour the dressing over
the salad and toss to coat.
3. Evenly divide the salad into 4 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, tossing the salad
each day to mix it up and refresh it.

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SNACKS AND SIDES

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SNACKS AND SIDES

CHOCOLATY
QUINOA SQUARES
YIELD: 16 SQUARES

P R E P T I M E : 1 5 M I N U T E S ( P L U S 2 H O U R S R E F R I G E R AT I O N )
COOK TIME: 30 MINUTES

If you are looking to make healthier choices but still want to enjoy a sweet treat, this is the recipe for you!

3 cups (555 g) cooked quinoa (11/2 cups, /4 cup (20 g) unsweetened


1

or 192 g, uncooked quinoa) desiccated coconut


21/2 cups (200 g) rolled oats 2
/3 cup (160 ml) almond milk
1
/4 cup (28 g) ground flaxseed 4 tablespoons (80 g) raw honey
1
/4 cup (16 g) unsalted, shelled pumpkin 3
/4 cup (195 g) nut butter of choice
seeds, ground in a spice or coffee grinder 1 tablespoon (14 g) coconut oil
1
/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt 1 bar (31/2 ounces, or 100 g) high-quality
1
/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon dark chocolate (75% cacao or higher)

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9 x 9-inch (23 x 23 cm) pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine the quinoa, oats, flaxseed, ground pumpkin seeds, pink salt, cinnamon, coconut, and
almond milk in a large bowl.
3. Add the honey, nut butter, and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 20-second
increments until you can stir and combine them. Add to the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir
to combine. Press into the prepared pan.
4. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges are browned. Remove from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes.
5. To melt the chocolate, break or cut the chocolate into equal-size small pieces. Place it in a clear,
microwave-safe glass bowl so you can see it as it melts. Heat for 1 minute. Remove from the
microwave and stir (the chocolate will look shiny). Continue to heat in 20-second increments,
stirring at each interval, until the chocolate is smooth. Use an offset spatula to spread a layer of
melted chocolate onto the cooled quinoa bars.
6. Place the pan in the refrigerator for 2 hours or in the freezer for 30 minutes to set and firm the
chocolate. Cut into 16 squares.
7. Place the squares into containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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PRO PREP To freeze these quinoa squares, place a square of parchment or wax

TIP
paper in between each square and store in a freezer-safe container.
Or individually wrap each square in aluminum foil and store in a
freezer bag.

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SNACKS AND SIDES

AMAZEBALLS
YIELD: 18 TO 25 BALLS

P R E P T I M E : 2 0 M I N U T E S ( P LU S 3 0 M I N U T E S R E F R I G E R AT I O N )

These family-friendly snacks are a great addition to any healthy eating regimen. Setting aside some
time to prepare these balls will be worth it!

16 soft Medjool dates, pitted


3
/4 cup (82 g) whole raw almonds
1
/2 cup (40 g) unsweetened desiccated coconut
1
/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1
/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
2 tablespoons (22 g) mini dark chocolate or carob chips (optional)

1. Add the dates and almonds to a food


processor and pulse until the almonds
are coarsely chopped.
2. Add the coconut, vanilla, and pink salt,
and pulse until well combined. Test the
“batter” to see if it sticks together; if it
doesn’t, you may need to pulse it a few
more times.
3. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl
and fold in the chocolate chips (if
using). Roll into 18 to 25 balls (a little
smaller than a golf ball).
4. Place the balls into containers.
Immediately store in the refrigerator
for up to 1 week. They are best eaten
refrigerated (refrigerated for at least
30 minutes); otherwise, they can be a
little soft.

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SNACKS AND SIDES

TROPICAL
ENERGY BALLS
YIELD: 18 TO 20 BALLS

P R E P T I M E : 2 0 M I N U T E S ( P L U S 3 0 M I N U T E S R E F R I G E R AT I O N )

A quick grab-and-go snack that tastes like the warm days of summer? Yes, please! These little morsels
make it easy to snack healthy, but I’ve been known to circle back to these throughout the day and
end up with only a couple left. To ensure these will take you through the week, throw 2 or 3 balls in
small containers or resealable plastic snack bags as soon as they’re prepared and store them in the
refrigerator or freezer until they’re ready to be eaten.

1 cup (178 g) pitted and halved soft 1


/4 cup (28 g) flaxseed meal
Medjool dates 1
/2 cup (40 g) unsweetened
1 cup (80 g) gluten-free quick-cooking oats desiccated coconut
1
/2 cup (85 g) chopped pineapple
(fresh or canned and drained)

1. Add all the ingredients to a food processor or blender and pulse to form a thick paste. Scrape down
the sides, if needed, then pulse a couple more times.
2. Scoop out the paste with a tablespoon or a small ice-cream scoop and roll into 18 to 20 balls about
the size of a golf ball.
3. Place the balls into containers. Immediately store in in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They are
best eaten refrigerated (refrigerated for at least 30 minutes); otherwise, they can be a little soft.

For these and most other energy/protein ball recipes (see also
PRO PREP Amazeballs opposite and Energy-Bite Cookies on page 137), if the

TIP mixture isn’t sticking together as much as you like, try slightly heating
the mixture in the microwave, 10 seconds at a time, before rolling
into balls.

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To keep the muffins from getting soggy, first let them cool completely
PRO PREP

TIP
on a wire rack, then line an airtight container with a paper towel before
storing them. If you are using paper cups to line the muffin tin(s), take
off the paper before placing the muffins into the container.

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SNACKS AND SIDES

APPLE CINNAMON
WALNUT MUFFINS
YIELD: 12 MUFFINS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 30 MINUTES

These muffins are my favorite on-the-road snack because they are filling but not heavy. Make this
recipe your own by substituting a different type of nut. As an alternative to the apples and walnuts,
raisins or dried cranberries would be fantastic in these muffins.

Nonstick baking spray (optional) 2 large eggs


2 cups (240 g) almond flour 4 teaspoons (20 g) unsweetened applesauce
1 cup (80 g) old-fashioned oats 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1
/2 cup (120 ml) almond milk
plus more for topping 1 large apple of choice, peeled and chopped
1
/2 teaspoon salt 1
/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts,
1 teaspoon baking soda plus more for topping
1
/2 cup (100 g) coconut sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin or two 6-cup muffin tins with paper
liners or spray with baking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, oats, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and coconut sugar.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, applesauce, vanilla, almond milk, apple, and walnuts.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently mix to combine. Scoop the batter into
the prepared muffin cups.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin
comes out clean. Remove from the oven and immediately top with the extra walnuts and a
sprinkle of cinnamon.
6. Place the muffins in containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

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SNACKS AND SIDES

PUMPKIN-SPICE GRANOLA
YIELD: 6 CUPS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 15 MINUTES

There are a number of reasons this granola works for meal prep: it’s simple to make in big batches, it’s
half the cost of store-bought granola, it has no refined sugar, and it makes a decadent but healthy snack.

