Healthy Meal Prep
Hello everyone! Welcome back to the Positively Healthy Mom Podcast. I’m Laura Ollinger, and today I’m thrilled to introduce Marquelle Brown, a dear friend and a fantastic resource for all things nutrition and brain health. Marquelle is a Nutritionist CNS*, MS, NTP, GAPS, CFSP, and a Brain Health Licensed Trainer. Let's dive into her incredible insights on healthy meal prep, brain health, and practical strategies for a balanced lifestyle.
Getting Started with Meal Prep
Marquelle and I both understand how overwhelming it can be to manage meal prep while juggling a busy schedule. We’ve got some practical tips to streamline your process.
Marquelle shares her method for starting the day with a game plan. If you have a busy evening ahead, she recommends preparing a meal in the crock pot in the morning. This way, dinner is ready when you need it, even if you’re running around. For Marquelle, prepping a nutritious breakfast with protein, fats, and healthy carbohydrates sets up the day and provides energy for those hectic evenings. She emphasizes how a little planning can save you time and stress later.
Efficient Meal Prep
One of Marquelle’s go-to strategies is using a crock pot for meals that can cook throughout the day. Whether it’s a hearty soup, chili, or a protein-rich dish, having it ready by dinner time helps avoid last-minute decisions about what to cook. She suggests thinking about your meals the night before to ensure you’re mentally prepared and can quickly get your crock pot going in the morning.
For example, Marquelle likes to use ingredients like red potatoes, celery, and carrots with chicken or beans for a nutritious and easy-to-make meal. Preparing part of your meal in the morning can streamline your dinner routine and make family meals more manageable.
Smart Snack Strategies
Snacks are another crucial part of managing your family’s nutrition, and Marquelle has great advice here as well. She knows how essential it is to have quick, healthy snacks on hand to prevent meltdowns and keep everyone satisfied.
Marquelle recommends snacks that include a balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. She talks about convenient options like Chomps beef jerky, which is organic and free from preservatives, and trail mix with a touch of chocolate for a satisfying treat. Fresh, grab-and-go items like pre-cut veggies, fruit, and nut butters are also great choices.
For kids who are always on the move, having easy-to-access snacks like apple slices, carrot sticks, or peanut butter with celery can keep them energized and happy. Marquelle emphasizes the importance of making snack time fun and engaging to encourage healthy eating habits.
Balancing Processed Foods and Fresh Choices
Marquelle and I understand that sometimes processed foods are more practical. We advocate for finding a balance between fresh and convenient options. I personally like to keep pre-cut veggies and other easy snacks on hand to make life easier without compromising on nutrition.
Teenagers and Healthy Eating
Navigating teenage nutrition can be challenging. I share insights on how to handle teenage resistance to healthy eating and the importance of modeling good habits, even if your teens are not always on board. Encouraging healthy choices and setting a good example can have a positive long-term impact.
Call to Action
If you enjoyed these practical tips, be sure to listen to the full podcast episode with Marquelle Brown. Tune in to the Positively Healthy Mom Podcast for more insights and actionable advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle amidst the chaos of family life.
Connect with Marquelle Brown
You can find Marquelle on Facebook and Instagram, where she shares more tips on parenting and family dynamics. Be sure to tune in to the full podcast episode to hear Anastasia’s expert advice on how to improve family relationships and create a happier home environment.
Listen to the full episode for practical insights on family dynamics and how to foster stronger, healthier connections in your household!
