Planning a tasty and nutritious dinner takes a bit of thinking as well as a grocery list, trip to the store, and cooking session.
These 5 steps will keep you organized as it all comes together.
1. Plan your menu. Think about good balance, color and flavor. Simple is best. For example:
- Chicken Baked in the Oven, or Grilled Outside
- Brown Rice
- Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli
- Orange or Apple
- 1% or Nonfat milk
2. Look in your pantry, fridge and freezer. See what’s already there and buy only what you need. For example:
- Buy a package of fresh skinless chicken since there’s none on-hand
- Buy 4 oranges since there’s none on-hand
- Don’t buy any rice, green beans, or broccoli because they are in-stock in the pantry/freezer
3. Write your grocery shopping list. Arrange the list to match how you walk through the store. For example, shop in this order:
- Produce: Fresh oranges or apples
- Fresh Meat/Poultry: Chicken pieces without skin
- Dry Grains Aisle: Brown Rice
- Dairy: 1% or Nonfat milk
- Frozen Foods: Frozen green beans or broccoli
4. Cook in your kitchen. Ask your family to help, even the kids. For example:
- Put chicken pieces on a pan, spritz with extra virgin olive oil then sprinkle with salt, garlic powder and pepper. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes, until done.
- Put brown rice in a pan on the stove top or in a rice cooker. Cook according to package directions.
- Put frozen green vegetable in a microwavable container. Cook according to package directions.
- Peel or cut oranges into fourths or eighths. If using apples, wash in cold water and cut up.
- Pour milk.
5. Enjoy eating dinner with your family. Eating together helps families feel closer, boosts kids’ grades in school and teaches everyone about healthier food choices.
Making a decision to sit down as a family, or a group of friends, moves everyone in the right direction for good nutrition. It helps busy people slow down and enjoy each other while they enjoy the meal. To get some more meal ideas that work with the above 5-step plan, grab my free Mediterranean Menus. The delicious aromas coming from your kitchen will be the encouragement you need to make a homemade and healthful dinner day-after-day.
What will you cook for dinner next week?