3 cups (240 g) rolled oats 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice


1
/2 cup (55 g) chopped raw almonds 1
/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1
/2 cup (55 g) chopped raw pecans 1
/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
1
/2 cup (75 g) raw sunflower seeds 1
/3 cup (80 g) coconut oil
1
/2 cup (70 g) raw pumpkin seeds 1
/4 cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup
3
/4 cup (60 g) unsweetened 1
/2 teaspoon almond extract
desiccated coconut

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or
parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, almonds, pecans, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, coconut,
pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and pink salt.
3. Melt the coconut oil in a small bowl in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Add the melted
coconut oil, maple syrup, and almond extract to the bowl. Stir to combine until everything is
coated. Spread the granola onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the granola for 15 minutes. Watch closely so that the edges don’t become too brown. Stir the
granola, bringing any browned edges to the inside of the pan. Bake for about 10 more minutes,
until the granola is lightly golden brown (check it after 5 minutes). Remove from the oven and cool
in the pan, at least 10 minutes; the granola will clump and harden as it cools.
5. Equally divide the granola into containers. Store in a cool, dry spot for up to 1 week or refrigerate
for up to 1 month.

PRO PREP

TIP
If your mixture seems too dry, add a touch of extra-virgin olive oil to
the mix in step 3 before spreading on the pan and baking.

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ENERGY-BITE COOKIES
YIELD: 24 COOKIES

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 10 MINUTES

Cookie cravings? I’ve got you covered with these healthy snacks that are chock-full of guilt-free goodness.

2 tablespoons (32 g) nut butter of choice 1 large egg


2 tablespoons (28 g) coconut oil 1
/3 cup (81 g) unsweetened applesauce
2 cups (160 g) quick-cooking rolled oats 1
/2 teaspoon baking soda
1
/2 cup (40 g) unsweetened 1
/2 teaspoon sea salt
desiccated coconut 1
/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons (24 g) hemp hearts 1
/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ripe banana, mashed

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (170°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In separate small bowls, melt the nut butter and coconut oil in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
3. Place all the ingredients into a large bowl (in the order they are listed) and stir with a wooden
spoon until well combined.
4. Form 24 balls, each the size of a golf ball, and press them onto the prepared baking sheet to
flatten slightly.
5. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cookies are a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and
cool completely in the pan.
6. Place the cookies into containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

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SIMPLE AND HEALTHY


TRAIL MIX
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

Use this recipe as a guide and feel free to substitute your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.

1 cup (110 g) unsalted whole raw almonds


3
/4 cup (82 g) unsalted whole raw cashews
5 unsalted raw Brazil nuts, roughly chopped
2
/3 cup (92 g) unsalted raw pumpkin seeds
1
/3 cup (47 g) unsalted raw sunflower seeds
2
/3 cup (6 g) air-popped popcorn (no oil
or salt added)
2 tablespoons (15 g) chopped unsweetened
dried cranberries
2 tablespoons (22 g) carob chips or
dark chocolate chips
1
/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt

1. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl.


2. Equally divide the trail mix into
4 containers. Store in a cool, dry place for
up to 2 weeks.

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SWEET-AND-SALTY
TRAIL MIX
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 15 MINUTES

This snack is IRRESISTIBLE! You may want to divide this batch into even smaller portions to keep you
from eating the entire thing in one day. Your house will smell amazing as the ingredients bake—bonus!

1 cup (110 g) roughly chopped raw pecans 1


/2 cup (75 g) raisins
1 cup (110 g) whole raw almonds 1
/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
1
/2 cup (55 g) whole raw cashews 2 tablespoons (28 g) coconut oil
1
/2 cup (72 g) salted sunflower seeds 2 tablespoons (40 g) raw honey
3
/4 cup (105 g) salted pumpkin seeds 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pecans, almonds, cashews, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, raisins, and
pink salt.
3. Place the coconut oil and honey in 2 separate small microwave-safe bowls and heat in the
microwave for 20 seconds to melt.
4. Pour the melted coconut oil and honey, along with the vanilla, into the bowl with the nuts and seeds.
Stir to combine until everything is coated. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the mix begins turning golden brown, stirring halfway through. Remove
the baking sheet from the oven and allow the trail mix to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Equally divide the trail mix into 4 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

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PEANUT BUTTER
BROWNIES
YIELD: 16 SMALL SQUARES OR 8 MEDIUM SQUARES

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES (PLUS 15 MINUTES FREEZING)

Resisting sweet treats is just not something I want to battle every day. My solution: have sweet yet
healthy snacks on hand! You can’t beat the simplicity of this recipe, and it’s guaranteed to keep your
hand out of the cookie jar.

1 cup (260 g) natural peanut butter /2 cup (72 g) raw sesame seeds
1

1
/2 cup (120 g) coconut oil /2 teaspoon salt
1

1
/2 cup (170 g) raw honey /2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1

2 cups (160 g) quick-cooking rolled oats /2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract


1

1. Line an 8 x 8-inch (20 x 20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Melt the peanut butter, coconut oil, and honey in a medium pot over medium heat, stirring
frequently, until smooth. Remove from the heat once smooth.
3. Add the oats, sesame seeds, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla to the pot, and stir to combine. Pour the
mixture into the prepared pan.
4. Place in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes, until cool and the brownies start to harden. Remove the
brownies from the pan by lifting the parchment paper and place onto a cutting board. Cut into 8 or
16 squares.
5. Place the brownies into containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

PRO PREP

TIP
I use a Wilton-brand brownie/bar mold to create the size, shape, and
texture of these brownies.

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CHOCOLATE GRANOLA
YIELD: 3 POUNDS (48 OUNCES, OR 1.4 KG)

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 25 MINUTES

I like to store this granola in 1-pint (16 ounces, or 454 g) Mason jars. This recipe makes 3 Mason
jars’ worth!

3 cups (240 g) rolled oats 1


/2 cup (60 g) unsweetened cacao
1 cup (80 g) unsweetened or cocoa powder
desiccated coconut 1
/3 cup (80 g) coconut oil
1
/2 cup (55 g) chopped raw walnuts 1
/3 cup (113 g) raw honey
1
/2 cup (55 g) chopped raw almonds 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1
/2 cup (84 g) chia, flax, or hemp seeds 1
/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1
/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (170°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or
parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, coconut, walnuts, almonds, seeds, pink salt, and cacao.
3. Place the coconut oil and honey in 2 separate small microwave-safe bowls and heat in the
microwave for 20 seconds to melt.
4. Pour the melted coconut oil and honey, along with the olive oil and vanilla, into the bowl with the
oats and nuts. Stir to combine until everything is coated. Spread the granola onto the prepared
baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, then stir and bake for 10 to 15 minutes more. Remove from the oven and cool
completely in the pan; the granola will clump and harden as it cools.
6. Equally divide the granola into containers. Store in a cool, dry spot for up to 1 week.

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CRISPY CUBED TOFU


YIELD: 3 OR 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 5 MINUTES

Whether you prefer Italian, Asian, or Mexican flavors, the great thing about cooking with tofu is its
ability to take on the flavors of whatever you put with it. Tofu is best seasoned before (by marinating)
or even during cooking. Once crispy, you can leave the tofu plain or season it with additional sauces,
such as soy sauce or sesame oil.

