You’re juggling a lot of balls – work, family, social obligations – and it can be tough to make healthy choices for your family when you’re short on time. But don’t despair! There are plenty of ways to get healthy, delicious meals on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. Here are a few tips to help you out.
We all have those weeks when cooking dinner is the last thing on our minds. But since we can’t all eat out every night, here are five suggestions for getting through a no-time-to-cook week:
1. Having a soup and salad or sandwich night is a great way to save time and money. This can be anything from good old-fashioned tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich, to a healthy salad of dark greens, tomato, and black olives, and a small amount of cheese or sour cream.
There are a lot of ways to make a sandwich. You can use soup from the can, or throw together a quick homemade recipe. You can even make a big batch on the weekend to use during the week. Sandwiches can be served on whole grain bread or rolls with a variety of veggies, meats, and cheeses. Salads are quick and easy to make, and you can serve them with a simple oil and vinegar dressing or a side of dressing from a bottle.
2. Did you know that you can make a delicious stew in a crackpot? Just cube some beef, add some sliced potatoes, carrots, and onion. Then, pour in a bit of water or broth. When you get home from a long day, you’ll have a warm and tasty meal waiting for you! Crackpots are also great for making soups, chili, and other recipes. They’re very convenient and easy to use.
3. There’s nothing quite like a classic pasta dish when you’re looking for an easy meal to make. You can simply toss any type of pasta with your favorite sauce, and maybe a sprinkle of cheese. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more unique, try a drizzle of olive oil and basil. Serve with whole grain rolls and a quick salad, and you’ll have a hearty meal that the whole family will love.
4. A stir-fry is a great way to make a quick, healthy dinner. You can buy pre-cut stir-fry vegetables at the grocery store, and then add chicken, shrimp or beef. You’ll want to use a low sodium and no MSG seasoning for a healthier stir-fry. You can use any combination of vegetables and meat, or go meatless. Your family will love it!
5. What’s better than breakfast for dinner? Make a delicious omelet for the family, complete with fresh fruit and toast. Or go for breakfast burritos with healthy turkey bacon or sausage. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Eating well doesn’t have to take hours. And eating quick doesn’t mean sacrificing healthy options. Take advantage of the simple things that you know your family loves. Try making a few small changes to your usual recipes, like using whole wheat bread instead of white bread or adding some extra vegetables. You may be surprised at how big of a difference these small changes can make!
Healthy, tasty, and speedy meals are entirely possible with a bit of creativity. Don’t forget to get the kids involved with preparing the food, setting the table or cleaning up. If you want to be sure that your family enjoys delicious homemade meals, save those for the weekends, or make them on the weekends and freeze them for use during the week.
Just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you have to rely on fast food. However, you also shouldn’t expect to be able to cook a 5-star meal every day. Instead, focus on enjoying a simple, healthy meal with your family.
