Eating healthy isn’t always easy, and trying to do it during the week when work, traffic jams, and other weekday pains make it seem impossible. Fear not! I have some tips and tricks that will keep you on track and sane during the week.

Shop on Friday or Saturday, Prep on Sunday

Roast a tray of vegetables for the week

Carrots, beets, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and cauliflower are delicious when roasted. Thanks in large part to their natural sugars, these veggies come out tender and beautifully caramelized.

Make a big ol’ batch of soup

Classic chicken noodle, tomato, pasta e fagioli, curried cauliflower… the list of soups goes on and on and on. (Seriously, I think there are about as many soup recipes as there are people on this planet.)

Simplicity and a well-stocked pantry are key

Monday night after a long day of work isn’t necessarily the best time to cook a new or complicated recipe. A pantry or cupboard stocked with quick cooking quinoa (or another healthy grain), black beans, diced tomatoes and other healthy non-perishable ingredients will make dinner easy.

I like to sauté some beans or olives with diced tomatoes (I like Hunt’s italian seasoned), fresh baby spinach and garlic, to go on top of a bed of couscous or quinoa.

But sometimes a change of pace is what you need

Bored with your weeknight routine? Try a new take on a old standby or completely switch things up with a new dish (curry anyone?) Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices and create new flavors.

The crock pot = Your newest BFF

One of the best kitchen investments you can make is in a crock pot (you can get one for as low as $20)

You can cook everything, and I mean everything in one of these babies. Chili, honey garlic chicken, even dessert; if can you dream it, you can cook it in a crock pot.

Do you have any tips or tricks for healthy dinners during the week? Let me know in the comments below or tweet @LesleyRozycki.