Improving your health can be as simple as having more meals at home, where you have better control over your ingredients. If the idea of cooking seems daunting, especially if you are among those who think they “just can’t cook,” we want to encourage you to give it a try! Many in our circle, from friends and family to patients, have transitioned from hating cooking to absolutely loving it.
The key to success in eating better (with the bonus of spending less money) lies in planning your meals.
Not a fan of planning? Not a planner? Does cooking stress you out? Fear not – it is not as bad as it seems! Investing time upfront ensures a stress-free week. While some are accustomed to the last-minute scramble around dinnertime, it does not have to be that way.
Imagine returning home from work, school, or any activity, and your meal is ready to serve. You will have a satisfying answer to the perennial question, “What’s for dinner?” 😊 Meal planning is much easier than it sounds, and you do not have to prepare a full recipe every night.
First, ensure you have groceries in your house. With various shopping options available, there is really no excuse. Visit the store, use online platforms like Instacart, or explore your local farmer’s market.
Here are a few tips:
Try sheet pan meals! This type of meal prep is simple and yields delicious results. Just ask Google for a recipe using the ingredients you have on hand – for instance, “sheet pan recipe using chicken and sweet potatoes.” Voilà! Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Sweet Potatoes
Consider slow-cooker meals. Prepare a double batch – freeze one for later in the month and enjoy the other this week. Google is your friend here too – search for “easy slow cooker weekday meals.” Here are some ideas to try – Easiest Slow Cooker Dinners
For added convenience, cook some proteins ahead of time. On a Sunday afternoon, make a few pieces of chicken, brown some ground beef, and cook some salmon. Throughout the week, these meats can be used to create various dishes – salads with chicken or salmon, tacos or meat sauce with pasta, or chicken, rice, and grilled veggies. The combination possibilities are endless.
If you want to go the extra mile, cut some veggies, put them in baggies, and have them ready to cook. Some of our favorites are carrots, onions, peppers, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, and asparagus.
We believe you can do it! Let us know how it goes and what delightful meals you end up creating.
Have fun with it!
Here’s to a healthier you!
