In our workshops, we talk about the importance of preparing your own meals, and eating foods as close to their natural state as possible. There is no controversy – the health benefits are great!

And most healthy meals are actually very convenient. Cut up some veggies, add oil, lemon, salt and pepper, and you have a salad. Throw oats, berries, nuts and almond milk in a bowl, and you have a power breakfast. Get a piece of wild salmon, salt it lightly, and bake or broil with some steamed broccoli for a fast dinner.

But sometimes, it’s nice to have some help. You may not want to create everything yourself, either because you don’t have the time, or you don’t enjoy it. Either way, the good news is that while we don’t encourage eating many of pre-packaged or pre-prepared foods, there are some healthier options out there. I thought I’d share some of my favorites.

The Deli at Natural Grocery Stores

This is my favorite. The deli section of places like PCC and Whole Foods can be heaven to those who are health-conscious but short on time. Pre-made items are often made right there, with fresh ingredients. Bonus: you can taste them before you buy! My favorite (as many of you already know), is PCC’s Emerald City Salad. I also love their Perfect Protein salad and veggie wraps!

Snacks

The healthiest snacks can be the most convenient, such as whole pieces of fruit, veggie sticks, and nuts. However, here are some other ideas:

• Trader Joe’s Roasted Seaweed Snacks: I just discovered this last week. Sea vegetables are nutritional powerhouses. I’m in search of an organic version of this, so let me know if you see one! It is absolutely delicious!
• Fruit Leather: This is a no-brainer. Home-made fruit leather tastes way superior, but unless you have a heavy-duty dehydrator, it’s not easy.
• Apple Sauce: Another no-brainer. But have you thought about adding it to oatmeal?
• Beef/Turkey Jerky: Organic jerky is readily available, and great to gnaw on, especially on hikes.
• Apple chips: Dried apples keep well, and are usually not sweetened, unlike other dried fruit.

Meals & Sides

Aside from great main and side dishes offered at natural grocery stores (and quick meal ideas listed at the top), you may find that the products below can save you time and energy.

• Kelp Noodles: These are nutritious, raw, gluten-free, dairy-free, and convenient! Just take them out of the package, rinse. If you want to make them softer, you can soak them in lemon juice and rinse, or cook them slightly. You can toss these in your favorite sauce, and serve!
• Elevate Me! Bars: These are bars that we get when we go to Dr. Chestnut’s Eat Well – Move Well – Think Well camps. My favorite is the original flavor. They are nutritious and delicious.
• Granola: The bulk section of a natural grocery store always has many varieties of granola. You can eat them plain, with almond milk, or sprinkled on a bowl of fruit. Just check for sugar content on some of these granolas, as they can get a bit carried away.
• Gluten-free Pasta: Pastas are easy, but grains shouldn’t take up a large portion of your diet. If you do go with pasta, choose a gluten-free pasta, so at least you are limiting the damage to your health. Dress it up with pesto, tomato, meat sauce, or a lovely olive oil-based sauce (don’t forget the garlic!) Add some vegetables to the sauce to increase the percentage of veggies in your meal.
• Wolfgang Puck’s Organic Soups: I admit, canned soups have very little nutritional value. But they are sure convenient, and can be tasty. Instead of having a meal of just canned soup, consider having some soup with a big salad. Of the various organic soups, Wolfgang Puck’s vegetable soup is our favorite.
• Organic Sloppy Joe’s Mix: Transform your organic, grass-fed ground beef into something yummy. PCC carries an organic Sloppy Joe mix that you can whip up quickly. Instead of the traditional bun, try scooping it onto cabbage leaves instead.

For the Sweet Tooth

• Organic frozen berries with chocolate sauce: Scoop some berries onto a small plate, and pour a bit of hot chocolate sauce (melted chocolate thinned with almond milk, and a little vanilla) on top. The hot sauce will melt the berries slightly, and voila! Dessert.
• PCC’s Vegan Carrot Cake: I love to cook, but I don’t bake. When a birthday rolls around, I often turn to this cake. Don’t let the vegan label drive you away – non-vegans will lick their plates clean.

Like I said, the best approach is to prepare your foods from scratch, and the healthiest meals are the easiest. There are many ideas and recipes on our Facebook site, www.facebook.com/LiveWellUSA. Just go to the “Discussion” section to find recipes from us, as well as our Facebook Friends!