Ready for some simple recipes for healthy eating on the go? These 13 make-ahead meals are ideal for busy individuals looking to eat better.
Weeknights can be challenging. Whether you’re a mom, a working woman, or both, juggling work, evening activities, and meal prep can make it tough to find the energy to cook a healthy meal for an hour.
So, what about healthy fast food? While it may sound contradictory, these recipes are both nutritious and perfect for a hectic lifestyle. Eating healthy while on the move is achievable when meals are prepared in advance and can be enjoyed without the mess.
I’ve organized these 13 make-ahead meals into four categories: breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. Enjoy!
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Starting your morning with a protein-packed snack is a great idea. These mini ham and cheese cups are gluten-free, high in protein, and include quinoa for an energy boost. At just 47 calories per serving, they’re perfect for a quick bite on the way to work or for kids before they head out the door.
By Kristin at Iowa Girl Eats. This recipe takes 28 minutes to prepare. Recipe available here.
This recipe shines in its simplicity. It features healthy oats for lasting energy, nuts for healthy fats, and fruit for an extra morning boost.
By Katya at Little Broken. This recipe takes 5 minutes to prepare. Recipe available here.
The easiest way to prepare overnight oats is by using a wide-mouth mason jar. They’re perfect for making tasty salads, storing oats overnight, and blending smoothies.
This recipe is packed with nutritious ingredients like bell peppers, eggs, broccoli, and mushrooms. It’s also a quick meal that can be microwaved for easy eating. Plus, if you’re following a paleo diet, it’s 100% paleo-approved.
This cookbook includes more delicious Paleo-friendly recipes.
By Kiri at Paleo Grubs. This recipe takes about 45 minutes to prepare. Recipe available here.
This lovely healthy recipe is perfect for work or a light lunch with friends. These wraps include avocados, carrots, bell peppers, and cilantro, offering a tasty way to enjoy lunch without extra calories.
By Julie and Debbie at Cooks With Cocktails. This recipe takes 45 minutes to prepare. Recipe available here.
While the bistro box at Starbucks is a decent healthy option on the go, making your own is even better. It contains more fruit, less cheese, and costs less than the original from Starbucks.
Bento boxes make for a super easy, throw-together lunch for work or kids.
By Amanda at The Skinny Fork. This recipe takes just a few minutes to prepare. Available here.
Lunch containers are fantastic for controlling portion sizes. You can mix and match different foods each day to ensure you’re getting a variety of nutrients and vitamins.
By Cassie from Back to Her Roots. This recipe takes 5-10 minutes to prepare. Recipe available here.
When preparing make-ahead meals for kids, be sure to use BPA-free containers. These meal prep containers are safe for you and your children to reuse and help with portion control. They’re microwave-friendly and dishwasher-safe!
Everyone loves a good chipotle bowl, but not the added butter and sodium that can contribute to weight gain. This bowl captures that delicious chipotle flavor without the extra additives.
It includes sweet potatoes, quinoa, and chicken, making it both filling and tasty.
By Lina at Strictly Delicious. This recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare. Recipe available here.
If you’re looking for a good wide-mouth mason jar, these are our favorites.
For a simple and healthy snack, chickpeas are a great choice! Often found in hummus, they’re packed with protein and fiber.
This recipe was created by The Kitchn and takes 40 minutes to prepare. Recipe available here.
Granola bars are popular, but store-bought ones are often loaded with fats and preservatives. This recipe is made with fruits and oats and requires no baking! They’re healthy and filling due to the balanced protein, carb, and fat content.
By Arman at Big Man’s World. This recipe takes 10 minutes to prepare. Recipe available here.
Energy bites are the perfect snack for busy individuals. This trail mix version includes healthy ingredients like chia seeds, dried fruit, and natural peanut butter.
By Ali at Gimme Some Oven. This recipe takes just 10 minutes to prepare. Recipe available here.
If your goals include losing weight and eating healthier, these portion containers are excellent. They’re designed like the ones used in the 21-Day Fix and are perfect for make-ahead meals!
Apples are already known as one of the healthiest foods available. This clever method helps you incorporate more apples into your diet, making them a great snack for kids’ lunchboxes.
A mandoline is the easiest tool for creating these tasty treats.
By Katerina at Diet Hood. This recipe takes 10 minutes to prepare. Recipe available here.
This recipe features zucchini and eggplant, replacing most of the pasta with healthy vegetables. The portion sizes of these lasagna cupcakes are a fantastic solution for a meal that’s usually too large!
By Marina at Yummy Mummy Kitchen. This recipe takes 45 minutes to prepare. Recipes available here.
This grilled chicken wrap is a great and healthy way to end the day. It includes grilled chicken for protein, almonds for healthy fats, and apples/grapes for a nutritious source of carbohydrates.
Be sure to use non-fat, unsweetened Greek yogurt when preparing this recipe.
By Jenny B at Honey & Birch. This recipe takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare. Recipe available here.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you enjoyed this article on 13 make-ahead meals for healthy eating on the go or if you have any questions!
