The number one excuse I hear for diet failure is a lack of time for prepping and cooking a healthy meal. It sure is easy to feel defeated before you start and just head off to the fast food joint, order greasy takeout or eat a bowl of cereal for dinner. Stop right there. These are not good choices for our waistline or our wallets.

There is a better way.

With a minimum of planning and maybe one shopping trip every 10 days you can bring together a tasty and delicious meal in less time than it takes to call and wait for takeout or run to a restaurant.

Now get in the kitchen and make some of these super simple dinners.

SAUSAGE AND PEPPERS WITH ROASTED TOMATO SAUCE AND BROWN RICE
475 calories

• Peppers and onions (Buy pre-cut from the supermarket produce section.)

• 2 reduced-calorie chicken sausages

• Small can of Muir brand smoked tomato sauce

Sauté peppers and onions together, until soft, over medium heat (3-4 minutes). Add sausages and tomato sauce and let cook til hot (another 3-4 minutes). Serve over a single pack portion of Uncle Ben’s brown rice.

ITALIAN STYLE ENTREE SALAD
350 calories

• Bag of pre-washed salad greens or baby spinach

• Shredded meat from a rotisserie chicken

• Cherry tomatoes

• Small jar of marinated artichoke hearts

• Pitted Kalamata Greek olives

• Fresh baby mozzarella balls

Few tablespoons of reduced calorie dressing or just sprinkle on some balsamic vinegar and a few drops of virgin olive oil.

Mix it all together in a bowl—and, so good!

SALMON TACOS
480 calories

• Pack of precooked salmon filets from Trader Joes (or used a small can of red salmon)

• Low-calorie honey Dijon dressing (I use Walden farms 0 calorie brand)

• 2 corn tacos or low carb flour tortillas

• Pre-shredded red cabbage (or bagged cole slaw mix)

• Pre-made guacamole

• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, tomatoes, plain greek yogurt or sour cream

Toss the salmon with the Dijon dressing. Layer all ingredients on or in your taco and enjoy.

One Final Tip

If you need more vegetables in your diet you can buy the frozen steam in bag vegetables or the small boxes of vegetables in the frozen foods section. An easy five minute meal prep.

I love spinach with a few tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and some Olivia Butter spray. Tastes like creamed spinach without all the calories.

Anyone can find 10-minutes to make food themselves. You probably spent 20-minutes on Facebook today and another hour watching TV. Neither of those activities helps you become the fit and healthier you.

Happy cooking!