Healthy Chicks

Whether you’re a college student with a jam-packed semester (been there!) or a new mom (there now!), there’s one thing we all have in common: our time is precious.

That’s why I like to keep it simple when it comes to cooking. After all, who has the time or patience to spend hours following 20-ingredient recipes pulled from a glossy cooking magazine? Not this girl!

During the weeks leading up to my due date, I planned ahead because I knew cooking would be the last thing on my mind when I got home from the hospital with baby. Heck, I’d be lucky if I got a shower in!

Here are 7 simple, healthy freezer-friendly meals and snacks you can make ahead in bulk when you’re strapped for time like me. Enjoy!

Crustless Quiche

This is my favorite on-the-go breakfast when you’re looking to squeeze in some extra protein, especially if you crave savory like me! Simply scramble up a dozen eggs, and whisk in your favorite toppings. We did one batch with spinach, feta, shiitake and sun-dried tomatoes and another “Western Style” with ham, peppers, mushrooms and shallots.

Pour into muffin tins, and bake on 350 for about 20 minutes, or until set. Store these babies in the freezer, and pop ’em in the toaster oven in the morning! Note: This should make 24 crustless quiche.

Carrot & Ginger Soup

There’s nothing more healing than a cup of homemade soup, and this Creamy Carrot and Ginger Soup hits the spot! Save time with this easy peasy vegan recipe made with carrot, ginger and creamy coconut milk.

I used my Vitamix for blending, then stored the soup in large mason jars in the freezer once cooled. Take it out the night before serving to thaw in the fridge, or thaw in a bowl of cool water to enjoy day of!

Grass-Fed Beef Tomato Sauce

Spaghetti and meat sauce is the ultimate comfort food. Save time by prepping your sauce ahead with just a few simple ingredients! In a large pot, sauté 2 pounds grass fed beef in olive oil, then add 3 jars of your preferred marina sauce once meat is cooked through.

Stir in your favorite herbs and spices like garlic, basil and oregano. Stash away in the freezer, and thaw in fridge night before serving. I love pairing with Ancient Harvest gluten free pasta, which I purchase discounted on Thrive Market! This will cover you for 4-5 meals for two.

Healthied Up Chicken Divan

I gave my mom’s famous Chicken Divan a little makeover without compromising the creamy goodness I always loved as a kid! This recipe skips the cheese and canned Cream of Chicken Soup, but has all the flavor.

Best part? It takes just 20 minutes to prep, then you can pop it in the oven and forget about it. I recommend making a double batch: one for the day of, and one to stash in the freezer for a night you don’t feel like cooking!

Chicken Zucchini Meatballs

Meatballs are great, but when you can sneak in a cup of “hidden” zucchini, they’re even better (especially for picky eaters)! I followed this recipe, but used gluten free panko breadcrumbs. Serve over gluten free pasta, or enjoy as is! These guys can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Paleo-Friendly Pumpkin Muffins

I’m a lover of pumpkin all year round, but especially in the fall! My favorite muffins are these Simple Mills Pumpkin Muffins, which are grain free and made with almond flour.

Hot tip: Add dark chocolate chips for an extra treat! Since this mix doesn’t contain any preservatives, it’s best to eat fresh or stash away in the fridge or freezer.

Healthy Fudge

When you’re an on-the-go gal who needs quick energy, you can’t go wrong with this Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge! Let’s just say it was my saving grace during the early nursing days for a quick fix jam-packed with healthy fats! I used cacao nibs instead of cocoa powder, and just a drizzle of maple syrup for sweetening. Enjoy straight from the freezer!

P.S. Want to skip the grocery store madness? My favorite way to shop for discounted staples online is Thrive Market. Get 25% off your first order here!

Do you love or hate cooking? What are your go-to freezer friendly recipes?