1 package (14 to 16 ounces, or 392 to 454 g) extra-firm tofu


Himalayan pink salt, to taste
2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil

1. To remove the liquid from the block of tofu, you’ll want to drain and press it. First, remove the tofu
from its packaging and drain any liquid. Set the block of tofu onto a folded paper towel (you may
want to put a plate underneath the paper towel to catch excess liquid). Set another folded paper
towel on top of the block. Put a plate or small cutting board on top of the tofu and press down
firmly to remove the liquid.
2. Remove the tofu from the paper towels and place on a cutting board. Cut the tofu into 1-inch
(2.5 cm) cubes and pat dry with a paper towel if there is any remaining liquid. Season with the salt.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the
tofu cubes without overcrowding the pan. When the undersides are golden brown, about
2 minutes, turn the cubes with silicone-handle tongs. Continue frying until all sides are browned
and crispy, about 2 more minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack.
4. Equally divide the tofu cubes into 3 or 4 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You
can eat cold or warm; to reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes.

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HEALTHIER
TUNA SALAD
YIELD: 4 TO 6 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

With a few swaps this tuna salad is the perfect food-prep snack or meal. Using avocado instead of
mayonnaise boosts the nutrient value and makes it extra creamy. Enjoy this in whole grain pita bread
or lettuce wraps or spreading on crackers or toast.

3 cans (5 ounces, or 142 g, each) tuna 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lime juice
in water, drained Himalayan pink salt, to taste
1 medium seedless cucumber, diced Dash freshly ground black pepper
2 large, ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, Extra-virgin olive oil, to taste
and sliced Whole wheat or super seed crackers,
1 small or medium red onion, diced for serving (optional)
1
/4 cup (4 g) loosely packed chopped
fresh cilantro (optional)

1. To a large bowl, add the tuna, cucumber, avocados, onion, cilantro, lime juice, pink salt, and black
pepper. Mix together the ingredients while smashing the avocados to combine well.
2. Stir in a drizzle of olive oil a little bit at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
3. Equally divide the tuna salad into 4 to 6 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When
ready to enjoy, serve with the crackers (if using).

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ROASTED CHICKPEAS
YIELD: 2 OR 3 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 30 MINUTES

Feel free to experiment with different spices here. Some of my savory favorites include cayenne pepper
and grated Parmesan cheese; for a sweet bite, try a little ground cinnamon and stevia.

1 can (15 ounces, or 425 g) chickpeas


1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1
/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1
/4 teaspoon sea salt

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°F). Line a


large, rimmed baking sheet with aluminum
foil or parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Place the chickpeas in a colander and
thoroughly rinse them with cold water. Use
a clean dish cloth to pat the chickpeas dry.
3. Place the chickpeas, olive oil, garlic powder,
and sea salt into a large resealable plastic
bag, securely seal the bag, and shake to
coat. Transfer the chickpeas to the prepared
baking sheet, evenly spreading them out.
4. Roast for about 30 minutes, shaking the pan
to move the chickpeas around 3 or 4 times.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and
let the chickpeas cool in the pan.
5. Equally divide the roasted chickpeas into 2
or 3 containers. Store in the refrigerator for
up to 5 days. They may start to get a little
soft and less crispy after a few days.

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VEGETABLES WITH
GREEK YOGURT DIP
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

You can find two other variations of this dip on page 162: Herb Greek Yogurt Dip and Spicy Greek
Yogurt Dip.

VEGETABLES YOGURT DIP


3 large carrots, peeled and cut into sticks 1 cup (240 g) plain Greek-style yogurt
2 large cucumbers, cut into sticks 1 seedless cucumber, grated
2 cups (150 g) snap peas 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 pint (275 g) cherry tomatoes Dash sea salt
1 large red bell pepper, cut into sticks Few sprigs fresh dill, chopped
1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into sticks

1. Equally divide the vegetables into 4 containers.


2. Mix together all the yogurt dip ingredients in a medium bowl and equally divide the dip into
4 small containers.
3. Store both the vegetables and yogurt dip in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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SUPERFOOD POPCORN
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES

If you’re anything like me, you love to snack! This superfood snack takes minutes to put together, and
it’s rich in protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins.

2 teaspoons spirulina powder


¼ cup (16 g) nutritional yeast
½ teaspoon garlic salt
4 cups (32 g) air-popped popcorn
Coconut oil spray

1. In a small bowl, mix together the spirulina powder, nutritional yeast, and garlic salt.
2. Spray the popcorn with the coconut oil spray. Pour the seasoning mix onto the popcorn and toss
to coat.
3. Equally divide the popcorn into 4 containers. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 4 days.

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NUT BUTTER
ROLL-UPS
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES

This super-quick snack hardly takes any time to prep; however, if want to take this with you and put it
together at work, school, or on the road, check out step 3 below. This recipe uses bananas, but you can
substitute apple slices or celery. Have fun trying different combinations!

4 tablespoons (64 g) nut butter of choice


4 large (10 inches, or 25 cm, each) whole wheat tortillas
4 bananas

1. Spread 1 tablespoon (16 g) of nut butter onto each tortilla.


2. Place a banana on the outer edge of a tortilla and tightly roll it up. Slice the roll into 1-inch
(2.5 cm) pieces.
3. If you are eating roll-ups the same day you make them, put the slices into containers. To have the
ingredients ready a few days in advance, store the nut butter in small containers and the tortillas in
resealable plastic bags. When ready to enjoy, assemble the roll-ups.

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BAKED TORTILLA
TRIANGLES
YIELD: 16 TRIANGLES

PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 10 MINUTES

It is worth the extra couple minutes to prepare these “chips” on your own. Plus, you will save yourself
more than half the calories and fat of store-bought chips.

2 large (10 inches, or 25 cm, each) Chili powder, to taste


whole wheat tortillas Garlic powder, to taste
Nonstick cooking spray (olive, coconut, Himalayan pink salt, to taste
or avocado oil)

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).


2. On a cutting board, cut each tortilla in half and each half into 4 triangles.
3. Place the tortilla triangles on a large baking sheet. Do not overlap. Lightly spray both sides of the
triangles with the cooking spray.
4. Sprinkle the triangles with the chili powder, garlic powder, and pink salt.
5. Bake until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Watch the tortillas so they don’t burn. Remove from the
oven and let cool in the pan for 2 to 3 minutes; they will crisp up as they cool.
6. Equally divide the tortilla triangles into containers. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days.

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CAULIFLOWER RICE
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 5 MINUTES

Feel free to add your favorite herbs, spices, or seasonings in step 4 to make this recipe to your
personal tastes.

1 head cauliflower
1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
Himalayan pink salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1. Wash and roughly chop the cauliflower.


