| Helpful, Time-Saving Hints to Healthy Meals |
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Plan ahead and stock your pantry, refrigerator and freezer with foods that are easy to prepare. Some items to look for are:
- Prepared potatoes available in the refrigerated section; just heat and serve
- Pre-washed and bagged salad greens and slaw mixes
- Pre-cooked meat products like cooked, chopped chicken that are ready to use
- Prepared pasta sauces and refrigerated pastas
- Pre-cut vegetables for soups, stews and stir-fries
- Frozen entree starters with vegetables and pasta
- Soups for casseroles or other dishes
Cook Once, Serve Twice
When preparing a pot roast on the weekend or making a pot of homemade soup, make a large batch and freeze or refrigerate a portion for a meal later in the week. Microwave ovens allow you to reheat items quickly while maintaining the flavor and texture of foods.
Prepare in Advance
- Do some of the meal preparation in advance. Chop the vegetables for the stir-fry or salad the night before. Store in plastic bags or containers until ready to use.
- Purchase bulk pack ground beef. You will save money and time by browning it all at once and freezing in meal size quantities.
- Grill or bake a package of frozen chicken breasts in the evening after supper. Refrigerate for use the next night or freeze for the next time you need cooked, chopped chicken.
- Dust off the slow-cooker. Place your meat in the crockpot in the morning and voila, when you arrive home it will be fully cooked and ready to eat. Add your favorite side dish and you have a meal in minutes.
- Make your own French toast sticks and freeze.
Leftover Magic
- Leftover roasted chicken can become chicken salad, chicken noodle soup, or chicken and rice casserole.
- Use other leftover meats for stir-fry dishes, casseroles, soups, and sandwiches.
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