We understand that life gets busy.
Sitting in traffic after a long day, maintaining a household, handling work phone calls, and shuttling kids to their various activities can leave you exhausted at the end of the day.
Cooking dinner and planning meals ahead of time can sound tedious, but it really pays to sit
down and plan for some healthy menu options for the coming week. Not only will you
reduce stress by knowing what’s for dinner every night, but you can feel good
knowing that your family will be eating healthy.
Here are some helpful tips on how to plan for healthy meals.
Tip #1: Include the kids.
Ask your kids what kind of meal ideas sound good to them. Giving them a bit of
ownership in the menu planning process helps give them a voice and encourages them
to make healthy decisions about their eating.
Look at kid-friendly recipes online with them and let them pick one or two to try. Take them to the store with you to buy ingredients and if you’re feeling especially adventurous, let them help prepare the meal, too!
Tip #2: Prep on the weekends.
Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea on a Saturday morning and peruse some online
recipes or cookbooks for menu ideas. Once you’ve decided on some meals, try
to prep as much as you can on the weekend for the week ahead.
Pre-cut fruits and vegetables to save time on a busy weeknight and use them in stir-fry
dishes or quick sides. Wash and freeze fruit so you can use it for smoothies that are both kid-friendly and full of vitamins.
Tip #3: Choose wisely.
If you’re going for convenience items, make sure you choose wisely. Look closely at
the labels to know how much fat, fiber, sodium, sugar and calories there are. Choosing high-fiber, nutrient-dense foods will help promote a healthier lifestyle in the long run.
Tip #4: Plan for leftovers.
If you want to have leftovers for easy lunches the next day, plan that into your menu.
For example, if you are preparing chicken for dinner, make extra so you have more
for salads or sandwiches the next day. Making a vegetable soup? Double the recipe so
you’ll have more to eat later or to freeze for a different week. Making enough for
leftovers is one of the best ways to save time in the kitchen.
Most of all, be flexible and creative. If one recipe doesn’t work out, it’s okay. Try a new
one next time! Keep in mind that you’re doing this to not just save time, but to focus on
your health!
Heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and other life-altering diseases can often be avoided by eating healthy, well-balanced meals.
Your health is very important to our team at Broadway Medical Clinic. If you have questions about how you can change your eating patterns to promote a healthier, more active lifestyle, contact us today.