2. Put the cauliflower in a food processor or blender, in 1-cup (70 g) batches, and pulse until rice-size
pieces are reached.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Add the riced cauliflower to the skillet and cook and stir for 4 to 5 minutes. Season with the pink
salt and black pepper. Remove from the heat.
5. Equally divide the rice into 4 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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CRISPY SWEET POTATO


MEDALLIONS
YIELD: 4 TO 6 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES

If you love sweet potato fries, then you will love this healthy homemade recipe. Lightly pan-frying the
potatoes makes them crispier than cutting them into fries and baking them in the oven.

2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more if needed


4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch-thick (13 mm) rounds
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon (15 ml) Himalayan pink salt

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add the potatoes to the skillet
in one layer. Do not overcrowd the rounds. (Note: Depending on the size of your skillet, you may
have to cook your potatoes in batches. Add a little more olive oil to the pan if necessary.) Stir to
coat all the rounds with the oil. Add the parsley and salt, and mix well.
2. Cook the potatoes, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t
burn, but make sure they get nice and crispy.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat when the potatoes are soft on the inside (you can easily pierce
the medallions with a fork) but crispy on the outside. Place onto a plate lined with paper towels. Let
the potatoes cool for 5 to 6 minutes.
4. Equally divide the medallions into 4 to 6 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To
reheat, warm in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3 minutes, turning once, or warm in the oven
at 375°F (190°F) for 4 to 5 minutes.

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ROASTED VEGETABLES
YIELD: 2 OR 3 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 1 HOUR

Roasting vegetables has become a regular part of my meal-prep routine. Because almost any vegetable
can be roasted, feel free to experiment with your favorites. Use this recipe as a starting point and keep
a couple things in mind: one, don’t overcrowd the pan, and two, keep similar veggies together, such
as root vegetables (potatoes, beets), cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, brussels sprouts), and other
vegetables (bell peppers, onion, tomatoes). Another great thing about roasting veggies is that the
possibilities for repurposing them are endless. I like to use them in anything from pasta and omelets to
wraps and rice. They are such a great way to include more vegetables in your diet!

1 large sweet potato, unpeeled and cubed 1 large yellow or white onion, sliced
1 cup (150 g) frozen cubed butternut squash 1 large red bell pepper, cut into
3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil medium-size pieces
1
/4 cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar Coarse salt or Himalayan pink salt, to taste
1
/2 teaspoon dried thyme Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1
/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line 2 medium, rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato and squash with the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, thyme, and
garlic salt. Evenly spread out the sweet potato and squash on one of the prepared baking sheets,
reserving any extra marinade in the bowl. Cook for about 1 hour.
3. In the bowl with the reserved marinade, add the onion and bell pepper, and toss to coat. Evenly
spread out the onion and bell pepper on the remaining prepared baking sheet. Cook for the last 30
minutes of the sweet potato–squash cooking time. Remove both pans from the oven, add the salt
and pepper, and let the vegetables cool.
4. Equally divide the roasted vegetables into 2 or 3 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5
days. To reheat, place the veggies on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 4 to
5 minutes or warm them in a large skillet (without oil) over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes,
tossing frequently.

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PESTO ZUCCHINI
NOODLES
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 5 MINUTES

Zucchini noodles, zoodles, veggie spirals—they’re great no matter what you call them. Zucchini
noodles are fantastic cold and can be added to any salad. This recipe is meant to mimic spaghetti, and
my homemade Pesto (page 169) is the perfect accompaniment.

3 medium zucchini, unpeeled


1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (48 g) pesto (store-bought or see page 169)
2 teaspoons Parmesan cheese

1. Turn the zucchini into noodles. You can create zucchini noodles with a countertop spiralizer, a
handheld spiralizer, or a Y vegetable peeler. If using a countertop spiralizer, cut off both ends of the
zucchini, position it in the spiralizer, and turn the handle to make a beautiful pile of curly “noodles.”
With a handheld spiralizer, use it like a large pencil sharpener. Run a Y or julienne vegetable peeler
down the entire length of the zucchini to create ribbon-like strands.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add the pesto to the pan and
heat through. Add the zucchini noodles and cheese, using silicone-handle tongs to toss to coat
the noodles in the pesto. Cook, turning the noodles frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from
the heat.
3. Equally divide the noodles into 4 containers and let cool before refrigerating. Store in the
refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for 30 to 45 seconds. Do not overheat.

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GARLICKY
GREEN BEANS
YIELD: 3 OR 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 10 MINUTES

Ten minutes to deliciousness! Fresh green beans and garlic make this side dish unforgettable.

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided


1 pound (454 g) fresh green beans, ends trimmed
1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1
/4 cup (60 ml) water
3 garlic cloves, minced

1. Heat a large skillet with a lid over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of the olive oil and the green beans,
pink salt, and black pepper. Cook, turning the green beans constantly, until they are bright green
with some charred edges, 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Add the water, cover, and steam for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the lid and stir the green beans until
the remainder of the water has cooked off. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil and the garlic.
Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring once or twice. Remove from the heat.
3. Equally divide into 3 or 4 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave
for 1 to 2 minutes.

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AND SAUCES

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DRESSINGS, DIPS, AND SAUCES

GUACAMOLE
YIELD: 4 OR 5 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

In 10 minutes, you can have fresh, healthy, and delicious guacamole that’s better than any store-
bought version.

4 large ripe avocados


1 cup (180 g) diced Roma tomatoes
1
/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
1
/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1
/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1
/4 cup (4 g) chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
1
/2 cup (120 ml) fresh lime juice

1. Cut the avocados in half, carefully remove the pits, and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh. Place
the flesh into a medium bowl. Mash the avocados with the back of a fork until the desired texture
is achieved.
2. Add the tomatoes, pink salt, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, cilantro (if using), and lime juice. Stir to
combine all the ingredients.
3. Equally divide the guacamole into 4 or 5 small containers. Before securing the lids, cover the
guacamole with a small piece of plastic wrap. Gently press down so the wrap is touching the
surface of the guacamole, then secure the lid. You may find a thin layer of discolored guacamole on
top when reopening the container, but this layer should come off when you remove the plastic; if
not, simply scrape it off with a knife before using. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

The riper the avocado, the easier it will be to turn it into guacamole.
PRO PREP

TIP
To select a ripe avocado, look for dark green skin, and then gently
squeeze the avocado in the palm of your hand. If it’s slightly soft (but
not mushy), it’s ripe enough to use right away.

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DRESSINGS, DIPS, AND SAUCES

GREEK YOGURT DIPS


YIELD: 2 TO 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

Healthy store-bought dips are a rare find; instead, whip together a few clean ingredients to create
delicious and inexpensive multipurpose dips. No one will be the wiser.

HERB GREEK YOGURT DIP


3
/4 cup (180 g) low-fat plain 1
/4 teaspoon salt of choice
Greek-style yogurt 1
/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced 1
/4 teaspoon dried dill
2 tablespoons (2 g) chopped chives 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice

1. Place all the ingredients into a small bowl and stir until well combined.
2. Equally divide into 2 small containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

SPICY GREEK YOGURT DIP


2 cups (480 g) low-fat plain 2 teaspoons (4 g) chili powder
Greek-style yogurt 1
/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 garlic clove, minced 2 teaspoons (4 g) cumin
1
/2 cup (120 g) salsa (store-bought 1
/2 teaspoon paprika
or see recipe on page 163) Salt of choice, to taste
2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lime juice

1. Place all the ingredients into a medium bowl and stir until well combined.
2. Equally divide into 4 small containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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DRESSINGS, DIPS, AND SAUCES

SALSA
YIELD: 4 OR 5 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

You can find this condiment on our table for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Roma tomatoes are best for
this recipe as they tend to be a “fleshier” and less watery tomato.

