Done-For-You Meal Prep
There are MANY ways to make the THM lifestyle work, no matter what's going on in life.
I've developed multiple systems that have made it possible to stay on plan when I've been too busy, too tired, and too discouraged to feel like I would ever reach my weight loss goals (spoiler alert – I DID reach my goal, and I've helped thousands of other women do the same!).
I have systems for meal planning, meal prep, stocking my fridge, working out, and so many hacks to make THM doable for the long haul (I've been on plan since 2012!). But to be honest, I don't always have time to meal plan…or meal prep.
Even with the best, most streamlined systems in place, I still have five kids at home and one who has left the nest. Kids who get sick. A dog who tears things up. A home to clean, a barely-adult child who calls with questions about college, clients who need me….
I still get stuck in traffic, or get delayed at appointments, and that means that I need quick and easy on-plan foods available. Years ago my “default” was off-plan takeout or macaroni and cheese, but I've figured out how to make THM meals my go-to, default meals at all times, and that's made all the difference!
One of the ways I do this is by stocking up on done-for-you, easy, prepped foods from the grocery store to help me stay on plan. Yes, meal prep is important, and I love it when I can meal prep at home, but I HAVE to have some on-plan grab and go options for the times that meal prep doesn't fit into the schedule.
And aside from completely prepped foods, I've learned that having some meal basics that I can use to cook dinner FASTER has been a total game-changer. Having these foods ready to go as basic building blocks for on-plan meals has made it so much easier for me and thousands of my clients to stay on plan!
This list is just a jumping-off point with a few ideas to get you started. Remember, the point of this list is to grab some done-for-you items that will save time in the kitchen – think of them as shortcuts, not necessarily complete meals (although you can definitely put complete meals together, too!).
I want to encourage you to think of these foods when you think “meal prep.” Maybe you don't have time to spend hours in the kitchen prepping to make your THM lifestyle easier, but you likely have time to pick up a few of these items at the store, and they can DEFINITELY count as meal prep to make meals and snacks easier as a Trim Healthy Mama!
My VERY favorite done-for-you item of all time is Sam's Club Member's Mark fire-grilled chicken breasts, but there are tons of things you can find! Not included on this list is the Member's Mark Pulled Pork (no sauce, just seasoning) – I've got my favorite easy proteins listed here.
You can copy and paste from the list below, or download a printable version with some bonus ideas at the bottom of this post. Enjoy!
Please remember to check ALL ingredients to make sure they are THM-friendly!
