| Eating healthy doesn't have to be a chore. It doesn't | | | | Tip #3 |
| have to be difficult either. | | | | Cook large quantities of healthy food recipes and |
| All it takes is planning in advance and some basic | | | | freeze the left-overs. This routine will not only save |
| knowledge of nutrition. Planning a week's worth of | | | | you time but will also save you money. Consider |
| meals is also the best way to create dishes you can | | | | cooking large amounts of stews, soups, chili and |
| be proud of, while keeping the cost and time | | | | casseroles. Remember when freezing leftovers to |
| commitment to a minimum. | | | | clearly label the containers. Using freezer tap and |
| Below I will share 4 Simple Tips to creating healthy | | | | permanent markers will save the guessing games. Be |
| recipes you and your family will enjoy. | | | | sure to keep the oldest foods near the top to avoid |
| Tip #1 | | | | having to throw away expired items. |
| Using convenient appliances such as microwaves and | | | | To help with the cooking of large quantities, stocking up |
| my favorite, a slow cooker you will save yourself a | | | | on meats when they are sale will be very helpful and |
| huge amount of time when planning and preparing | | | | another great way to use that valuable freezer space. |
| meals. There are many delicious and nutritious meals | | | | A great way to stretch your dollar is to stock up on |
| that can be started in the morning and left to cook all | | | | frozen foods such as chicken, turkey, ground beef, |
| day in a crock pot or slow cooker. | | | | steaks, roasts, chops and the list is endless. Making this |
| A microwave comes in handy when you prepare your | | | | part of your routine will enable you to make healthy |
| meals ahead of time and all you need to do is re-heat | | | | meals and save you money as well. |
| and serve. There are many microwavable healthy | | | | Tip #4 |
| meals you can make at home and single serving | | | | Keeping a well stocked pantry is as important as |
| microwave safe containers allow every member of | | | | keeping a well stocked freezer. The preparation of |
| the family to eat on their own schedule. | | | | healthy meals will be much easier when you have a |
| When planning your meals for the week, be sure to | | | | good supply of staple items like canned vegetables, |
| use a chart and display in your kitchen for the family to | | | | canned fruits, soup stocks, sauces, dry pasta, beans |
| see. A great tip - plan the quickest and easiest to | | | | and rice. Stocking the pantry will also save you money |
| prepare meals for the busiest days of the week. | | | | and keep you from running to the grocery store when |
| Tip #2 | | | | you need a particular item for your recipe. Keeping |
| One of my favorite tips is to get your family involved in | | | | your eyes open and aware of store sales will make it |
| creating the week's meal plan. Ask for their input and | | | | easier to stock up on the staples. |
| make a note of everyone's favorite meals..this will help | | | | Some great staples to stock up on are whole grain |
| increase their interest in healthy eating right away. | | | | cereals, pastas, tomato sauce, baked beans, canned |
| Don't stop there! Get your family involved in the | | | | salmon, canned tuna, dry and canned beans. You can |
| preparation of the meals as well. Younger children can | | | | also purchase breads on sale and freeze for future |
| help by setting out the dishes, chopping vegetables and | | | | use. |
| clearing the table. While the older ones can help in the | | | | Keeping such staples on hand will definitely make it |
| cooking and learning to cook all at the same time. | | | | easier to whip up a healthy meal your family will enjoy. |