4 Roma tomatoes, diced


1
/2 small onion of choice, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 to 2 tablespoons (1 to 2 g) chopped fresh cilantro
Himalayan pink salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste

1. In a small bowl, add all the ingredients


and combine. Stir with a spoon and mash
a little—doing this will make the salsa
juicy (as it sits, it will get even juicer).
2. Equally divide the salsa into 4 or 5 small
containers. Store in the refrigerator for
up to 5 days. (Note: If the salsa becomes
watery after a few days, simply drain
some of the liquid before eating.)

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DRESSINGS, DIPS, AND SAUCES

SALAD DRESSINGS
YIELD: 4 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES

I often get asked about healthy dressings for salads. I just have one rule: make your own. Doing this
is easy and inexpensive, and you have control over the ingredients you’re putting in your food, since
store-bought dressings can be laden with additives, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Here are three of my
favorite recipes so you can start making your own. It’s fun to experiment with additional ingredients to
suit your taste preferences and “dress up” any salad.

BASIC SALAD DRESSING


1
/3 cup (80 ml) extra-virgin olive oil 1 scant teaspoon roasted garlic and
1
/3 cup (80 ml) balsamic vinegar bell pepper seasoning

1. Add all the ingredients to a Mason jar or sealable container, secure the lid, and shake until
well combined.
2. Equally divide the dressing into 4 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

CITRUS SALAD DRESSING


1
/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons (12 g) nutritional yeast
2 tablespoons (30 ml) raw apple Juice of 1 lemon
cider vinegar /4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
1

1. Add all the ingredients to a Mason jar or sealable container, secure the lid, and shake until
well combined.
2. Equally divide the dressing into 4 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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TANGY SALAD DRESSING
2 tablespoons (30 ml) red wine vinegar Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1
/2 cup (120 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1
/2 teaspoon sea salt

1. Whisk together the vinegar, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Gradually
whisk in the olive oil until well combined.
2. Equally divide the dressing into 4 containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

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DRESSINGS, DIPS, AND SAUCES

3-STEP
TOMATO SAUCE
Y I E L D : 5 1/2 C U P S ( 4 8 O U N C E S , O R 1 . 4 K G )

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 25 MINUTES

All you need is a few ingredients, a blender, a large pot, and 40 minutes to create a delicious meal. This
fresh sauce is perfect for your favorite whole-grain pasta.

6 cups (1.1 kg) roughly chopped fresh Roma tomatoes (about 17 tomatoes)
1 medium yellow onion, quartered
6 garlic cloves, peeled
1
/2 cup (120 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons sea salt
2 teaspoons dried oregano

1. Place all the ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. The mixture will look a
little pink at this point.
2. Pour the mixture into a large heavy-bottomed pot with a lid. Bring it to a simmer over medium
heat, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a slow simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from
the heat and let cool.
3. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 or 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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DRESSINGS, DIPS, AND SAUCES

AVOCADO AIOLI
YIELD: 4 TO 6 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

Creamy, healthy, and beautiful . . . yes, please! Enjoy this deliciousness on sandwiches, wraps, potatoes,
or anything barbecued.

2 large ripe avocados


2
/3 cup (160 g) low-fat plain
Greek-style yogurt
1
/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
1
/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1
/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1
/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1
/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lime juice

1. Cut the avocados in half, carefully remove


the pits, and use a spoon to scoop out the
flesh. Place the flesh into a food processor
or blender. Add all the remaining ingredients
to the food processor or blender and blend
until just smooth.
2. Equally divide the aioli into 4 to 6 small
containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to
3 days.

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DRESSINGS, DIPS, AND SAUCES

HUMMUS
YIELD: 6 PORTIONS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

You’ll never regret making your own hummus—it is so much tastier than store-bought varieties. Once
you have this simple recipe down, experiment with ingredients like roasted red peppers, sun-dried
tomatoes, curry, or cumin. If you don’t have tahini, try substituting natural almond butter.

1 can (15 ounces, or 425 g) chickpeas,


drained and rinsed
3 to 5 tablespoons (45 to 75 ml)
fresh lemon juice
11/2 tablespoons (25 g) tahini
2 garlic cloves, minced
1
/2 teaspoon salt of choice
2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil

1. Place all the ingredients in a blender (in the


order they are listed) and blend until smooth.
2. Equally divide the hummus into 6 small
containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to
5 days.

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DRESSINGS, DIPS, AND SAUCES

PESTO
YIELD: ABOUT 1 CUP (260 G)

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

Pesto is one of my favorite flavors. I love it on pasta, pizza, and in dips. It’s not always easy to find
store-bought pesto with clean ingredients, and it can be expensive. This simple recipe is a must-try!

2 cups (80 g) loosely packed fresh basil leaves


3 garlic cloves
1
/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1
/3 cup (80 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1
/4 cup (34 g) pine nuts (you can substitute walnuts if pine nuts are hard to find)

1. Add all the ingredients to a food processor or blender and process until almost smooth.
2. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or in the freezer for up
to 6 months.

