When it comes to dieting, we spend a lot of time analyzing, planning, and working on our discipline. But sometimes the difference between lapsing into a cheat day and sticking with the approved foods is just how easy we make it for ourselves. That’s why we want to take some time to sing the praises of mason jars.

When you use mason jars the right way, you can use them for much more than pickling and canning. They’re preferable to Tupperware in so many ways:

• Since mason jars are made of glass, not plastic, they last longer and are environmentally friendly.
• They can handle high or low temperatures with no issues.
• Since a standard lid fits on any jar, you won’t have to waste time searching for the right lid before you head out the door.
• They’ve become a bit trendy in recent years, making it even easier to find them. Your local grocery store is likely to carry mason jars, and you can also find them at craft stores like Michael’s, superstores like Target, or online for a discount.

And, most importantly…

• They are GREAT for make-ahead meals.

Healthy, DIY “lunchables”

This do-it-yourself “lunchable” hack from Delish [http://www.delish.com/food-news/a48190/school-lunch-idea-diy-lunchable/] is so clever. Use the mason jar lid to attach an empty apple sauce container to a small mason jar for a purse-friendly snack. Combine veggies and hummus, fruit and yogurt, or any of your other favorite snack pairings. It’s a great way to make sure that when a hunger pang hits, you’ll be ready with something healthy and satisfying and won’t be tempted to grab a bag of chips from CVS.

Chia seed pudding

Wellness Mama’s chia seed pudding recipe [https://wellnessmama.com/59344/chia-seed-pudding-recipe/] combines three of Kirstie’s favorite things: protein- and Omega 3-rich chia seeds, fruit, and mason jars! It’s a sweet and satisfying breakfast with a superfood in the starring role. Make a few jars full and stick ‘em in the fridge on a Sunday, then grab one on your way out the door each morning. No egg McMuffins this week – you’re already covered.

Mason jar salads for lunch

Exercise your creativity here. Just start with wet and dense ingredients on the bottom – like diced apples, dressing, and nuts. Then layer on the veggies, starting with things like carrots and onions and topping it all off with plenty of lettuce. Pop it in the fridge, then your bag, and voila! Come lunch time, you won’t be tempted by your coworkers’ takeout. You’ll have a delicious spring salad in your cute and practical mason jar.

Tell us your favorite mason jar recipes!

Is there a mason jar recipe you love? Email us at info@springsolutions.com, and we might include it in next week’s newsletter so your fellow Spring Solutions dieters can enjoy it.

In the meantime, stay healthy, not hungry.

@ Kirstie Fortescue