Food Prep is a Key to Success

What helps you stay on track with your diet?  I've found that having healthy, appetizing food ready to go in my refrigerator increases my success.  I'm not just talking about having pre-chopped vegetables ready to assemble into a salad.  That's helpful, to be sure, but I challenge you to go a step further in anticipating your meals and to carve out a little time to prep in advance.  This way, when your stomach is rumbling you're not tempted to eat something you shouldn't just because it's easier.

Here are a few things I try to keep in my refrigerator, beyond fresh fruits and veggies:

• cooked brown rice or barley
• sauteed vegetables (my current fave is zucchini and onions with a little pesto mixed in)
• cooked, lean protein (usually grilled chicken breasts, taco meat, or leftover meat from a night or two before)
• boiled eggs
• tuna salad (made with lots of minced onion, celery and bell pepper, light mayo and/or Ken's Light Creamy Caesar Dressing)

The other day I threw together 1/2 cup of barley, a healthy portion of the sauteed zucchini mixture and a handful of chicken breast strips.  After a mere 2 minutes in the microwave I had a warm, comforting lunch that rivaled any spa cuisine, if I do say so myself!  My online tracking tool at weightwatchers.com tells me it only "cost" me 4 POINTS.  It was gorgeous, to boot!  Next time I'll snap a picture for you.

So, I'll ask again:  What helps you stay on track?