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INDEX Chocolate Raspberry Breakfast Quinoa 52,
53, 54, 76, 77
Page references in italics indicate images. Easy Egg Scramble 48, 49, 50, 72, 73
Egg and Cheese English Muffin Sandwiches
A 40, 41, 42, 64, 65
Aioli, Avocado 41, 42, 50, 106, 167, 167 Feta, Tomato, and Spinach Omelet 40, 41,
Amazeballs 40, 41, 42, 132, 132, 133 42, 60
apples: Hard-Boiled Eggs in the Oven 61, 115
Apple Cinnamon Waffles 68, 69 Healthy Booster Smoothie 48, 49, 74
Apple Cinnamon Walnut Muffins 44, 45, Healthy Egg Cups 62, 63
46, 134, 135 Mocha Monkey Smoothie 44, 45, 46, 74
Asparagus, Lemony Pasta Salad with 40, 41, 42, 104 Overnight Oats 66
Avocado Aioli 41, 42, 50, 106, 167, 167 Pineapple-Ginger Green Smoothie 52, 53,
avocados: 54, 75
Avocado Aioli 41, 42, 50, 106, 167, 167 Very Berry Smoothie 75
Guacamole 42, 126, 158, 160, 161 broccoli:
Healthier Tuna Salad 52, 53, 54, 145 Broccoli, Chicken, and Cheese–Stuffed Sweet
Healthy Booster Smoothie 48, 49, 74 Potatoes 88, 89
Southwestern Salad 125 Healthy Egg Cups 62, 63
Soba Noodle Stir-Fry 122, 122, 123
B Brownies, Peanut Butter 44, 45, 46, 140, 141
bacon: Burgers, Ultimate Black Bean 44, 45, 46, 84
Chicken and Bacon Club Wraps 42, 52, 53, Burritos, Breakfast 39, 58, 59
54, 85 Butternut Squash Soup, Roasted 120, 121
Egg and Cheese English Muffin Sandwiches
40, 41, 42, 64, 65 C
Baked Tortilla Triangles 40, 41, 42, 118, 150, 151 Cauliflower Rice 91, 116, 152
beans: cheese:
Breakfast Burritos 39, 58, 59 Breakfast Burritos 39, 58, 59
Chicken Tortilla Soup 118, 119 Broccoli, Chicken, and Cheese–Stuffed Sweet
Classic and Lean Chili 48, 49, 50, 108, 109 Potatoes 88, 89
Garlicky Green Beans 157 Easy Egg Scramble 48, 49, 50, 72, 73
Mixed Bean Salad 127 Egg and Cheese English Muffin
Savory Rice and Beans 105 Sandwiches 40, 41, 42, 64, 65
Southwestern Salad 125 Feta, Tomato, and Spinach Omelet 40, 41,
Ultimate Black Bean Burgers 44, 45, 46, 84 42, 60
beef: Ground Chicken and Quinoa–Stuffed Peppers
Mediterranean Steak Salad 40, 41, 42, 92, 93 111
Spanish Rice 124 Healthy Egg Cups 62, 63
Steak Fajitas 40, 41, 42, 126 Lemony Pasta Salad with Asparagus 40,
Berry Vanilla High-Protein Pancakes 44, 45, 46, 70, 71 41, 42, 104
blender 31–32 Mediterranean Steak Salad 40, 41, 42, 92, 93
Bolognese, Spinach Fettuccine with Turkey 80, 81 Pesto Tilapia 48, 49, 50, 97
bowls: Pesto Zucchini Noodles 156
Falafel Bowls 44, 45, 46, 94, 95, 96 Roasted Vegetables and Chicken Wraps 98, 99,
mixing bowls 33, 33 100
Thai Bowls with Peanut Sauce 48, 49, 50, 101 Zucchini Noodles Caprese-Style 40, 41, 42, 86,
Tomato, Egg, and Lentil Bowl 52, 53, 54, 87
61, 114, 115 Chia Seed Pudding 67
breakfast 56–77, 56, 58, 62, 64, 69, 71, 76 chicken:
Apple Cinnamon Waffles 68, 69 Broccoli, Chicken, and Cheese–Stuffed Sweet
Berry Vanilla High-Protein Pancakes 44, Potatoes 88, 89
45, 46, 70, 71 Chicken and Bacon Club Wraps 42, 52, 53,
Breakfast Burritos 39, 58, 59 54, 85
Chia Seed Pudding 67 Chicken Tortilla Soup 118, 119
Ginger-Soy Chicken Thighs 52, 53, 54, 112, 113

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Ground Chicken and Quinoa–Stuffed Energy Balls, Tropical 48, 49, 50, 133
Peppers 111 Energy-Bite Cookies 52, 53, 54, 133, 137
Mediterranean Chicken 91
Roasted Vegetables and Chicken Wraps F
98, 99, 100 Fajitas, Steak 40, 41, 42, 126
Soba Noodle Stir-Fry 122, 122, 123 Falafel Bowls 44, 45, 46, 94, 95, 96
Spanish Rice 124 Feta, Tomato, and Spinach Omelet 40, 41, 42, 60
Zucchini Noodles Caprese-Style 40, 41, Fettuccine, Turkey Bolognese with Spinach 80, 81
42, 86, 87 fish:
Chickpeas, Roasted 48, 49, 50, 146, 146 Colorful Fish Tacos 48, 49, 50, 106, 107
Chili, Classic and Lean 48, 49, 50, 108, 109 Pan-Fried Teriyaki Salmon 116
chocolate: Paprika and Lemon–Baked Salmon 82, 83
Amazeballs 40, 41, 42, 132, 132, 133 Pesto Tilapia 48, 49, 50, 97
Chocolate Granola 44, 45, 46, 142, 143 5 steps to meal-prep success 9, 13, 14–29
Chocolate Raspberry Breakfast Quinoa 52, clean and cut 24–25, 26
53, 54, 76, 77 containers 16–17, 16
Chocolaty Quinoa Squares 130, 131 cook 26–27, 27
Classic and Lean Chili 48, 49, 50, 108, 109 grocery shop 18–23, 21
cleaning produce 24–25 portion and pack 28, 28–29
colander 32 food list, approved 34–37
Colorful Fish Tacos 48, 49, 50, 106, 107
containers 16–17, 16 G
cooking 26–27 Garlicky Green Beans 157
Cookies, Energy-Bite 52, 53, 54, 133, 137 Ginger-Soy Chicken Thighs 52, 53, 54, 112, 113
cookware 32 gluten-free prep plan 48–51, 48, 51
Crispy Cubed Tofu 120, 144 Grains, Turkey and Kale Soup with Super 117
Crispy Sweet Potato Medallions 48, 49, 50, 91, 153 granola:
cutting boards 30, 31 Chocolate Granola 44, 45, 46, 142, 143
cutting produce 24, 25 Pumpkin-Spice Granola 52, 53, 54, 136
Greek yogurt:
D Herb Greek Yogurt Dip 147, 162
dairy-free prep plan 52–55, 52, 55 Spicy Greek Yogurt Dip 42, 126, 147, 162
dressings, dips, and sauces 158–169, 158, 161, 165 Vegetables with Greek Yogurt Dip 48, 49, 50,
168 147
Avocado Aioli 41, 42, 50, 106, 167, 167 Green Beans, Garlicky 157
Greek Yogurt Dips 48, 49, 50, 126, 147, 162 Green Salad, Superfood 44, 45, 46, 82, 90
see also Greek yogurt grocery shop 18–23
Guacamole 42, 126, 158, 160, 161 distracted during, don’t get 20
Hummus 40, 41, 42, 168, 168 list, make and bring a 19
Pesto 169 locally grown produce 19
Salad Dressings 164, 165, 165 nutrition facts labels and ingredient lists,
see also Salad Dressings how to read 20, 21, 22
Salsa 41, 42, 163, 163 on a full stomach 19
3-Step Tomato Sauce 166 organic produce 19
unpack and organize your groceries 23
E whole foods 19
eggs: Ground Chicken and Quinoa–Stuffed Peppers 111
Easy Egg Scramble 48, 49, 50, 72, 73 Guacamole 42, 126, 158, 160, 161
Egg and Cheese English Muffin Sandwiches
40, 41, 42, 64, 65 H
Feta, Tomato, and Spinach Omelet 40, 41, Hard-Boiled Eggs in the Oven 61, 115
42, 60 Healthier Tuna Salad 52, 53, 54, 145
Hard-Boiled Eggs in the Oven 61, 115 Healthy Egg Cups 62, 63
Healthy Egg Cups 62, 63 Hummus 40, 41, 42, 168, 168
Tomato, Egg, and Lentil Bowls 52, 53, 54,
61, 114, 115

