Want a sure-fire way to improve your health in 2019?
Try making and eating more home-cooked meals.
It’s a habit you can develop this year, that will improve your health and save more money.
In fact, fact 2017 population-based cohort study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that increased frequency of home-cooked meals correlated with lower body fat (1).
But, it’s not easy.
One of the biggest deterrents to cooking at home is time. Most adults are very busy with0 schedules that leave little time for home-cooked meals.
Luckily, we have some tips that will help. Here are the Top 8 Time-Saving Dinner Tips. If you’re ready to make a few small changes, you can make more meals at home in 2019.
Top 8 Time-Saving Dinner Tips
1. Use a Slow Cooker
There’s something incredibly stress-relieving about getting dinner done before 10 am.
Sure, some slow cooker meals are time-consuming. But, many are not.
For example, a favorite roast recipe 1 beef or pork roast, 1 jar (12-16 oz.) of natural pepperoncini or banana peppers, and 5 minced garlic cloves in the slow cooker. Cook for 6-8 hours on low and enjoy a delicious tender Keto one Roast.
Or, simply cook a protein in broth with a bit of oil, and add a healthy sauce (see Tip #8) and vegetables on the side. Done and done.
2. Double Your Dinners and Freeze for Later
If you follow the advice above to use your slow cooker, you’ll often end up with extras. That’s great. Whether you use a slow cooker or not, go ahead and double that dinner. Most main courses freeze wonderfully.
If you can’t double the entire dinner, at least double the meat portion. Then freeze and all you’ve got to do is prepare sides the next time.
3. Treat Yourself to Rotisserie (All-Natural or Organic)
Much like doubling your meat, the reward here is having it ready to go for any dinner application. You may want to eat it as is with a Keto BBQ Sauce and a salad. Or, do something completely new with it like using it in this Delicious Chicken Avocado Soup.
Look for an “all-natural” or even organic rotisserie chicken at your store, seasoned with only with salt and pepper. Oftentimes, they cost less than you’d pay for the same meat uncooked.
4. Establish a Weeknight Dinner Routine
Like many areas of life, routines can save a lot of times n the kitchen. And although they will help you establish structure, they don’t have to be boring.
For example, try Asian on Monday, Shell-less Tacos on Tuesday, Slow Cooker Stew on Wednesdays, Rotisserie on Thursdays (time for a break), a Roast with leftovers on Friday, Out to eat on Saturday, and leftovers on Sunday.
5. Buy Pre-Washed Greens and Frozen Vegetables
Sometimes, you just need a few small changes or time-savers to help you meet your goals. Pre-washed greens are one such small help. They can help you get more greens on your plate.
Or, choose simple frozen vegetables. Make sure they don’t have any other unhealthy ingredients, just the vegetables. Then, steam or saute them, or use them in other recipes such as this delicious soup, Keto Zone Broccoli Pepper Soup. Of course, when you make a soup, don’t forget to double it.
6. Pre-Cooked, Peeled Hard-Boiled Eggs
This is for the egg lovers. There are now pre-cooked and peeled hard-boiled eggs at most grocers.
They are perfectly cooked. They keep in the fridge for 6 weeks if left unopened, or 1 week once the 6-egg pack is opened.
For a simple dinner, create an egg salad with hard-boiled eggs and Keto Mayo, and eat in lettuce leaves or as a side to another protein. Or, how about Keto Zone Deviled Eggs for dinner?
The best part? These time-saving eggs are preserved simply with oxygen packing and no other preservative.
7. Learn to Use a Pressure Cooker
If a slow cooker doesn’t work for you, but you still want the convenience, try a pressure cooker. The modern countertop electric pressure cookers are very easy to use. Or, you can use a stove top version.
Most meals, from preparation to serving can be made in 45 minutes. And of course, you can double and freeze most meals for the following week.
8. Find and Keep Delicious Keto Sauces
Keep favorite homemade dressings, condiments, and sauces on hand. Then, you can spruce up most any dinner protein and have a meal made quickly. Curry sauce, for example, can be made easily and quickly with Keto Zone sweeteners, spices, and coconut milk, and then saved for the next meal as well. Or, try this Keto Zone Spaghetti and Meat Sauce.
Bottom Line:
If you want to improve your health in 2019, make time for home-cooked dinners. If you need more time, try these Top 8 Time-Saving Dinner Tips. Small changes and a bit of preparation can add up and help you meet your nutrition and health goals this year!
