How to Make Healthy Meals at Home
By Sara Butler
For families looking to make their lifestyle just a bit healthier, one of the first steps you can take is to cook and eat meals at home. Sounds simple, but many families struggle to include healthy meals at home in their schedule when they’re on the go. If you can make healthy meals at home a reality, then studies show that your family will be healthier and happier. Here are some suggestions to help you get started.
Create a Meal Plan
Before you do your grocery shopping for the week, take the time to write out an entire week’s worth of meals. You don’t have to follow it to the letter, but laying out your plan for the week will make you more likely to follow through -- especially if you already have the ingredients on hand.
Utilize Your Freezer
Making your food in big batches is another trick that will help you eat more home-cooked meals. When you cook in large batches, you can eat some now, then store it in the freezer to eat later when you’re crunched for time to cook something from scratch.
While it may take more time to prep and cook a larger batch, it will save you time later. Plus, it’ll take some of the stress off your shoulders to know you have a few meals on hand you can thaw out if your plans for the week go awry.
Keep it Simple
No one is asking you to create meals worthy of a Michelin star. You’re more likely to be successful if you can keep your meal plans simple. Baked chicken with a side of baked sweet potatoes is a great meal that’s healthy and uncomplicated. And don’t be afraid to incorporate frozen vegetables either. As long as it's not bathed in a sauce, frozen vegetables are just as healthy as fresh.
Bring Your Slow Cooker Out
Your slow cooker can be your best friend. Just throw a few ingredients in the pot in the morning, then come home to dinner already prepared! If you don’t have a slow cooker, they’re relatively inexpensive -- so put one on your list. Find a few recipes your family enjoys and keep them in regular rotation.
A few small steps can help you and your family be healthier! Now, get cooking!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Shreveport, La.