Quick and Healthy Meals Solutions for the Busy Cook
Providing healthy meals for the family is a challenge for today's busy
cooks. Everyone's on the go and there hardly seems to be enough time to
eat well, much less cook nutritious food. But there are two things you
can do to help you get healthy meals on the table fast-stock up and get
it to go.
Stocking Up
A well-stocked pantry and freezer goes a long way toward letting you
create healthy meals in a jiffy. Keeping nutritious ingredients on hand
makes it easy to throw something together in a rush. Here are some
items to stock up on:
• Eggs: great for a quick family omelet or fried rice dinner
• Canned Tuna or Salmon: Whip up a tuna salad and tuck it into a whole wheat pita, or use the salmon to top off a salad or make a quick chowder
• Canned Beans, such as Garbanzo: Great in soups or as part of a meatless meal
• Whole-Grain Breads: Heart-healthy whole grains make great panini sandwiches
• Marinara Spaghetti Sauce: Look for sauces low in sugar and create a delicious pasta dish in no time
• Grated Hard Cheese, such as Cheddar: A good source of calcium and protein, cheese makes everything taste good
Frozen Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean, healthy chicken is a versatile source of protein
Frozen or Canned Fruit and Vegetables: Toss them into soups or spaghetti sauce, or saute with some herbs for a tasty side dish
Getting it to Go
Take advantage of ready made items at your local grocer or warehouse
club, such as Sam's Club. There are a lot of nutritious choices
available that will make dinner time fast and healthy.
• Rotisserie Chickens Can Be a Fast, Affordable Way to get Dinner:
At Sam's Club, for example, one rotisserie chicken (for $4.97) makes a
hearty meal for four to six people. For two easy meals, pick up
two juicy, rotisserie chickens. Pair up the first with a pre-washed
salad mix and a quick-cooking grain for one meal. Then use the second
bird to make an Italian Rotisserie Chicken Salad or a quick Chicken
Fried Rice.
• Ready-Made Side Dishes: You can often find freshly made side
items that are a snap to cook. For example, Sam's Club offers a creamed
spinach that's full of spinach, artichoke hearts, shittake and button
mushrooms. It's great as a topper for baked potatoes or chicken, or
tossed with fresh pasta. Their diced sweet potatoes are seasoned with a
sweet citrus glaze accompanied by Chef Paul Prudhomme's Magic
Seasonings. Warm them in the microwave and they're ready to serve
alongside rotisserie chicken or a pre-cooked ham.
• Some Other Good-To-Go Items Include: Thin-crust cheese pizza
topped with veggies, 100 percent grounded turkey breast burgers or
prepared veggie burgers, Flash-frozen seafood, and healthy, hearty
soups.
