Meal-In-A-Jar
Have you ever wished there was a healthy "fast-food" option? Who says there can't be??
INTRODUCING: Your new best friend, Meal-In-A-Jar!
I have had to continually develop a strict "REAL food only" lifestyle and eating pattern, due to past health struggles- as well as major food and additive sensitivities. Real, raw, and whole foods (only the foods God made) have majorly helped me heal.
I go dairy-free, wheat-free (not JUST gluten-free), GMO-free, and MSG-free (processed Free-Glutamate-free as well). Yes that is a LOT of "free-s", but I am enjoying my health (and being a functional human being again)!
As you can see; I have limited options when traveling, or even just going out to eat.
Limited options = Opportunity for creative thinking!
Pictured here is the 'main course' to a picnic-lunch I enjoyed at a beautiful park, with lovely company.
In a separate container there were pre-cooked hard boiled egg slices and dressing to add to this Meal-In-A-Jar. (I had along a disposable plate to pour everything onto, mix together on, and eat off of.)
From bottom to top, this Meal-In-A-Jar included: chopped cauliflower, carrot shavings, celery, pre-cooked red and white quinoa (mixed), romaine lettuce, kale, and alfalfa micro-greens.
My favorite Meal-In-A-Jar salad dressing is homemade, containing just: Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), and Bragg's Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil (also an excellent cooking oil- I use it so often). At times I fancy-it-up with black pepper, and/or Himalayan Salt.
There is ENDLESS creativity you can put to work, with a simple jar!! I am just providing the idea, and some examples- the rest is up to you!
Another way I love to use the Meal-In-A-Jar idea is to make large, safely sealed and portable smoothies.
Here is an example of delicious smoothies I brought along to share, while outdoor exploring with friends.
Fruit, veggie, and superfood smoothies can act as wonderful AND filling- meal replacements! They can also be a delicious and refreshing add-on
drink to any meal.
Portable coolers come in handy- FYI! Especially for hot weather, travel, keeping perishable food, road-trips, and large picnics.
This is the very first Meal-In-A-Jar that I tried! I had to think fast, and creatively meal prep for a few days of travel. I had my very own cooler, you guys, and I was not ashamed! (Other foods I brought along on the trip included: slightly pre-cooked and sliced beets, apples, mandarin oranges, sweet potato chips, carrots, pre-cooked rice and quinoa, liters of alkaline and fluoride-free water, pre-made smoothies, bananas, my favorite Larabars, blueberries, dates, celery sticks with my favorite Peanut Butter, kale, and some pre-cooked grass-fed beef.)
Included in this Meal-In-A-Jar, bottom-to-top was: a layer of my homemade salad dressing (that I mentioned earlier in this post), carrot shavings, pre-cooked white quinoa, and a whole bunch of spinach.
When it was time to eat- I simply shook the jar, making sure the dressing was thoroughly mixed.
This creation was easy enough to eat right out of the jar, but portable plates can always be brought along, to improvise.
I have seen so many creative Meal-In-A-Jar recipes, that I have yet to try. I'll share some helpful and fun links with you below! Be sure to also use your own creativity, when trying your own Meal-In-A-Jar.
Please share your thoughts below! I am curious to hear your ideas, questions, comments, etc.!
