Time-Saving Tips

Stocking your pantry with some convenient yet healthy ingredients is key for the busy family that only has a few minutes to put a meal together.

• Have pre-cut, pre-washed salad greens on hand. Salad can form the base for the whole meal or it can be a quick side dish. Be ready to break some rules when making a salad - just about anything goes! From nuts and seeds to cut up fresh or dried fruit.
• Whole grains provide fiber and minerals and they can be super easy to prepare. Instant brown rice cooks up in minutes. Quinoa and whole wheat couscous are also easy grains to prepare and cook in under 10 minutes. If you're making breakfast, oatmeal is a whole grain that is quick to prepare and enjoyed by most.
• Look for whole grain or partially whole grain pastas and bread dough and keep them on hand for quick meals. Simple load them up with fresh or leftover vegetables with some shredded cheese. Dinner is on the table in minutes. Add a tossed salad and you've got a balanced meal!
• Keep some long-lasting vegetables available - like frozen of canned vegetables as well as some fresh vegetables that last a long time, like potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, and carrots.
• Having canned beans and vegetables on hand will come in hand to make a one pot meal like soup or chili.
• Make the most of the your leftovers! Add cooked leftover vegetables to soups or casseroles.