...
Go Back
Person holding a bowl of healthy food by a window.

Clean Eating Meal Planning for Beginners Made Simple

Discover easy and nutritious meal planning tips to kickstart a healthy lifestyle with simple, whole-food recipes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Meal Planning
Cuisine: Healthy
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Fruits and Vegetables
  • 2 cups Fresh fruits and vegetables Aim for a colorful variety
Whole grains
  • 1 cup Quinoa, brown rice, oats, or farro Cook in bulk for convenience
Protein sources
  • 1 cup Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans) Pre-cooked or canned
  • 1 lb Close to the source proteins (chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, tempeh) Cook and portion ahead
Healthy fats
  • 0.5 cup Avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil Use as toppings or cooking oils
Dairy or Alternatives
  • 1 cup Unsweetened almond milk or Greek yogurt Use for smoothies or snacks
Herbs and Spices
  • to taste Garlic powder, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, paprika Add flavor to dishes

Method
 

  1. Start by cooking grains like quinoa or brown rice in bulk and pre-portion proteins such as chicken or tofu.
  2. Prepare a variety of chopped vegetables and store them in glass containers for easy access.
  3. Assemble meals by combining cooked grains, proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats, adding herbs and spices for flavor.
  4. Plan make-ahead options like overnight oats, chia pudding, or baked egg muffins for quick breakfasts.
  5. Store prepared meals in glass containers and freeze in individual portions for convenience.

Notes

Focus on whole, unprocessed foods and batch prep to save time and stay on track.