March 29, 2024

The key to a healthier you — preparation

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to arrive home after a long day at work to a meal that takes less than 20 minutes to make? Wouldn’t it also be great if that meal was delicious as well as good for your health?

The following tips will help you plan and prepare quick, healthy, and tasty meals for you and your family.

Your freezer is your friend

Homemade soups, sloppy joes, casseroles — all of these (and many other foods) freeze very well. Make a few meals in an afternoon, freeze them for later, then you have simple meals that only require thawing and heating on those busy days. Even better, start a cooking club with your friends! Newton Hy-Vee is happy to introduce DISH (Dinner Is Solved at Hy-Vee) freezer meal workshops starting in January.

Wash and cut fruits,

vegetables for the whole week

Get your cutting board and a sharp knife ready and spend an hour washing and chopping all your fruits and vegetables at one time. You’ll be more likely to consume these nutrient-packed foods if they are ready to eat and you can eliminate one step from the cooking process on those hectic evenings. Prep any fruits and vegetables you will need for breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks. You’ll thank yourself later.

Plan your meals out for the week – and include plenty of simple meals

Dinner at home doesn’t mean you have to cook elaborate meals. Frozen or canned vegetables require little effort to prepare and are just as nutritious as fresh. Whole grains such as brown rice, wild rice and quinoa are also hands-off sides that will get dinner on the table quickly while packing a nutritional punch.

For more information and tips to help you prepare quick and healthy meals, contact Ring at ering@hy-vee.com or 641-792-7030.

This information is not intended as medical advice. Consult a medical professional for individual advice.