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I Roasted Vegetables and Chicken Wraps
ingredient lists, how to read 20, 21, 22 98, 99, 100
Savory Rice and Beans 105
K Soba Noodle Stir-Fry 122, 122, 123
kitchen must-haves 30–33 Southwestern Salad 125
additional tools 33 Spanish Rice 124
blender 31–32 Spinach Fettuccine with Turkey Bolognese
colander and strainer 32 80, 81
cookware 32 Steak Fajitas 40, 41, 42, 126
cutting boards 30, 31 Superfood Green Salad 44, 45, 46, 82, 90
kitchen scissors 30, 30 Thai Bowls with Peanut Sauce 48, 49, 50,
knives 30, 31 101
mixing bowls 33, 33 Tomato, Egg, and Lentil Bowls 52, 53, 54,
salad spinner 32 61, 114, 115
spatula 32 Turkey and Kale Soup with Super Grains
wooden spoons 32 117
knives 30, 31 Ultimate Black Bean Burgers 44, 45, 46, 84
Vegetable and Tofu Skewers 44, 45, 46, 78,
L 102, 103
lemon: Zucchini Noodles Caprese-Style 40, 41,
Lemony Pasta Salad with Asparagus 40, 42, 86, 87
41, 42, 104 meal prep:
Paprika and Lemon–Baked Salmon 82, 83 benefits of 11
lentils: Tomato, Egg, and Lentil Bowls 52, 53, 54, 55, defined 11
114, 115 5 steps to meal-prep success 14–29
locally grown produce 19 see also 5 steps to meal-prep success
low-carb prep plan 40–43, 40, 43 food list, approved 34–37
how long it takes 13
M kitchen must-haves 30–33, 30, 31, 33
macronutrients 37 see also kitchen must-haves
mains 78–127, 78, 80, 83, 87, 89, 92, 94, 98, 102, plans 38–55, 39, 40, 43, 44, 47, 48, 51, 52,
107, 108, 113, 114, 119, 122 54 see also plans, 4 meal-prep
Broccoli, Chicken, and Cheese–Stuffed Sweet recipes 56–169 see also individual recipe
Potatoes 88, 89 name
Chicken and Bacon Club Wraps 42, 52, 53, starting 12
54, 85 what you can expect from 10
Chicken and Tortilla Soup 118, 119 Mediterranean Chicken 91
Classic and Lean Chili 48, 49, 50, 108, 109 Mediterranean Steak Salad 40, 41, 42, 92, 93
Colorful Fish Tacos 48, 49, 50, 106, 107 Mixed Bean Salad 127
Falafel Bowls 44, 45, 46, 94, 95, 96 mixing bowls 33, 33
Ginger-Soy Chicken Thighs 52, 53, 54, 112, muffins:
113 Apple Cinnamon Walnut Muffins 44, 45,
Ground Chicken and Quinoa–Stuffed 46, 134, 135
Peppers 111 Egg and Cheese English Muffin Sandwiches
Lemony Pasta Salad with Asparagus 40, 40, 41, 42, 64, 65
41, 42, 104 “Not Your Mama’s Meatloaf” Muffins 52,
Mediterranean Chicken 91 53, 54, 110
Mediterranean Steak Salad 40, 41, 42, 92,
93 N
Mixed Bean Salad 127 noodles:
“Not Your Mama’s Meatloaf” Muffins 52, Pesto Zucchini Noodles 156
53, 54, 110 Soba Noodle Stir-Fry 122, 122, 123
Pan-Fried Teriyaki Salmon 116 Zucchini Noodles Caprese-Style 40, 41,
Paprika and Lemon–Baked Salmon 82, 83 42, 86, 87
Pesto Tilapia 48, 49, 50, 97 “Not Your Mama’s Meatloaf” Muffins 52, 53, 54, 110
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup 120, 121

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Nut Butter Roll-Ups 44, 45, 46, 149 R
nutrition facts labels, how to read 20, 21, 22 rice:
Cauliflower Rice 91, 116, 152
O Savory Rice and Beans 105
Oats, Overnight 66 Southwestern Salad 125
Omelet, Feta, Tomato, and Spinach 40, 41, 42, 60 Spanish Rice 124
organic produce 19 Thai Bowls with Peanut Sauce 48, 49, 50,
Overnight Oats 66 101
Turkey and Kale Soup with Super Grains
P 117
packing 28, 29 Roasted Butternut Squash Soup 120, 121
Pancakes, Berry Vanilla High-Protein 44, 45, 46, 70, Roasted Chickpeas 48, 49, 50, 146, 146
71 Roasted Vegetables 154, 155
Pan-Fried Teriyaki Salmon 116 Roasted Vegetables and Chicken Wraps 98, 99, 100
Paprika and Lemon–Baked Salmon 82, 83
pasta: S
Lemony Pasta Salad with Asparagus 40, Salad Dressings 164, 165, 165
41, 42, 104 Basic Salad Dressing 90, 164
Turkey Bolognese with Spinach Fettuccine Citrus Salad Dressing 164
80, 81 Tangy Salad Dressing 165
Peanut Butter Brownies 44, 45, 46, 140, 141 salads:
Peppers, Ground Chicken and Quinoa–Stuffed 111 Healthier Tuna Salad 52, 53, 54, 145
pesto: Lemony Pasta Salad with Asparagus 40,
Pesto 169 41, 42, 104
Pesto Tilapia 48, 49, 50, 97 Mediterranean Steak Salad 40, 41, 42, 92,
Pesto Zucchini Noodles 156 93
plans, 4 meal-prep 27, 38–55, 39, 40, 43, 44, 47, 48, Mixed Bean Salad 127
51, 52, 54 salad spinner 32
dairy-free plan 52–5, 52, 55 Southwestern Salad 125
gluten-free plan 48–51, 48, 51 Superfood Green Salad 44, 45, 46, 82, 90
low-carb plan 40–3, 40, 43 Tomato, Egg, and Lentil Bowls 52, 53, 54,
vegetarian plan 44–7, 44, 47 61, 114, 115
Popcorn, Superfood 48, 49, 50, 148 salmon:
portioning 28, 29 Pan-Fried Teriyaki Salmon 116
potatoes: Paprika and Lemon–Baked Salmon 82, 83
Broccoli, Chicken, and Cheese–Stuffed Sweet Salsa 41, 42, 163, 163
Potatoes 88, 89 Sandwiches, Egg and Cheese English Muffin 40, 41,
Crispy Sweet Potato Medallions 48, 49, 50, 42, 64, 65
91, 153 Savory Rice and Beans 105
Roasted Vegetables 154, 155 scissors, kitchen 30, 30
Roasted Vegetables and Chicken Wraps Simple and Healthy Trail Mix 52, 53, 54, 138, 138
98, 99, 100 Skewers, Vegetable and Tofu 44, 45, 46, 78, 102, 103
Pumpkin-Spice Granola 52, 53, 54, 136 smoothies:
Healthy Booster Smoothie 48, 49, 74
Q Mocha Monkey Smoothie 44, 45, 46, 74
quinoa: Pineapple-Ginger Green Smoothie 52, 53,
Chocolate Raspberry Breakfast Quinoa 52, 54, 75
53, 54, 76, 77 Very Berry Smoothie 75
Chocolaty Quinoa Squares 130, 131 snacks and sides 128–157, 128, 131, 132, 134, 136,
Ground Chicken and Quinoa–Stuffed 138, 141, 142, 146, 150, 154
Peppers 111 Amazeballs 40, 41, 42, 132, 132, 133
Superfood Green Salad 44, 45, 46, 82, 90 Apple Cinnamon Walnut Muffins 44, 45,
Turkey and Kale Soup with Super Grains 46, 134, 135
117 Baked Tortilla Triangles 40, 41, 42, 118,
150, 151

