Feeling the afternoon slump because you had a not-so-healthy lunch? It’s time to do away with the microwavable burritos, fried fast foods, and overpriced cafeteria. For a healthy alternative, just pick one or two nights per week and follow these tips.

Turn your healthy dinners into healthy lunches. Your office probably has a microwave where you can heat up leftovers from the night before. Can’t get to one? Bring back the thermos!

Meals in minutes. On Sunday nights, grill a whole chicken, make a pot roast, or roast a turkey as a staple to use in your meals all week. The meat can be sliced or chopped and added to salads, sandwiches, and other delicious, nutritious dishes during the week.

Plan ahead. Chop all your salad ingredients and store them separately; i.e., bell peppers in one reusable plastic container, celery in another, etc.

Work from a base. Cook enough brown rice, whole-wheat couscous, or other whole grain on Sunday night to use as the base of soups, salads, or other dishes during the week.

Jazz up your salad. On the weekend, make a healthy salad dressing or flavored lowfat mayonnaise. You’ll be able to use it throughout the week.

Nestpert: Healthy Chef Devin Alexander is the bestselling author of The Biggest Loser cookbooks series and the new release I Can't Believe It's Not Fattening. Learn more at DevinAlexander.com.

-- Samantha Leal

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