Healthy meals: 3 easy steps to success

Healthy meals don’t just happen — you need to make them happen. Here are three easy steps to get you on your way. Step 1: Make a plan The first step is to plan your menu for the week. It doesn’t need to be elaborate, just jot down what you and your family would like to eat. Then think about ways to make your choices healthier. Substitute chicken breast for steak and add more vegetables, for example. Can you streamline your cooking? Consider cooking a large batch of grains on the weekend and using them in more than one meal. Step 2: Shop smart You’ve already planned your menu. Once you make your shopping list, you’re on your way to choosing healthy foods. Sticking to your list will also save you time and money. When you arrive at the supermarket, start shopping the perimeter of the store, which is where you’ll find fruits and vegetables, low-fat or non-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt, whole-grain breads, and fish, poultry, and lean cuts of meat. Use your shopping list to selectively navigate the rest of the aisles. In addition to the items you need for your weekly menu, stocking your kitchen with the following key items will ensure that you have everything on hand to whip up fresh, nutritious, flavorful, and healthy meals. For your fridge: fruits, vegetables, dark leafy greens, low-fat cheese, fresh salsa, plain yogurt, eggs, chicken, low-fat milk, pesto, light mayonnaise, hummus, lemons. For your freezer: a variety of frozen vegetables (without sauce), poultry, fish,...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Healthy Eating Nutrition Source Type: blogs