The March/April 2022 issue of TOPS News, “Plant-based Power: One-Pot Recipes” includes four vegan recipes I created. These dishes are a few of my ‘go-to’ entrees when I want a warm homecooked lunch but don’t necessarily want to be stuck in the kitchen for over an hour making one.
Occasionally, the most effective way to reinforce positive eating habits is to do more with less. Simple and satisfying actually pair well in regard to food choices, especially at the end of a long week or during big life shifts such as moving, changing jobs or welcoming a new addition to the family. So next time you’re tempted to skip calculating exchanges and plan out meals (plus snacks) accordingly, try one of the healthy home chef hacks below.
- Have monthly—or weekly—themed days you know you’ll look forward to like Meatless Monday, Taco Tuesday and Weekend Brunch.
- Use the quick prep tools you have on hand—often. Instant Pots, rice cookers, sandwich makers and toaster ovens can be a tremendous help in regard to consistently getting dinner on the table in 25 minutes or less.
- Do a monthly meal exchange. For example, in a TOPS chapter that has six members (assuming everyone wanted to participate), each member would make six portions of a recipe they would like everyone else to try. Then bring them to the specified meeting date to swap. Which means each person would go home with six different dishes (including one of the meals she/he/they had originally prepared).
- Schedule when you’ll go to the grocery store…like an appointment. Scaling back unnecessary trips to the store means you’re less likely to come home with items you’re trying to limit consumption of. And a decrease in impulse buys has the added benefit of saving you money too.
Let me know any time-saving tricks that are having a positive impact on your wellbeing so far this year. Because part of what keeps a real community strong is helping each other grow—and succeed.
Hope you have a “wow” moment this Wednesday!
