What are the best ready-to-go meals and snacks?

Dear Alicia,

I’m new to the Oxygen lifestyle and, as a student with two jobs, I’m finding it difficult and stressful to prepare ready-to-go meals and snacks ahead of time. Any suggestions?

– Natalie


Dear Natalie,

You wouldn’t start a day, go on vacation, or show up to a job interview without a plan, right? So think of meal prep and packing as your plan for a healthy body. Your biggest obstacle is going to be managing your time so that getting fit and healthy doesn’t compete with the rest of your commitments, like getting an education or paying the bills. But trust me, prioritizing and planning ahead will actually make life easier and help facilitate your success in the long term.

While it may seem trivial, and even stressful at times, preparedness is one of the most important elements of the Oxygen lifestyle. Having everything packed and ready to go will be less stressful than leaving your meal choices up to chance and heading to whatever take-out joint is nearby at mealtime. After all, why gamble with amazing abs when you can guarantee them?

Here’s how:

1. Schedule some prep time

Many of us fit girls use Sundays as our shop and prep day. Pick a day where you have a few free hours without distraction to buy and prepare your food for the week. 

2. Get yourself a cooler

 Invest in a good, manageable-sized cooler (12-can size or larger) for storing your clean meals and snacks. Pack it the night before and store in the fridge so you can grab it and go.

3. Pack cook-free snacks

Not all your clean eats need to be time-consuming. Toss these items in your bag for effortless reenergizing:

• Raw almonds
• Protein powder
• Low-fat string cheese
• Chopped veggies and homemade dressing
• Ezekiel bread
• Hummus

4. Don’t forget your gym bag

Being prepared doesn’t stop with meals. Pack your gym clothes and sneakers the night before, not as you’re flying out the door.

-Alicia Marie

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