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Hungry but don't have time to prepare a meal? Following are some healthy meal plans you can make in just twenty minutes.

Make quick and easy soup using canned organic broth and organic frozen vegetables. Combine all in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for ten minutes to allow the flavors to mix. Serve with a slice of Italian bread and a salad poured from a ready to serve bag.

Another quick option for a twenty minute meal is a salad buffet. Provide a variety of lettuces, greens, raw vegetables, and sprouts for a healthy and nutritious raw meal. Raw veggies can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator ahead of time, or purchased from the grocery already prepared. Everyone combines their salad in accordance with their preferences. Supplement your salad with whole grain crackers or rolls.

The fix and go method works well when you use a crock pot. Prepare your one pot meal the night before or at the start of your day. Using a crock pot also works well for those who work nights who want to come home to a hot meal.

The biggest challenge in fixing a quick meal is the long cooking time for meats such as roasts, baked chicken, or roasted turkey. Consider using a pressure cooker to reduce the prep time for your meat based meal. The benefits of using a pressure cooker are shorter cooking time, enhanced flavor, and better nutrition due to the reduced loss of vitamins and minerals.

A great meal booster is using packaged vegetable and pasta in a sauce. These come in several flavors and can easily be the foundation of your twenty minute meal plan. To accompany your pasta, add slices of canned ham, and boil-in-a-bag vegetables.

Tired of the usual salad and veggie routine? Pull out sandwich rolls and canned meat in gravy. Lightly toast the inside of your rolls. Warm the canned meat and gravy combo in a saucepan. Add a small can of button mushrooms and you have a meal. Spoon onto your sandwich roll, then add a sprinkling of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Eggs are a great source of protein and aren't just for breakfast anymore. Make your favorite omelet for dinner! Be sure to add bits of cheese, chopped veggies, and salsa. Serve in a wrap with a side salad.

Another easy to do dinner centers on a baked potato. Choose a large Idaho potato or get healthy with a baked sweet potato or yam. Cook in the microwave on high for approximately six minutes, although time and temperature may vary between ovens. Add a pat of organic butter and your favorite toppings. Sweet potatoes are especially good with a dash of cinnamon and a drop or two of real maple syrup.

If you're really desperate for a good meal and have absolutely no time, then whip up a healthy fruit smoothie in the blender. Add sliced banana, peeled apple, several strawberries, one-fourth cup of organic strawberry flavored yogurt and approximately 2 cups vanilla rice milk. Blend until smooth. Pop a couple of slices of Ezekiel bread into the toaster, spread with your favorite organic nut butter and honey.

Eating on the go can be quick and easy if you have the right ingredients and kitchen tools to get the job done.

Learn more about this author, Linda G. Hull.
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