When shopping and planning out my meal prep for the week, I follow a formula of threes: three proteins, three vegetables, and three fiber-rich carbohydrates, which I call my “smart carbs.”
The specific foods can change based on what my family likes and what’s on sale, but the formula stays the same. It gives me a simple way to build balanced meals without having to think up every meal in advance.
Before I shop, I take a quick inventory of my refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. If I already have rice, quinoa, pasta, or frozen vegetables, I build those into my plan instead of buying more.
Then, I head to the store to fill in any gaps. I typically…
