Meal Planning like a pro

27 Jan Meal Planning like a pro

Now that you’re ready to cook up a storm in all of your available appliances, let’s share tips for making healthy eating convenient and interesting.

We hope that you’re eating more than chicken, broccoli, and rice on the regular because while that is the protein, vegetable, and carb template that we talk about often, there’s a lot more variety to healthy eating than that trio – even if you are a creature of habit. 

Here are four tried and true tips worth sharing:

• Plan ahead. There are many ways to consider before you make up your mind about meals. Doing your homework could include a pantry, refrigerator, and freezer inventory to utilize what you have on hand. You can also review your favorite grocery store/s weekly ad with sales and deals.
• Online shopping. Easily one of the best things that came from “the -vid.” King Soopers, Walmart, Target, you name it, they probably offer personal shoppers who are ready to fulfill your grocery order. I know choosing your own produce might be a deal breaker for you, but the convenience and time-saving factor of having all of the rest of the groceries shopped for you is pretty great. It also minimizes impulse buys…am I right?!
• Sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. I’ll admit, I am not a risk-taker, but when it comes to food – bring it and I’ll try it. Supporting a local farm and having a variety of fresh produce delivered or picked up around town is a really cool way to know more about what you’re eating and keep things fresh (ha, literally though) in the kitchen. Once you get your produce share, you can plan your meals for the week and learn how to store food for now and later. Ask Sarah how she gets the most out of her nutritious goodness.
• The go-tos. Jot down a list of the quick and (reasonably) healthy meals that work when you’re in a pinch. When you’re put on the spot and don’t know what you’re making for dinner, having a list that future you will thank you for is definitely a big help. Whole roasted chicken with a bagged salad and beans. Ravioli with marinara and asparagus. Bowls with whatever leftovers you have on hand. The options are endless, but when you don’t know what to do, having a non-fast food out is always a good idea.

What are some of your healthy eating tips that you love?

By Victoria Emmitt RD

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