Making meals at home can be time consuming and stressful, but it does not have to be that way! Below are a few tips to help you streamline your time spent in the kitchen, while also being mindful of your budget.
Get Equipped
While you don’t need a chef ready kitchen, having some tools available can make it easier to put meals together. Aside from a set of pots and pans and a knife, here are some other items to consider having on hand to make life in the kitchen easier:
- Baking sheets
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Mixing Spoons
- Mixing bowls in various sizes
- Cutting boards- bonus points if one is only used for raw animal proteins!
- Measuring cups
Focus on Keepers
Keepers are items that you stock up on in your pantry and freezer. These can be purchased in bulk, which will additionally keep food costs low.
Pantry:
- Dried or canned beans and lentils
- Canned vegetables, such as tomatoes
- Whole grains, such as oats, rice, quinoa
- Beef, chicken, or vegetable broth
- Dried herbs, spices and chilis
- Canned animal proteins, such as tuna, salmon, and chicken
- Oils- bonus points if you purchase spray options to help with portion control!
Freezer:
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Bulk packages of animal protein, such as chicken breast- bonus points if you portion these out into smaller servings before freezing!
Leave the Stress at the Door
Trying to make perfect meals or follow recipes constantly, can take the fun out of cooking. Instead, let your creativity shine by creating meals with your keepers. For example, make a healthy pasta dish by using chickpea pasta, a can of tomatoes, a package of frozen veggies and Italian seasoning.
Summary
Ensuring you have the right equipment, the right mindset and pantry staples can make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable and make healthy eating a walk in the park!
Blog post written by Karissa Lucio, Lone Star Circle of Care Registered Dietitian
Resource
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
eatright.org
