I've always resisted food planning - felt too regimented. Then a friend stayed with us for a month and suggested we plan out our dinners for the week.

After the friend left, Jan and i let go somewhat of the planning, but we have the same basic mix of 6 or 7 types of dinners.

We check in with each other each morning and decide what we want for that evening. Iv'e also gotten used to VERY easy meal prep.

So we always have veggies. What does this involve?

STEAMED VEGETABLES Cut up veggies: 1 minute

Place in steamer and wait till it's ready. Boring? Go to the market and get 1/2 dozen sauces. Try them and figure out the one you like most. Down the road, figure out how to make it yourself (look online). Done. You have an incredibly healthy side dish for life.

VEGETABLE SOUP

Almost the same, but after cutting them up, saute them. We use flax milk and water for the liquid; use whatever you like. Leave the vegetables in for about 5 minutes then blend. Season to taste.

Our main dishes include baked salmon, air fried tempeh or tofu, omelettes, and other similar ones. All involve about 1 minute prep then place in air frier or oven.

Total prep time for the average dinner? 2-3 minutes. Make extra and you have enough for 2 nights. Then your meal prep time for the week is about 10 minutes total.

With left overs (cook extra for lunch) and blended smoothies and soups , a simple overnight oatmeal, etc, you can spend as little as 30 minutes a week in meal prep.