Make Family Meals Easier: Double Up to Save Time and Money

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from: American Heart Association

Posted: 9/22/2021 / 3:00 PM CDT
Updated: 09/22/2021 / 3:00 p.m. CDT

AUSTIN (American Heart Association) – Juggling work, school, and activities can make cooking family meals more difficult. Then planning ahead can really pay off.

When planning your weekly meals, look for ways to save time and money. For example, cook a double serving to make two or three meals out of one meal. Or choose recipes based on ingredients that can be used in other meals during the week. With simple, healthy meals on hand, you can avoid the temptation (and expense) of eating out. And you save money that may be lost if food is wasted.

Here are 6 simple strategies to improve your meals:

1. Double the recipe.

Some recipes can take a lot of prep work, so make it count. Doing double the amount usually doesn’t take double the time. Make a double serving and save one for another meal, especially if it’s a family favorite.

2. Fill your oven.

Roast chicken? Add vegetables to a sheet pan to fry at the same time and save some for future meals. Grilling? Same idea. Fill the grill with extra chicken, vegetables, or even fruit.

3. Same ingredient, different recipe.

Save time by preparing ingredients that can be used in more than one meal. Roasted vegetables can serve as a side dish tonight and double in a casserole or soup later in the week. A pot of beans can add fiber and protein to multiple meals. Cutting some extra veggies earlier in the week can cut prep time when cooking and also serve as a healthy snack.

4. Combine leftovers.

Serving chilli one evening and baked potatoes the other? For a delicious third meal, sprinkle the leftover potatoes with the chilli. Cut up leftover meat or chicken to add protein to salads, pastas, or sandwiches.

5. Make friends with your freezer.

Many foods freeze well – think soups, stews, chilli – and are an easy meal on busy nights. Store in an airtight container for single meals (e.g. four servings). Make sure it has cooled well in the refrigerator before putting it in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and enjoy a healthy home cooked meal.

6. Use your pantry.

Nothing eats up more time than an additional trip to the supermarket. Fill your pantry with basic ingredients like canned beans, canned tomatoes, whole wheat pasta, and quick-cooking grains like quinoa. You can prepare a quick, balanced meal when time is tight.

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