A busy life can come in the way of preparing a healthy family dinner. But planning ahead for busy times can prevent the dash to pick up an unhealthy fast food meal. One strategy is stocking the cupboard or pantry with the healthy staples with which to build quick meals. Take a few moments to develop a shopping list of non-perishables that can be used to create any number of healthy meals in a pinch.
For example, keep on hand:
- Canned tomatoes, tomato sauce and tomato paste
- Brown rice
- Canned beans
- Whole-wheat pasta
- Canned vegetables, such as corn, green beans and peas
- Chili powder, cumin and other spices
- Low-salt canned chicken or beef broth
- Cannedchilies and peppers
Other pantry staples helpful for quick meals are:
- Pouches or cans of chicken, tuna and salmon packed in water
- Low-salt canned soup
- Canned fruit, packed in light syrup
- Oatmeal
- Shelf-stable milk
Keep junk foods out of your home. If you don't buy chips, cookies, soda and candy, then you and your family will not be tempted eat these foods at home. Goodies may be fine for special occasions, but for your pantry, find healthy snacks your family will eat. These might include:
- Whole wheat crackers
- Beef jerky Almonds, pistachios, walnuts, peanuts and sunflower seeds
- Dried fruit
By carefully managing the pantry, mealtime becomes quicker and healthier for the whole family.