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This is the time of year I almost always fall off my meal-time groove.
It always seems that, no matter how carefully I plan, everything comes down to the last few weeks in December.

Below are a few quick options that get me through those days when I just need something easy, no dishes.

First off: Let’s de-bunk superstitions about frozen meals. Frozen meals can be REALLY healthy! The trick is the same as with anything else: knowing what’s actually in what you’re eating.

Below are a few options which I love, which can fit every budget:
$$$ Topset Meals : A local southern Maine chef makes you beautiful food for a surprisingly fair price
$$$ Hannafords Grab-and-Go : There are some really good options in both the cold, and hot bars. In my cart above, I grabbed peel-and-eat shrimp (on sale). Roaster chickens are also a family favorite.
$$ Saffron Road : Responsibly sourced meats and vegetables, Halal certified, sold at most local supermarkets, for less than $4 per meal.
$$ Healthy Choice Power Bowls : Yummy, low-carb, and under $3.50 per bowl. Plus, they come in compostable dishes!
$ Kitchari : For those who have a *little* more time, one of my favorite quick comfort foods is this simple Ayurvedic beans-and-rice dish. I use a $20 one-button rice cooker from Lowe’s, which has served me well for over 6 years. One rice cooker-meal will feed about 2 adults, for less than $2, and can be ready in 15 minutes.

And then, of course, there is the pomegranate. There is nothing fast, nor easy about peeling one! But, it’s my favorite meditative kids-are-asleep-and-I-need-a-treat activity, and something about methodically going through the steps is deeply soothing. Plus, the reward is incredibly healthy, and satisfying.

Happy Holidays and stay safe out there,
Dr. Annie