10 Ways to Spend 10 Minutes for Better Food
“If you keep only healthy food in your fridge, you will eat healthy food.”
Stop by a Farmers Market or Farm Stand. Pick something colorful and build a meal around it. How about fresh tomatoes and basil for the start of an easy caprese salad? Or try one of these other quick and delicious tomato recipes from Fine Cooking.- In the kitchen prepping dinner? Take an extra 10 minutes to portion fresh veggies and fruit for healthy snacks and next meals, saving time later and the temptation of sugary alternatives.
- Meal plan, Phase 1: Jot down a list of your favorite healthy meals, and then make a grocery list to have the basics on hand for the upcoming week. Need inspiration for fast and fresh recipes? Check out these from WIlliams Sonoma
- Meal plan, Phase 2: Sit down with your morning coffee for 10 minutes to plan dinner that evening. Choose a meal from your list. Do you need to take anything out of the freezer or stop by the market on the way home? A few moments thought early in the day can mean the difference between a tasty homemade meal and takeout.
- Does your dinner recipe freeze well? Double it and put the rest in the freezer for a quick meal on a busy day.
- Always keep a glass a water nearby, and carry a water bottle. When you feel the urge to snack or low energy, try a few sips of cool water first and see if that staves the craving.
- Plant a kitchen container garden of your favorite herbs. Easy to care for, lovely to look at, you can add zing and flavor instantly to any meal or drink!
- Get inspired! Pick up a new cookbook, magazine, browse online recipes, or take in 10 minutes of your favorite cooking show. My two current favorites are Jamie Oliver and Tastespotting.
- Use your BBQ or grill more often, a delicious way to prepare vegetables. Grilled dishes often have less fat than stove top ones because they don’t sit in a pan and absorb more fat (oil, butter, etc) while they cook.
- Dish plates with slightly smaller portions before bringing them to the table, then take your time eating, enjoying conversation. Eating too fast can be one reason for over indulgence, another is convenience. If you stretch out your dining time, you may find you are full when you finish the first serving, especially if there isn’t more tempting you at arm’s reach.
Tell us your healthy food short cuts!
