Favorite Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks

Because life is busy for everyone, I often hear lack of time listed as a reason for not eating healthy.  To make that easier, I’m sharing some of my favorite time-saving meal prep tips as well as those from friends.

·         Write grocery list on back of an envelope and store coupons inside the envelope

·         Use online grocery shopping

·         Keep knives sharp to shorten prep

·         Substitute dry herbs for fresh to eliminate prepping or chopping them when time matters (1t. dry=1T. fresh)

·         Alphabetize spices so they are easier to find

·         Cook in mass quantities

·         Freeze leftovers

·         Use frozen fruits/veggies

·         Clean produce prior to placing in frig

·         Chop fruit and veggies and shred cheeses on the weekend to save meal prep time during the week

·         Purchase already cleaned and cut veggies from the grocery’s salad bar (once life returns to normal post-covid)

·         When using a recipe that calls for a sticky ingredient, spray measuring cup or spoon with nonstick cooking spray first to reduce messy clean-up

·         Use a potato masher to chop hamburger while browning

·         Microwave crunchy veggies to partially cook them prior to placing on the grill

·         Crock pot cooking for meat prep & prepare sides at meal time; crock pot cooking for meats in mass quantities & freeze for later use

·         Use crock pot liners to speed clean-up

·         Use a pressure cooker

·         Use a Vitamix machine for pureeing EVERYTHING

·         Buy family packs of chicken & fish & break down into single servings, clean, season, & freeze

·         Freezer seal foods that may not normally be able to be frozen for later use

·         Ask butcher to bone and trim meats at time of purchase

·         Basically, PLAN, PLAN, PLAN AHEAD!