The freezer section of your local grocery store can feel like a friend in a pinch, but if you’re tired of eating frozen dinners every night, there are some things you can do to change your routine. With minimal effort, you can turn your kitchen into a place where fresh, healthy meals are the norm. Here are some tips to get you started.
Make a Grocery List That Focuses On Fresh Ingredients
When you’re planning your meals for the week, take a look at your local farmer’s market or grocery store and make a list of ingredients that are in season. This will give you a starting point for recipes that will be both fresh and flavorful. Prioritize recipes that use simple and few ingredients, as well as fewer steps to complete. For example, meal kits save time and make less of a mess, which is a huge bonus when every minute counts.
Incorporate More Fruits and Vegetables Into Your Diet
When we get busy, it’s easy to forget to eat fruits and vegetables. However, incorporating more of them into our diets is one of the best ways to make sure we’re getting the nutrients we need. Aim to include at least one serving of fruit or vegetables at every meal. Seeing fruits and veggies as the star of your meals rather than an accompaniment will help increase your intake of vitamins and antioxidants, as well as help you make better choices when grocery shopping. As a side bonus, they generally don’t need to be cooked, and cleanup is a breeze.
3. Be Clever With Leftovers
If you find yourself with some extra cooked chicken or vegetables, use it as an opportunity to get creative and use them in different ways throughout the week. There are endless possibilities for turning leftovers into new and exciting meals. Make extra on nights when you do cook to make them a certainty. Extra rice can easily be turned into multiple meals the following day. A little extra pasta lightly spritzed with oil can be turned into cold salads.
4. Plan Ahead
Meal planning is one of the best ways to avoid eating unhealthy foods. When you have healthy snacks on hand, you’re less likely to reach for junk food when your hunger pangs come calling. Pre-cut vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and fruit are all great options that can be easily stored in the fridge or freezer for when you need them.
Some individuals may not have time to shop for groceries due to their busy schedules. However, you can have ingredients delivered to your home so that you can start preparing meals without visiting the supermarket. Consider looking for a fresh bread delivery service online to ensure that your ingredients are fresh. You can even schedule deliveries so that they arrive at your door as soon as you’re ready to cook.
Now that you know where to begin, it’s time to get cooking. These tips will help you create fresh, healthy meals that are sure to please. With a little bit of planning and effort, you’ll be well on your way to ditching frozen dinners for good.
