I know many people struggle with getting a meal on the table at dinnertime. There are so many excuses: too busy, too lazy, too tired, everyone like’s different things, i don’t know how to cook, i end up throwing a lot of food out, the list goes on…
Getting a healthy, easy dinner on the table doesn’t need to be a challenge if you do these few things:
1. Keep your pantry and refrigerator stocked with basics at all times (pantry: whole grains, whole wheat pasta, canned tomatoes, beans, nuts, seeds, breadcrumbs, various oils & vinegars, soy sauce, herbs and spices; fridge: eggs, milk, cheese, condiments)
2. Make a meal plan before you go food shopping. This is key, and you can change it around after. It’s important to get an idea of what you will be making so you can shop accordingly. This week my family’s meal plan included:
Sunday: chicken parmesan with pasta and broccoli
Monday: tacos with refried beans, corn salsa, guacamole and salad
Tuesday: leftover chicken parmesan and some tortellini with homemade kale pesto and kale chips
Wednesday: jerk chicken breast with roasted sweet potato fries and broccoli
Thursday: salmon with a pantry whole grain and whatever veggies are leftover (probably a mix of kale & broccoli)
Friday: lemon roast chicken, string beans with shallots, and herb roasted fingerling potatoes
Saturday: OUT!
After looking at this list we had a lot of chicken this week! Usually turkey or lean beef is thrown in there and we have and 2nd meatless meal usually with tofu. I try to vary it up as much as possible so we don’t get bored and to expose us to a wide variety of nutrients.
3. Do whatever prep you can ahead of time. I like to prep and wash all vegetables ahead of time. Whenever I have a few extra minutes in the kitchen (usually while preparing breakfast) I also do some dinner prep. Then by the time dinner time rolls around I have very little to actually do. It works so well and I always have dinner on the table by 7:30. Then Hannah and I get the leftovers the next day. Win-win situation. The best parts are that you save money by not ordering take-out and you eat healthier!
