You should always have foods in your kitchen that you can use to make a quick snack or meal. Some foods can last in your freezer or in your pantry for months. Stock up, and you will always be prepared to feed your kids in a hurry or impress those unexpected guests.
Foods for the Freezer
If fresh vegetables and fruits are not available, frozen produce is your next best option. Produce is picked at its ripest moment and then rapidly frozen to retain as many nutrients as possible. Stock your freezer full of your favorite veggies such as broccoli, carrots and green beans. They can be quickly microwaved, and you will always have a healthy side dish with dinner. Keep a few bags of peaches or strawberries in there as well. Frozen fruit can be warmed and served over low-fat frozen yogurt for a quick dessert option.
Stock up on your favorite type of meat when it goes on sale. Store ground beef, chicken breasts and salmon in your freezer. Before you leave for work in the morning, put the meat you want to use for dinner in the refrigerator. It will be thawed and ready to use by the time you get home.
Foods for the Refrigerator
Cheese is a delicious addition to many meals. Keep a small selection of cheeses in your fridge, such as shredded Parmesan, cheddar and mozzarella. Low-fat yogurt comes in many varieties and can be enjoyed as a quick breakfast or blended with frozen fruit to make a smoothie. Purchase a dark green, leafy bagged lettuce mix. Salad is a healthy addition to any meal. Have tortillas in your fridge. You can use them to throw together a quick quesadilla or make a wrap for lunch.
Everything Your Pantry Needs
Keep a few cans of chickpeas in your pantry. You can blend chickpeas with olive oil, garlic and Parmesan cheese to make a quick hummus dip. Keep a few cans of vegetable stock, chicken stock and beef stock tucked away. Use the stock for added flavor when you steam vegetables or stew your favorite cut of beef.
Have a few bags of lentils on your shelves. In the morning, throw the lentils in a slow-cooker with beef stock, cubes of beef and chopped onions, carrots and celery. By the time you get home, you will have a hearty stew for dinner.
Oils, Nuts, Herbs and Spices
Keep a bottle of extra virgin olive oil in your cupboard. This oil is a good source of monounsaturated fat, important for heart health. Stock up on healthy nuts such as almonds, peanuts and walnuts. Nuts can be added to a salad or enjoyed as a quick snack.
Having the proper seasoning for food is essential to make it delicious. Purchase a spice rack that includes bottles already filled. Sprinkle dried rosemary or thyme on steamed veggies for added flavor. Spices, such as turmeric or cloves, are delicious in stews.
