The No-Cook Guide to a Sustainable Diet: 8 Tips for When You’re Too Tired

We all have days when cooking feels like an impossible task. But being tired or short on time doesn’t have to mean derailing your healthy habits. Here are eight ways to stick to a sustainable diet, no cooking required.

1. The Power of the Salad Bag. Start with a bag of pre-washed salad greens. This is your fiber-rich base.
2. Add No-Cook Protein. Top your salad with canned chickpeas or beans (rinsed well), a handful of nuts or seeds, or leftover cooked chicken or fish.
3. Use a Simple Dressing. A simple drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice is a perfect, healthy dressing.
4. Whole-Food Snacks are Your Meal. On a really busy day, a “snack plate” can be a balanced meal: an apple, a handful of almonds, some cherry tomatoes, and a hard-boiled egg.
5. The Magic of a Whole-Grain Wrap. Take a whole-wheat wrap and fill it with hummus, pre-cut veggies, and some feta cheese. No cooking needed.
6. Hydrate Intelligently. Just because you’re not cooking doesn’t mean you should grab a soda. Keep a pitcher of fruit-infused water in the fridge.
7. Seasonal Fruit is Nature’s Fast Food. A bowl of seasonal berries, a juicy mango, or a crisp pear can be a simple, refreshing, and nutrient-packed light meal or dessert.
8. Smart Store-Bought Options. Look for healthy store-bought options like pre-cooked lentils or quinoa salads. Read the labels to avoid excess sugar and sodium.