Time isn’t always on your side. That’s why it helps to arm yourself with some time-saving diet tips that will make your healthy meal planning a cinch. The goal is to make your eating regimen as seamless as possible so that the process is as convenient as slipping through the drive-thru… without spending the cash or the calories. Get started by pre-planning your menu for the week. Figure out what meals you want for the days ahead. Prepare a shopping list and buy everything you’ll need so that there is no reason to dine out. Set aside a day when you can do some prep work, maybe over the weekend.

By doing everything ahead of time, you won’t have to work kitchen time into your schedule during the week. Take this time to cut up celery, carrots, apples, strawberries, grapes and other diet-friendly snacks and place them in individual bags. Buy a bag of pre-washed mixed greens, spinach or romaine lettuce for a convenient salad. Keep tuna, string cheese, low-fat yogurt, hummus and other convenient foods on hand. When you’re pressed for time, all you need to do is reach in the refrigerator and grab one of the ready-made portions. Cook a few big meals in bulk and store them in containers in the freezer. Rotisserie chickens from the deli also make a great staple. Enjoy with whole grain rice and a vegetable. Then use the remaining chicken in soups, healthy casseroles, tacos or other dishes. The goal is to save on fat and calories – not to mention money.