Want to simplify supper and make healthy meals on a busy schedule? Here are some ideas to get you started.
What should we eat tonight? This is a common question we frequently ask ourselves.
If you are working outside the home answering this question on the way home from work may result in a quick dinner involving ordered pizza or canned soup. And while there is nothing wrong with this, having a homemade meal ready (or partially prepared) when you get home is healthier and likely more satisfying!
And for those who work at home, including stay at home parents, you probably don’t want to spend all day cooking and preparing elaborate meals.
Simplifying Supper
The best way to simplify your evening meal is to plan it out for the week. It might be best to stick to a weekly schedule to make things even easier.
For example:
Monday: Crock Pot
Tuesday: Tacos
Wednesday: Sandwiches/Wraps
Thursday: Pasta/Rice
Friday: Homemade Pizza or Leftovers
Within each category you can change up the flavour and style of the meal but if you know the basic elements you can ensure your pantry is stocked.
You also can use similar ingredients for the week. Do a pork roast on Monday, then pork tacos on Tuesday, pork on a bun on Wednesday and pork and rice on Thursday (or some variation of this if that’s too much pork for one week!)
Crock Pot
The Crock-Pot is a great kitchen tool because you can set it up in the morning, leave and have your meal cooking all day. Toss in chicken breast, a roast or soup that can cook on low all day so it is ready when you get home.
Since crock pot meals typically yield larger quantities of food, do it earlier in the week so you have leftovers (because leftovers are your best friend!)
Freezer Meals
Once a month load up your freezer with meals. Try to do 4 meals, so you have one per week. Meals like lasagna, Ground Turkey and Rice Casserole, chilli, meatballs or shepherd’s pie are great meals to throw in the freezer.
Save More Time with Meal Prep
Cut up veggies ahead of time (the night before if you can) so they are ready for your meal. Some things can even be made ahead and then reheated, like mashed potatoes. You can also peel your potatoes and store in water in the fridge, so when you get home you just throw them on the stove to cook.
Frozen veggies are also helpful. Frozen broccoli or peas/corn/carrots can be added to just about any dish. Spinach often yields itself to almost any pasta meal.
Keep backup meals handy as well. A package of minestrone soup and a can of lentils can get soup on your table in 30 minutes. Pair it with biscuits or toast and a salad and you’ve got a solid dinner meal!
Healthy Dinner Meals on a Busy Schedule is Possible!
Healthy meals are possible. With planning and forethought, you can have good food ready for your family to eat in a short period of time.
Check out Generations Marketplace for homegrown meats, biscuit mixes and other goodies you can add to your dinner meals! Don't forget to tag us with #generationshomesteadchallenge when you make a healthy meal to inspire others!
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