The 3 kinds of meals you should always have on hand, according to an RD

Plus, a vegetarian twist on a takeout favorite

April 14, 2025 | VIEW IN BROWSER Hear the term "meal prep" and reach for the nearest takeout menu? We get it: After a jam-packed week, the last thing you feel like doing is taking the time to plan, shop and prep food for the week ahead. But the benefits — for both your health and your wallet — may just be convincing enough to make it a priority. Learn about the 3 types of meals a dietitian says you should always have on hand.  YOUR HEALTHY MEAL PLAN AND SHOPPING LIST ARE READY! Imagine waking up to find all your meals for the week have been planned out — without as much as lifting a finger! That's a reality when you're a member of the Start TODAY app. Our dietitian-designed meal plans take the guesswork out of healthy eating and feature recipes tailored to your personal goals and dietary preferences. Subscribe for just $9.99 (+ tax) per month or $65.99 (+ tax) per year, auto-charged until canceled. Cancel through Apple under Profile Settings. Terms apply – see below. So what are you waiting for? Let's get started TODAY! DOWNLOAD AND SUBSCRIBE Subscription includes a 7-day free trial. After the trial ends, you will be automatically charged $65.99 (plus tax)/year for an annual subscription or $9.99 (plus tax)/month for a monthly subscription until you cancel. Must be 18+. Cancel anytime through Apple under Profile Settings. See full terms. April Challenge Today's workout is walk. Join the 30-day yoga and walking challenge.  You may assume that by doing cardio and training the legs in general, the calves are getting enough of a workout. But incorporating targeted calf exercises into your routine is important for keeping your lower body functioning optimally. The calves play an important role in maintaining balance and stability while walking, standing, running and performing everyday movements, and weak calves can cause knee instability and Achilles strains. Do these 20 calf exercises at home to tone your legs and walk faster. 📱 There's more for you in the app! If you're doing the December Flexibility Challenge, get more from the app with:  • Daily, guided workout videos with Stephanie Mansour • 30-minute guided walks with Al Roker and other experts • Meal plans that fuel your workouts and help you reach your health goals • Expert advice and inspiration We want your feedback!  Whether you use the Start TODAY app, follow our newsletter, or are just getting started — your input is valuable in shaping what's next. Share your thoughts in our quick survey (no app subscription needed!). TAKE SURVEY NOW Recipe of the Day General Tso's Cauliflower Here, we're doing a vegetarian take on this Chinese-American classic by subbing the usual chicken for cauliflower. Cauliflower is this wonderful blank canvas that takes to frying so well and transforms when shellacked in the General Tso's sauce. The fried nuggets of cauliflower play the part of the chicken so well that you may even be able to fool a few friends.    Get the recipe! 📱 There's more for you in the app! Want a meal plan that's customized to your personal goals? The app has five unique, dietitian-designed meal plans to help you reach them. • Budget Friendly • Weight Loss • Heart Healthy • Mediterranean • Quick & Easy One Small Thing Real ways to make a difference in your life, one small thing at a time. The 3 kinds of meals you should always have on hand, according to an RD A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity linked meal planning with a healthier diet and lower risk of obesity. In the study, women had a 21% reduction in the likelihood of becoming obese, while men reduced their odds by 19%. Research also suggests that people who use shopping lists when meal planning are more likely to eat two or more servings of veggies per day, suggesting that meal prepping leads to eating habits that promote weight loss, health and longevity.    See the 3 kinds of meals you should always have on hand, according to an RD.   3 Things To Know TODAY 'The Last of Us' imagines a pandemic caused by fungi. Could it happen? "The Last of Us" on HBO imagines outbreak of zombie fungus that controls the brain of the infected. Fungal disease is a major public health threat in real life. RFK Jr. looks to reshape US public health despite budget cuts Once an influential environmental lawyer and celebrated conservationist, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has turned his focus in recent years to public health often promoting baseless conspiracy theories. Now, as President Donald Trump's secretary of health and human services, Kennedy has real power to affect change despite major budget cuts. NBC's Maggie Vespa reports in this week's Sunday Focus. Measles spreads to more states with nationwide cases topping 700 The measles outbreak is spreading to more states as nationwide cases surpass 700, including three reported deaths. Indiana is now the sixth state with three or more cases of measles, spreading mostly among people who are not vaccinated. A majority of the cases are in Texas where a second unvaccinated school-aged child has now died from measles. The third death was an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico. CONTACT CUSTOMER SUPPORT UPDATE EMAIL PREFERENCES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Copyright © 2025 TODAY | 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112 VIEW IN BROWSER | PRIVACY | UNSUBSCRIBE