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Cauliflower Rice 91, 116, 152 Potatoes 88, 89
Chocolate Granola 44, 45, 46, 142, 143 Crispy Sweet Potato Medallions 48, 49, 50,
Chocolaty Quinoa Squares 130, 131 91, 153
Crispy Cubed Tofu 120, 144 Roasted Vegetables 154, 155
Crispy Sweet Potato Medallions 48, 49, 50, Roasted Vegetables and Chicken Wraps
91, 153 98, 99, 100
Energy-Bite Cookies 52, 53, 54, 133, 137
Garlicky Green Beans 157 T
Healthier Tuna Salad 52, 53, 54, 145 Tacos, Colorful Fish 48, 49, 50, 106, 107
Nut Butter Roll-Ups 44, 45, 46, 149 Thai Bowls with Peanut Sauce 48, 49, 50, 101
Peanut Butter Brownies 44, 45, 46, 140, Tilapia, Pesto 48, 49, 50, 97
141 tofu:
Pesto Zucchini Noodles 156 Crispy Cubed Tofu 120, 144
Pumpkin-Spice Granola 52, 53, 54, 136 Tofu and Vegetable Skewers 44, 45, 46, 78,
Roasted Chickpeas 48, 49, 50, 146, 146 102, 103
Roasted Vegetables 154, 155 tomatoes:
Simple and Healthy Trail Mix 52, 53, 54, Feta, Tomato, and Spinach Omelet 40, 41,
138, 138 42, 60
Superfood Popcorn 48, 49, 50, 148 Salsa 41, 42, 163, 163
Sweet-and-Salty Trail Mix 40, 41, 42, 139 3-Step Tomato Sauce 166
Tropical Energy Balls 48, 49, 50, 133 Tomato, Egg, and Lentil Bowls 52, 53, 54,
Vegetables with Greek Yogurt Dip 48, 49, 55, 114, 115
50, 147 tortillas:
Soba Noodle Stir-Fry 122, 122, 123 Baked Tortilla Triangles 40, 41, 42, 118,
soups: 150, 151
Chicken and Tortilla Soup 118, 119 Breakfast Burritos 39, 58, 59
Classic and Lean Chili 48, 49, 50, 108, 109 Chicken and Bacon Club Wraps 42, 52, 53,
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup 120, 121 54, 85
Turkey and Kale Soup with Super Grains Chicken and Tortilla Soup 118, 119
117 Colorful Fish Tacos 48, 49, 50, 106, 107
Southwestern Salad 125 Nut Butter Roll-Ups 44, 45, 46, 149
Spanish Rice 124 Roasted Vegetables and Chicken Wraps
spatula 32 98, 99, 100
spinach: Steak Fajitas 40, 41, 42, 126
Classic and Lean Chili 48, 49, 50, 108, 109 trail mix:
Falafel Bowls 44, 45, 46, 94, 95, 96 Simple and Healthy Trail Mix 52, 53, 54,
Feta, Tomato, and Spinach Omelet 40, 41, 138, 138
42, 60 Sweet-and-Salty Trail Mix 40, 41, 42, 139
Healthy Booster Smoothie 48, 49, 74 Tropical Energy Balls 48, 49, 50, 133
Mediterranean Steak Salad 40, 41, 42, 92, 93 Tuna Salad, Healthier 52, 53, 54, 145
Savory Rice and Beans 105 turkey:
Soba Noodle Stir-Fry 122, 122, 123 Chicken and Bacon Club Wraps 42, 52, 53,
Spinach Fettuccine with Turkey Bolognese 54, 85
80, 81 Classic and Lean Chili 48, 49, 50, 108, 109
Superfood Green Salad 44, 45, 46, 82, 90 Egg and Cheese English Muffin Sandwiches
Very Berry Smoothie 75 40, 41, 42, 64, 65
steak: Spanish Rice 124
Mediterranean Steak Salad 40, 41, 42, 92, Spinach Fettuccine with Turkey Bolognese
93 80, 81
Steak Fajitas 40, 41, 42, 126 Turkey and Kale Soup with Super Grains
Stir-Fry, Soba Noodle 122, 122, 123 117
strainer 32 “Not Your Mama’s Meatloaf” Muffins 52,
Super Grains, Turkey and Kale Soup with 117 53, 54, 110
Sweet-and-Salty Trail Mix 40, 41, 42, 139
sweet potatoes: U
Broccoli, Chicken, and Cheese–Stuffed Sweet Ultimate Black Bean Burgers 44, 45, 46, 84

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V
vegetarian prep plan 44–47, 44, 47

W
Waffles, Apple Cinnamon 68, 69
whole foods 19
wooden spoons 32
wraps:
Chicken and Bacon Club Wraps 42, 52, 53,
54, 85
Roasted Vegetables and Chicken Wraps
98, 99, 100

Y
yogurt, Greek:
Herb Greek Yogurt Dip 147, 162
Spicy Greek Yogurt Dip 42, 126, 147, 162
Vegetables with Greek Yogurt Dip 48, 49,
50, 147

Z
zucchini:
Pesto Zucchini Noodles 156
Soba Noodle Stir-Fry 122, 122, 123
Vegetable and Tofu Skewers 44, 45, 46, 78, 102,
103
Zucchini Noodles Caprese-Style with Sliced
Chicken 40, 41, 42, 86, 87

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ABO U T T H E AU T H O R
Erin Romeo is a nutrition coach, expert meal planner, and food-prep specialist. She’s an
advocate for good nutrition and regularly shares her tips and tricks for healthy eating on
Instagram, where she’s better known as the “foodprepprincess.”

Erin connects with people around the globe from her home in Ontario, Canada, where she lives
with her husband and young daughter. She’s still as passionate about helping others get healthy,
get organized, and get the results they want as she was with her first client ten years ago.

Erin and her meal preps have been featured on Shape.com, Health Magazine.com, thekitchn.
com, The Daily Burn.com, BuzzFeed, and Brit+Co, and in Oxygen magazine. Her Instagram was
voted one of the Best Meal Prep Accounts on Instagram in 2018 by PopSugar.

Find out more at foodprepprincess.com and on Instagram @foodprepprincess.

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