Practical tips for eating well without overhauling your routine.
  |
͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
| | People in the United States spend an average of around 51 minutes per day on food prep and cleanup, and much of that time goes into deciding what to make, not actually making it. If that daily scramble sounds familiar, meal prepping might be the fix you didn't think you had time for.
Below, registered dietitian Michelle Steil shares realistic strategies that work whether you're cooking for yourself or feeding a full household. | | | | | | | Let's get busy,
Tim Snaith
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |  | | Written by Tim Snaith
February 26, 2026 • 2 min read | | | |  | | | | Q: | What are some meal prepping strategies I can employ to eat healthier while cutting down on time spent in the kitchen? | | | A: | Here's a riddle: What does "Monsters, Inc." have in common with meal prep? Answer: It can be scary! But with a few practical adjustments, you can become a meal prep pro.
Start by determining which meals you enjoy, keeping balance and nutritious options in mind. Then, create a grocery list based on these. For example, try to include a lean protein, a whole grain, a fruit, and a vegetable at each meal. Pick a day to do your grocery shopping, and stick to the list. When traveling, eat a healthy meal before you leave, pack nutritious snacks that travel well, or bring a cooler. Consider grocery delivery if available in your area.
Good meal prep also starts with the right supplies. The basics include reusable containers of various sizes, along with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and resealable bags.
Moderate meal prep is likely the most beneficial for a busy schedule. Have portions already cooked and in containers, so all you have to do is assemble and reheat them. Keep healthy staples on hand, such as brown rice, beans, fruits, and vegetables in fresh, frozen, and canned forms, eggs, and lean meats, so that you can put together a quick meal.
If you haven't considered trying meal delivery to support your meal planning, there are now affordable options that won't break the budget. It makes sense when you compare delivery charges to the costs and time spent traveling to the grocery store yourself.
For many people, meal prep is the biggest obstacle to their nutritional goals, but it doesn't have to be. With a few simple steps and a little practice, it won't matter if you're cooking for 1 or for 10 people. You can meal prep with ease — and you won't need eight arms to do it!
| | | | | Michelle Steil, Registered Dietitian | | | Want to learn more about food, diets, cooking, or some other nutrition subject? Let us know at nutritionedition@healthline.com and we'll look into it for you! (Heads up, we may use your response in an upcoming newsletter.) | | | | | What we're digesting | | 🦴 Hypoparathyroidism treatment, explained. From supplements to a newly approved hormone therapy, here's how doctors manage this rare condition. | | 👁️ Self-care tips for living with Graves' disease. The founder of the Graves' Disease and Thyroid Foundation shares what's helped her manage symptoms day to day. | | 😴 Home remedies for sleep apnea. Six lifestyle changes that may help you breathe easier at night, no CPAP required. | | 💊 The new GLP-1 pill is here. What to know about the first oral weight loss medication now FDA approved and hitting pharmacies. | | | |   | | | Until next time, |  | Take care of yourself, and we'll see
you again soon! | | | | |  | | This edition was powered by | | chips and hummus. ️ | | | | |
| View in browser
Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here.
To see all newsletters, click here.
Privacy | Unsubscribe
We may feature your messages to our inbox within our content. Please do not provide any personal identifiable information. Replies may be edited for length and clarity. For more, see our Privacy Policy.
Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Now's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health.
© 2026 RVO Health
1101 Red Ventures Drive
Fort Mill, SC 29707 | | |  | |
No comments:
Post a Comment