Dine like a Dietitian
The most common barriers to eating healthy are time, cost and confidence. Wholesome fare is simply not as convenient as processed food and it is difficult to prepare nutritious meals with a busy schedule and on a budget. Having a well stocked pantry, a menu and plan of action address time, money and confidence issues. These strategies can help to make meal preparation more time efficient and increase the probability of having healthy food available on demand. Start by listing out several of your favorite whole food plant based breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks to identify the ingredients you use regularly. This is helpful in building your pantry and eventually your grocery list with disease preventative foods. Below I have provided an example of my favorite meals and snacks, my pantry items and a weekly grocery list.
Another benefit to strategizing a weekly menu is decreasing waste. When groceries are bought as a specific ingredient for a meal they are less likely to go unused. One of the more difficult issues related to eating healthy on a whole foods plant based diet is many of the ingredients have a relatively short shelf life. Having a menu and action plan helps to ensure nutrient rich foods, like fruits and vegetables, do not spoil and go unused.
Setting a side time to prepare meals and snacks ahead of time is part of having a plan of action.The best approach to cooking several meals simultaneously is to choose recipes that require different preparation methods. Select dishes that will individually employ the oven, stove or slow cooker. Making meals and snacks in advance will increase the convenience and availability of healthy food and saves money by decreasing waste. As for increasing confidence in the kitchen, the best method of action is make a menu with simple recipes and get cookin'!
Another benefit to strategizing a weekly menu is decreasing waste. When groceries are bought as a specific ingredient for a meal they are less likely to go unused. One of the more difficult issues related to eating healthy on a whole foods plant based diet is many of the ingredients have a relatively short shelf life. Having a menu and action plan helps to ensure nutrient rich foods, like fruits and vegetables, do not spoil and go unused.
Setting a side time to prepare meals and snacks ahead of time is part of having a plan of action.The best approach to cooking several meals simultaneously is to choose recipes that require different preparation methods. Select dishes that will individually employ the oven, stove or slow cooker. Making meals and snacks in advance will increase the convenience and availability of healthy food and saves money by decreasing waste. As for increasing confidence in the kitchen, the best method of action is make a menu with simple recipes and get cookin'!
