MASON JAR meals✔️
Nutrition used to be SO confusing to me! Who new, following a simple no guess work game plan would be such a stress free a game changer! And in finding simplicity? It really allowed me to embrace getting creative with flavorful healthy meals! Moral of the story? If what you are doing isn't working for you or you aren't enjoying it-- don't be afraid to try something NEW! Healthy eating should be anything BUT boring! Don't be afraid to try new foods, flavors and ways of planning and prepping meals for yourself and your family! Prepping food will save you time, money and stress, and help you stay on track with your healthy lifestyle! WIN!
Over the last 4 years, I have tried just about everything when it comes to meal prepping! I've learn a lot from trial and error, what works best for me and what I enjoy the most!
Now, I really like prepping for a few days at a time, so things stay fresh and I always have the opportunity to have lots of variety!
I have gotten a lot of questions about my mason jar meals and I wanted to share a few of my favorite combo's! You really can get SO creative with mason jar meals as they work great for breakfasts, lunches, dinners and even snacks!
Mason Jar Salads:
The jar above: This is my favorite caprese inspired salad! It is layered (from the bottom) with nitrate free turkey cubed, whole wheat pasta, cherry tomatoes, chopped bell pepper, fresh mozzarella, spinach and fresh basil! I serve it with a balsamic vinaigrette!
A few tips:
- cook your protein, let it cool, place on the bottom
-add beans, quinoa, whole wheat pasta, edamame, corn- whatever kind of carb you like
-add chopped {pat them dry} veggies— get creative! Some of my favorite- bell peppers, whole cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrot slices, radish, beets, pre made broccoli slaw, etc
- add greens— spinach, lettuce, mixed greens, arugula, kale {I always rinse and pat dry + put on the top}
- add nuts or seeds if you like
- I also like adding herbs like cilantro or mint depending on the flavors of what I have in the jars
Pop the top on and you’re done!
🙌🏻
🙌🏻
A few extra tips:
I personally add the dressing TO the mason jar right before I eat, pop the lid on, shake and then plate it to eat.
If I am adding fruit or cheese, I add that when I serve it as well.
Hope this gives you some fresh inspiration!
Here are a few more mason jar salad ideas!
This jar: Crockpot carnitas pork, fresh corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, fresh cilantro and served with fresh lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper as dressing!
This jar: Edamame, cherry tomatoes, radish, bell pepper, jicama, shredded chicken, spinach! This one has a great fresh flavorful crunch to it! If you are vegetarian, you can make this one without chicken!
This jar: Roasted chicken, broccoli slaw mix, shredded carrots, raw sunflower seeds, beets, dried cranberries, spinach, english peas! It is amazing served with Trader Joe's Sesame Soy Ginger Vinaigrette!
This jar: shredded chicken, white beans, cilantro or basil, cherry tomatoes, jicama! YUM!
This jar: Shredded chicken, chickpeas and white beans, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, oregano, spinach and served with feta cheese on top and a red wine vinegar dressing!
Snacks:
My go to right now is QUINOA PARFAITS!
They are protein packed, keep you full and satisfied until dinner time and they are just YUMMY!
I layer plain non fat greek yogurt (3/4 cup), cooked quinoa (1/2 cup) and then fruit on the top (1 cup)! I most often use frozen fruit, as I personally find it stays fresh longer than fresh fruit!
I love using blueberries, mango, peaches, strawberries, dark cherries-- but you can use any fruit you like!
Sometimes I add in cinnamon, honey, peanut butter or shredded coconut flakes! You can even top then with a little granola or a protein bar!
Recently, I have been adding my favorite new bar (chocolate cherry almond or peanut butter chocolate) crushed up on top for some extra crunch, nutrition and sweetness! These are protein and fiber packed, gluten free, have zero trans fats and less sugar than other bars on the market! YUM!
I hope this gives you inspiration to make your own mason jar and meal prep creations! I'd love to hear how you like them if you try one of these combinations!
These are all approved for 21 Day Fix, 80 Day Obsession and 2B Mindset meal plans!
If you have questions, or are looking for a simple nutrition plan to follow, I am always here to help and have online wellness groups running every month!
If you want to connect about your fitness and nutrition goals, let's chat! danafotiades@gmail.com
H
H
