Give me more recipes please! There's not a day that goes by when someone in my house isn't asking me "what are we having for supper?" Sometimes it really tries my patience. So I'm always on the hunt for new ideas.
It can become quite a task coming up with something to cook that everyone in my household can agree on from meal to meal. It's best not to ask, just let it be a surprise.
The good news is...sitting down with your family for a nutritious meal isn't a dream. Our 10 Step Guide outlines the basic framework for healthy eating.
Step 1...Aim for a healthy weight. Consult your doctor to determine your healthy weight, and choose a lifestyle that combines sensible eating habits and physical activities.
Step 2...Be physically active each day. Spending less time in the kitchen frees up time for exercise. Plan quick & easy meals, look for recipes that can be prepared in minutes such as, no-cook meals, casseroles or slow-cooker suppers.
Step 3...Use the "Pyramid Guide" for your food choices. Build a healthy base by eating a variety of foods in the Food Guide Pyramid.
Step 4...Choose a variety of grains. Eating a variety of whole grains such as, whole wheat bread and oatmeal may help protect against heart disease, certain kinds of cancer and type 2 diabetes. If possible, six servings of whole grains per day.
Step 5...Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables. Try for at least 2 fruits and three vegetables per day.
Step 6...Keep food safe to eat. keep a clean cooking area and be cautious of cross-contamination when preparing meals. Especially raw meat and poultry. Please visit ...FDA Food Safety
Step 7...Choose a diet in low saturated fat and cholesterol. Solutions are lean cuts of beef, pork, fish and poultry.
Step 8...Moderate sugar in your diet. Sugar in itself is not bad but you may be missing important nutrients or getting more calories than you need. Satisfy your sweet desires with fruit and fruit juices and low-sugar desserts.
Step 9...Prepare food with less salt. The recommended intake of sodium is no more than 2,400 milligrams daily, about 1 teaspoon of salt per day.
Step 10...Drink alcoholic beverages in moderation. Enjoy your meals with a glass of wine. Your heart will thank you. A moderate intake of alcohol, especially wine, has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.
Plan Your Meals
Make out weekly menus so you know exactly what you're having each night. Refer to the food pyramid to assure your family is getting a balanced diet. This not only cuts down on the confusion of "what's for supper" but will save money at the grocery store vs day to day food buying.
Simplify
There's really no need to trouble over cooking 5-course meals. Look for recipes for single dish meals or simply serve one or two items, three at the most.
Image attribution: United States Department Of Agriculture
