Trends come and go, yet what will always make sense for achieving better nutrition is to Keep it Simple in the Kitchen.
As a registered dietitian, I meet many people who want to find and follow a path to better nutrition. Some people invest a little in their effort and others invest a lot of energy and resources. For some goals in life, a bigger cash investment leads to better success. Yet with nutrition, it isn’t necessarily true. Let’s take a look at a Keep it Simple Approach to Better Nutrition for everyday people who lead busy lives. The energy investment is reasonable as is the cash investment and the chance for delicious nutrition success is excellent.
A Keep it Simple Approach for Better Nutrition Is….
- An investment of time for planning 3 days ahead. A 3-day-at-a-time meal plan is time-efficient and not so overwhelming as a 7-day plan. Start by planning 3 days and then plan another 3 days.
- A willingness to set up the kitchen with basics. A set of 2-3 pots/pans, small to large; 4-6 gadgets like whisk, wooden spoon, quality hand can opener, spatula, slotted spoon; 4-6 fresh jars of spices like garlic powder, red pepper flakes, cumin, oregano, basil, cinnamon; 2 pot holders; and an apron will get you started.
- A desire to cook 1-3 balanced meals a week. Balanced meals include an entree and 1-2 vegetables, cooked or raw like salad. A glass of water, seltzer water, 1% milk, or tea/coffee help you digest your meal and a piece of fruit for dessert is a great choice. Focus on simple, easy to cook foods and remember to take advantage of leftovers as your next-day meal.
A Keep it Simple Approach for Better Nutrition Is Not….
- Another call to the pizza joint for delivery and a soft drink on the side.
- Another restaurant meal that’s your go-to because it is quick and filling.
- Another take-away dinner that saves you time but leaves you feeling yuk.
A Keep it Simple Resource Library
Like a basic menu plan and basic kitchen supplies for cooking, a simple resource library can be very helpful when you want to follow a path to better nutrition. A cookbook, for example, with easy recipes that use basic ingredients to create yummy flavors is one you’ll use often.
Build your kitchen library one great resource at a time. My e-Books are inexpensive and they feature easy menus and easy recipes with great flavors. Take a trip to my Keep it Simple for Better Nutrition Store. You’ll be glad you did.
What’s your Keep it Simple meal plan for today?