It’s easy to understand why fast food is such a popular dinnertime option for many families. When exhaustion sets in, fast food restaurants offer a convenient way to put quick family dinners on the table. But convenience and speed don’t have to come at the expense of nutrition.

Try these hacks to save time and money while serving your family quick, healthy dinners they’ll love. With just a little practice, you can whip up simple, nutritious meals in no time.

Buy Ready-to-Eat Produce

Buy a selection of boxed or bagged salads and some cut-up vegetables at your local grocery store. At dinnertime, combine a variety of lettuces and greens with your vegetables to create quick tossed salads. And don’t forget to pick up some containers of cut-up fresh fruit for dessert.

Cook Larger Batches

Cook larger batches of your family’s favorite meals, and serve leftovers for dinner throughout the week.

Pick Pre-Cooked Proteins

At your local grocery store, look for already-prepared items such as grilled chicken, baked salmon and more. Pick your protein, add your vegetables and voila! Dinner is served.

Make Breakfast for Dinner

For a fun and easy change of pace, serve breakfast for dinner. Prepare scrambled eggs in just a couple of minutes, and serve them up with sliced apples and steamed spinach.

Trying to eat healthier? See more delicious recipes.

Stash Frozen Veggies and Fruits

Keep frozen vegetables and fruits on hand at all times. You’ll save time when you don’t have to wash and cut up fresh produce.

Keep It Simple

There’s no need to serve elaborate meals every day. For a delicious, easy and hearty meal, try plain chicken with a sprinkle of unrefined salt and freshly ground black pepper, baked sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli.

Step Away from the Stove

Who says dinner has to be a hot meal? Salads and sandwiches can be just as satisfying and only take a few minutes to prep. A good go-to option is a mixed green salad topped with roasted turkey, avocado and tomato slices.

Try Souped-up Meals

For a comforting, filling meal, you can’t go wrong with soup, chili or a stew. Cook up a big pot, then divvy it up into smaller portions and freeze it. The night before you plan to serve it for dinner, defrost it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, just heat and serve for dinner.

Hand Out Finger Foods

Serve up a platter of your family’s favorite veggies, such as sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots and celery, alongside sliced fresh fruit. Set out yummy dips such as tahini, plain yogurt and hummus. For an extra protein boost, serve some hard-boiled eggs too.

Have a One-Dish Meal

One-dish meals such as casseroles are the ultimate comfort foods, and they’re surprisingly quick to prepare. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or salad.

Fire up the Grill

When the weather’s warm, fire up the backyard grill. You can quickly cook various items for your dinner at the same time, including meat, potatoes and vegetables.

What are your favorite quick, healthy meals? Let us know by commenting below!

Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.