Healthy Villages

Healthy Villages is a two year program designed to change the lifestyles of Van Buren County residents.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

7 Tips for Healthy Meal Planning

Healthy meal planning does not need to be difficult and time consuming. By using a few of these tips and enjoy the extra time you'll discover as a result.
  1. Use a slow cooker- Simply set everything up in the morning or the night before and enjoy warm, home cooked meal when you're through with your busy day.
  2. Overcook- Make different versions using the same main ingredient. For example cook chicken cutlets all at once then you can use them for a variety of foods.
  3. Double a recipe- As long as you'll be cleaning those pots and pans, make more than one meal. Simply double or triple the recipe, label and freeze for later use.
  4. Have breakfast for dinner- Breakfast can include a goldmine of healthy foods; high fiber cereals, whole grain pancake or waffles, fresh fruit smoothies, eggs and much more.
  5. Keep a running food shopping list- by keeping a running list in your kitchen, you'll find it easy to keep healthy foods on hand.
  6. Use some supermarket smarts- When food shopping, keep things quick, easy and healthy with precut, prewashed vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grain breads, nuts, beans and quick cooking lean protein.
  7. Menu planning and food preparation- There are so many great options available to make meal planning quick and easy.

Healthy meal planning doesn't have to be difficult or time consuming at all! It can be quick, easy and delicious with just a little bit of creativity and the willingness to do things just a little differently.

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