Planning ahead saves time, money, and calories. Here are a few tips to help with meal planning:

• Always make a shopping list.
• Make foods that you can use for multiple recipes throughout the week. For example, cook a chicken and use it for a salad, sandwiches, and soup.
• Clean and cut fresh fruits and vegetables when you get home from the grocery store or farmer's market.
• Prep foods for dinner the night before.
• Limit fast food by planning quick, easy meals ahead of time.
• In a time crunch? Have lean meal options available that only take a few minutes to assemble. For example, have a sandwich and raw vegetables and fruit for dinner.