When it comes to clean eating, I’m a big fan of making everything from scratch. To that end, I’m a believer in the power of meal planning to support my clean eating efforts.  Every weekend, I spend quality time planning, shopping and prepping meals. The result is that we practice clean eating throughout the week and it helps keep our weight goals in sight.

Despite my best efforts, however, there are days when I can’t always create a home cooked meal.  Some weeks simply get busier than I anticipate and by the end, I may be running out of food or time.  I find this usually happens at the end of the week when I’m running out of lunch options and I’m in between appointments in need of sustenance that’s healthy.

So my back up plan to support clean eating is all about keeping healthy frozen meals on hand for when I just can’t find a better, quicker option. One of my favorites is Kashi’s Mayan Harvest Bake. It’s a vegan entree with plantains (one of  my favorites), black beans, sweet potato and kale served over their 7 whole grain pilaf.  As frozen meals go, this has got to be one of my favorites — high in fiber, good source of plant-based protein, it’s all natural and the sodium isn’t sky high as in some frozen entrees.   The plantains are pleasingly sweet and with the contrast of the black beans, it’s delicious. Plus the amaranth-based pilaf is sooo good — creamy and light.  I had it the other day with a spinach salad and I have to say that it kept me satisfied for hours.

Have you tried the Mayan Harvest Bake or any of the other Kashi options? What’s your favorite Kashi or other frozen meal that supports clean eating by using fresh whole foods, not artificial ingredients?

I’m a big fan of stocking up on a few of your favorites for just these type of days — you can maintain clean eating in the midst of your busy schedule.

Filed under: Healthy lifestyle, Meal Planning, Whole Grains, clean eating