Food Prep - Get Crunchy!

Meal prep when you’re crunched for time takes planning. I am making Sunday afternoons, after church, my meal prep day, so that the rest of the week can be as stress free as possible.
 
Raw foods are a quick, no cook solution for when you’re in a pinch. Whether it’s making sure you have the right snacks on hand or just need to throw together something quick for a meal, don’t discount raw foods. It’s sort of like nature’s fast food!

Some of these suggestions may seem deceptively simple but remember, there is no need to over complicate things especially when there are so many foods that are great in their natural state.

Here are some go-to raw items:

• Bananas: Tasty and super rich in potassium to help stave off post-workout cramps
• Grapefruits: Refreshing, cleansing and a natural fat burner
• Apples: Easy, perfectly portable! Need I say more?
• Berries: Delicious and loaded with antioxidants! Try a mix of different types.
• Raw nuts: no more than 10-15 at a time as they are high in calories
• Bell peppers: I love bell peppers! Just slice ‘em up and throw ‘em in a bag-easy!
• Cucumbers: Dom and I go through tons of these. They are hydrating and crunchy!
• Carrots: Buy whole carrots! Baby carrots are often processed to look pretty.
• Greens!: Throw kale into a bowl for a quick base to a salad
• Brussel Sprouts: Yup they are great raw when chopped finely and added to your salad (I personally don't like Brussel Sprouts, but there you go).

I like to follow a couple of general rules when it comes to raw foods. One is to stick to buying whole fruits and veggies. It can be tempting to go for pre-sliced items but it’s important to know that once produce has been sliced, it’s begun oxygenating which breaks down some of that valuable nutrition. Second, when it comes to fruit, I consume it earlier in the day. Even though it’s healthy, I try to eat fruit before the early afternoon to ensure I burn off the sugars throughout the day.

Reaching for raw foods when you are trying to save time on prep is a great idea for your overall wellness. It’ll make your week that much better by keeping you on track, well-nourished and maintaining steady energy levels throughout your hectic day. So when you’re in a time crunch, don’t be afraid to get crunchy! - Autumn Calabrese