One of my favorite things to do is find new food products at the grocery store—it’s the nutritionist nerd in me. But I know from my own life and talking with friends and clients that preparing and cooking healthy meals day after day and night after night can be a difficult and daunting task. Between kids’ after-school activities, cleaning up around the house, answering a few more work emails, maybe sneaking in a workout if you’re lucky and trying to relax for a few hassle-free minutes, who has the time to cook a balanced dinner? That’s where these great shopping and prepping shortcuts come in.

• Whole Foods’ paleo cauliflower “rice” bowls + chicken sausage + sauce of choice (I like tamari or coconut aminos and toasted sesame oil)
• Veggie Noodle Company + turkey meatballs + shredded kale + tomato sauce
• Epic bone broth + rice, millet or kelp noodles + sauteed greens + frozen chicken meatballs
• Prepared rotisserie chicken + rice + kale chips
• Veggie burger or Praeger’s patties + salad + hard-boiled eggs
• Frozen cubed squash + sauteed broccoli raab + wild salmon (canned or fresh)
• Coconut milk + curry paste + veggie stir-fry of choice + protein
• Canned sardines or mackerel + salad
• Organic chicken nuggets + zucchini + baked sweet potato fries (homemade or frozen)
• 5-minute sprouted lentils + rice + frozen or sauteed veggies
• Siete almond or cassava/coconut wrap + organic tofu + cucumbers + avocado + Primal Kitchen mayo

What are your favorite quick recipes and simple staples? Let me know; it’s always great to share ideas!