Ever felt like you’re too swamped to whip up a healthy meal? Trust me, I’ve been there. Growing up, my mom, a homemaker, always had dinner ready on the table. But as an adult, finding the time to cook can be a real challenge.

But guess what? It’s totally possible to make a nutritious meal quickly. Here are my top five tips to get healthy food on your plate in no time!

**1. Prep Right After Shopping**

Many of my clients are busy women who dread both grocery shopping and cooking. They usually do their shopping over the weekend. Here’s a trick I share with them: as soon as you get home from the store or receive your delivery, spend about 30 minutes washing, cutting, and storing your fruits and veggies.

This way, you’ll have ready-to-use ingredients for your recipes. Plus, storing them in clear containers helps you see what you have, so you won’t waste food.

**2. Make the Most of What You Have**

I’ve enjoyed cooking since I was a kid, watching my mom and grandma in the kitchen. But standing for hours? Not so much. I’ve realized that a meal doesn’t have to be made entirely from scratch to be healthy.

I keep my fridge stocked with pre-prepared items like rotisserie chickens, slaw mix, ready-to-eat salmon and tuna, and veggies that are easy to steam or air fry. For instance, you can slice up a rotisserie chicken for a salad, or serve it with steamed veggies and a side salad.

**3. Add Some Color**

The concept of ‘crowding out’ means adding more whole foods to your diet. Start by filling your plate with colorful veggies, then add your proteins and fats, and finally your carbs.

Seeing a rainbow on your plate isn’t just pleasing to the eye, it’s also great for your body, mind, and soul!

**4. Get Some Help**

Are you the main cook in your house? Do you live with others? Do they ask ‘What’s for dinner?’ the moment you walk in? If so, why not get them involved in meal prep?

It’s a great way to spend quality time together, and it’s also a chance for them to learn cooking skills and become more self-reliant. Who knows, they might even enjoy it and help out with a meal or two!

**5. Save Time for Other Things**

Remember, failing to prepare is preparing to fail. By incorporating these simple steps into your cooking routine, you’re setting yourself up for success.

And the best part? If you can get dinner ready in under 20 minutes, you’ll have more time for a post-dinner stroll. Sounds like a win-win to me!”