Here’s a quick tip to keep you organized as you go through the week:

You know that lull after dinner, when you’re supposed to be putting food away but you would rather just sit and watch TV?  Well, when you do package up your leftovers, get the scale out, and ziplock bags (or fancy glass containers), and separate out the proteins, veggies and carbs.

• Package your protein into 3-5 oz portions based on the fat content.  Less fat = more protein (larger portions).  If not sure, 3 oz. is a good safe bet.
• Package the carbs into 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup portions.
• As for veggies, if they are low sugar (greens, etc) 2 cups is a good quantity.
• For dressings & sauces – 2 tbs or less is a safe bet.  Even better is to thin out with vinegar or low sodium broth to cut the fat and sugar.

The key here is to make it happen.  If that means ziplock bags or mason jars, or plain old tupperware – it does not matter, so long as it happens.  You will save a lot of hassle when rushing out the house in the morning wondering what to grab so you don’t buy lunch out again!  As you go about your weekly routine, grab one of each and that’s your lunch set.

Happy Monday!