I know it's tough, when you're having a difficult day, to come home and start preparing a healthy meal. Washing and cutting up fresh veggies, marinating and grilling fish, or sautéing lean meat can take more time and energy than we have some days. Here's a suggestion that works for my coaching clients. Try it, it may work for you too. 

Find three simple 20 minute meals that you enjoy and are good for you. Pick up all the ingredients and keep them on hand at all times.  Being prepared is better than fast food or take out any day. These simple meals can also free up some time so you can get out and walk in the evening! 

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Turkey burgers with frozen green beans or broccoli. You can serve the burgers on whole wheat rolls with lettuce and tomato or onion slices.
• Frozen shrimp take less than 5 minutes to thaw in a bowl of hot water. Stir fry them with some frozen broccoli or peas or mixed veggies. Pick up some brown rice pouches that you throw into boiling water for 5 minutes and you can serve the stir fry over brown rice. Yummy!
• A frittata is a fabulous meal that can take only a few minutes to prepare. Slice some onions, peppers, garlic, mushrooms, spinach or any vegetable that you like, sauté them lightly in olive oil, add your wisked eggs and a little low-fat cheese and voila, a tasty, healthy meal in no time!
• Here's one of my favorites that tastes fabulous with either chicken or shrimp. Drip a little oil in a big pot and lightly brown onion slices and chopped garlic. Add the chicken or shrimp and cook for only a minute or two, then turn the heat down, pour in a can of coconut milk, grate a small amount of ginger root into the mix and cook for about 10 minutes for shrimp, 20 for chicken. Add salt, pepper and a little curry to taste at the end. Serve over brown rice and be prepared for taste bud heaven!

Experiment with a few recipes until you find at least three that you love, then keep the ingredients on hand for those days when you really need "simple, but good for you" food. You can even teach these simple recipes to other family members or have everyone do one part of the meal (set table, wash dishes, cook rice, etc.). Have fun and enjoy healthy meals even on stressed out days!