If you want to live a healthy lifestyle and keep your family fed on time, it helps to have some quick healthy meals at the ready. To help you identify what would work for this, here are 5 tips to keep in mind every time you go to prepare a meal.

1. Avoid Using Unhealthy Oils
One of the first things to consider when cooking anything is the oil you are using. Even some healthy oils, like olive oil, can lose their many health benefits when used for cooking. In fact, the high temperatures involved with cooking change the chemical structure of olive oil and change it from a great, healthy fat to something you are better off avoiding. Instead, consider using coconut oil for this type of cooking or some other option that won’t hurt your health efforts.

2. Look for Organic Foods
Another great way to keep your health at the front of your priority list is to buy organic ingredients. Organic food is healthier than the alternative not just because it offers a greater nutritional content but also because it avoids any unnatural additives that might harm you or your family. Whenever possible, use organic.

3. Stick to Lean Protein
If you are a vegetarian or vegan this one is easy, but those of you who still need your meat should pay close attention to this one. Never hurt yourself by consuming any sort of regular meat. In general, red meat should be avoided altogether, but if you really have a craving for beef go for the extra lean cut of at least 93%. In general, you’re better off with meats like chicken, turkey, or fish.

4. Look for Quality Nutrients
Finally, the nutrients you eat are very important, so look to get yourself a nice rounded supply of diverse nutrients. Make sure you are getting all your vitamins and minerals and that you are consuming good protein, healthy fats, and plenty of fiber. Pay attention to individual ingredients that provide this and the meal as a whole will be great.

5. Keep the Preparation Simple
Though the other five tips were focused on the healthy aspect of your quick health meals, this one is looking only at that quick factor. When time is of the essence, you only want to work with recipes that you can prepare in short order. Pay attention to the preparation and cooking time involved with any recipe you look at and stick to ones on the shorter end, preferably 30 minutes or less. Also, take into consideration how much you have to monitor what you are cooking. If most of the time is spent sitting in the oven with a timer, you can get away with longer prep times as you will be able to get other things done around the house.

If you keep these tips in mind, you can always be sure that you are ready with quick healthy meals. This way, your family can stay well-fed and your waistline can stay nice and slim.