Need Make-Ahead Meal Ideas!

nabooth

I need some good ideas of "make ahead" meals with lower calories for nights when I get home after 8 hours of work, 2 hours of coaching color guard, and 2 hours of driving...must be something I can reheat and and will last in the fridge for a few days...any advice or help appreciated! :flowerforyou:

dls06

http://allrecipes.com/recipes/healthy-recipes/low-calorie/

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/quick-recipes/dinner/make-ahead-freezer-friendly-recipes/

softballmom33

Have you tried freezer cooker and make ahead meals. Once a Month Mom has some great recipes and she has a diet section.

busyPK

I love casseroles and make one a week. You can change up the meat, veggies and cheese so it's never the same thing. Here is a basic recipe, but feel free to add additional veggies like mushrooms and peppers.

6 eggs
1 cup milk
3 pieces bread (torn into small pieces)
1 or 2 cups cut up spinach
1 cup shredded cheese (I change up between sharp cheddar and swiss)
1/2 roll of jimmy dean sausage - cooked and drained OR 1/2 package of low sodium Farmland bacon
salt and pepper to taste

If you are using sausage, cook beforehand and then mix it together with all other ingredients and place in a GREASED dish and cook for about 45 mins. I also leave out about 1/3 cup of cheese and sprinkle on top when there is about 10 mins left.

If you are using bacon, cook before and don't put on the casserole until it's cooked about 30 minutes. Then add the bacon to the top and top with the 1/3 cup of cheese you left out of the casserole. (I find if I put the bacon in the casserole it is soggy and I like crispy bacon ).

You can also make this recipe into cupcakes and it cooks faster and you have individual cupcakes you can pop in the microwave and eat on the go. I like to top mine with salsa or hot sauce and eat with fruit.

scottelundgren

I make all my M-Thu dinners on Sunday. This week I'm having what I call Hibachi in a Bowl:

Japanese Zucchini & Onions http://allrecipes.com/recipe/japanese-zucchini-and-onions/detail.aspx
a broiled sirloin steak, cut into 4 oz portions
Buckwheat Soba Noodles http://www.amazon.com/Hakubaku-Authentic-Japanese-Buckwheat-9-5-Ounce/dp/B000LKX6R8
Beef Bouillon Cube: http://www.amazon.com/McCormick-Boullion-Cubes-Beef-32-Ounce/dp/B005HUW9SO

Since the zucchini & onions makes 4 servings, divide it into 4 ziplock containers. Slice each 4 oz steak portion and lay on top of the zucchini & onions. Make 4 portions of the soba noodles & also divide among the containers. Throw on the lid and toss in the fridge.

When you get home, microwave 8oz of water until boiling, about a minute & 30 seconds. When the water is done add the bouillon cube and let dissolve. Microwave the container for 30 seconds. Pour bouillon soup into the container & serve. Veggies, carbs, protein and soup to fill you up. ~485 calories.