Meal Shortcuts: 5 Simple Strategies for Busy Plant-Based Families.

One of the most common questions we receive from our community is:

"Which plant-based protein or meal replacement do you recommend?"

Our answer is simple: The only meal replacement we genuinely recommend is Huel. It’s nutrient-dense, plant-powered, and often more complete nutritionally than most quick breakfasts we whip up at home.

Here's the good news:

Having a small, reliable rotation of healthy meals—including smart, nutritious options like Huel—is a powerful strategy. It simplifies meal planning, reduces stress, boosts consistency, and still ensures your diet is varied, delicious, and nourishing.

Less overwhelm, more simplicity—it’s a win-win for you and your family!

Breakfast that’s actually F-A-S-T

No more sad granola bars or sprinting out the door with just coffee.

Huel Black Edition is a ready-in-seconds shake packed with: 40g protein, 6g+ fiber, 0 prep. Just shake, sip, go.

Get 15% off your first order + a free t-shirt and shaker with code HUELSPRING, for orders over $75.

Try Huel today

We get it—life gets hectic. Between work, school, sports, social life, and family obligations, finding the time to cook healthy, plant-powered meals daily can feel overwhelming.

Here's the secret: Healthy eating doesn't need to be complicated or time-consuming. With a handful of smart shortcuts, you can consistently nourish yourself and your family—without spending hours in the kitchen.

Here's exactly how to simplify, streamline, and save time, while keeping your meals vibrant, healthy, and delicious:

1. Batch Your Bases

Spend 45 minutes once per week prepping nutrient-packed staples you can effortlessly repurpose all week long:

• Grains: Batch-cook quinoa, brown rice, or farro.

• Legumes: Cook lentils or chickpeas.

• Veggies: Roast mixed veggies (sweet potatoes, cauliflower, carrots).

These staples form the foundation of nutritious, effortless meals—think quick bowls, wraps, salads, or stir-fries that come together in minutes.

More on this in last week’s newsletter “Smart Plant-Based Meal Prep”

2. Keep "No-Chop" Staples Handy

Not every nutritious meal requires extensive chopping. Stock up on:

• Frozen fruits (berries, mangoes, bananas) and veggies (spinach, broccoli)

• Pre-washed salad greens or bagged kale

• Organic canned beans, lentils, chickpeas (no-salt added preferred)

• Ready-made organic sauces, hummus, salsa, or pesto

These ingredients speed up prep without compromising your whole-food values.

3. Prep Your Smoothies & Sauces Ahead

Smoothies and homemade sauces boost your meals’ nutrition and flavor. Make them even faster:

• Portion smoothie ingredients into reusable freezer bags—just blend in the morning.

• Whip up simple dressings or sauces (tahini dressing, cashew cream, pesto) once a week in bulk to instantly elevate meals.

4. Master the Art of Leftover Remixing

Cook once, enjoy multiple ways. Leftover lentil chili becomes filling for burritos or topping for baked potatoes; roasted veggies add richness to salads, grain bowls, or wraps. This approach saves time and prevents boredom.

5. Know When to Supplement (Strategically)

Life won’t always allow elaborate meals, and that’s okay. Embrace smart, nutritious backups (like Huel) for busy days when cooking just isn't feasible. These options fill nutritional gaps without derailing your healthy lifestyle.

More on supplements on a Plant-Based Diet Here.

This Week’s Challenge

Choose just one shortcut to implement this week:

• Batch prep a grain and roasted veggies on Sunday.

• Stock your freezer with smoothie-ready bags.

• Try a meal replacement like Huel for your busiest morning.

Notice the time you save—and how much easier healthy eating feels!

Stay healthy, stay inspired,

Live Better, Live Plant-Based 🌱

P.S. Missed the top? Don’t forget—you can try Huel with 15% off and a free shaker. See the full offer here.