I personally make a lot of soups, stews and beans/bean dishes so that I always have plenty of healthy food on hand. But what to do when you’re in a hurry? Here are a few recommendations:

1) Grab a nice-looking salad from your grocery store/takeout joint and use a combo of orange juice and balsamic vinegar as dressing (or just juice or vinegar). If you can only get boring lettuce and tomato salads or — *shudders* — only salads topped with cheese, croutons and other nutritionless toppings, simply grab a big container of salad greens, add the chopped veggies of your choice, pour part or all of a can of (no-salt-added) beans such as garbanzos (chick peas) or kidneys and dress with vinegar or salad dressing you’ve premade for the week (highly recommended!).

2) Health Valley offers a line of no-salt-added soups and veggie chilis that are tasty and about as nutritious as you can get for pre-made soups, and I’ve seen them in health food stores as well as regular grocery stores with a decent “natural foods” section. If you have any food allergies, check the label carefully, as some of the recipes contain wheat, soy and corn.

3) Sunshine Burgers. Ah, Sunshine Burgers. These delicious little all-vegetarian patties are made with wholesome, healthful ingredients and taste delicious to boot. I am personally a fan of the Original and Garden Herb varieties, and the Southwest flavor has a spicy kick. The only caution with Sunshine Burgers is that they do contain added sodium, but 1 a day is well within the acceptable range of added salt. You’ll find these at most health food stores and better grocery stores like Whole Foods.

4) Frozen veggies. So simple, so easy — most frozen veggies can be prepped and served in no time at all. You could steam a bag of broccoli and top with some no-salt-added marinara or simple tomato sauce you’ve made and have leftover. Many veggies taste fabulous with just a sprinkling of black pepper and lemon (or orange) juice or your favorite vinegar.

5) Canned no-salt-added beans can be eaten plain or in other dishes. I keep a few cans on hand at all times for those days when I’m in a total rush and need a nutritious meal. Whole Foods has a 365 brand of no-salt-added beans that is inexpensive, and Eden Foods also carries no-salt beans as well.

6) Sweet potatoes are starchy veggies that shouldn’t be consumed in huge portions, but they’re nutritious nonetheless and quick to prepare. Just wash, prick with a fork all over and microwave for a few minutes till done.

There are plenty of other ways to eat healthfully in a hurry, but these ideas should get you started.