Weekday Dinners that are Fast and Easy, those are my bywords. Weekday dinners means that I have to spend time in the Kitchen. I cook for one, so you already know that I have a love/hate relationship with the kitchen!
Fast and Easy Pre-Planning Hints
It takes a certain amount of pre-budgeting and pre-planning to pare down the amount of time I spend in the kitchen. I usually allocate one day to spend more time setting up for the rest of the week. Then, I use the microwave for all of my cooking. My goal is to have it fixed in 20 minutes or less. If I am lucky, there is a very simple recipe which can be thrown together quickly, then cooked in an oven, giving me several servings for the least amount of effort. (Meatloaf is one of those.) Remember, your fruits can give pizzazz to any meal.
Buying in bulk and the freezer are best buddies. I freeze items in the amount for 1 meal, meats usually. If I fix a salad, sometimes I double what I am fixing (taco, chicken or egg and diced lunch meat). Cut the prepared salad in half, throw it in a baggie and you have next day’s salad. You will eat all of it if you leave it on your plate (voice of experience!). Taco salad tastes better the next day.
Sometimes my breakfast is a hurried affair and is just a couple of those pastries from the toaster. Other times I relish the time I take to prepare toast, eggs and bacon. Notwithstanding, because my day is really topsy-turvy, I end up preparing what I would eat for lunch for my breakfast and vice-versa. That’s not a normal day for me!
Pre-Budgeting Hints
Pre-budgeting is looking at what is on sale, how many meals can you get out of “x” amount and how often you want to go to the store. I usually buy some deli type slices already pre-packaged and freeze a portion. I can buy both chicken and hamburger in two pounds or greater to freeze in individual bags at home. Spaghetti is a quick solution with three main ingredients: meat, sauce and pasta.
Watch the total amount spent, since it rises quickly when buying in bulk. I also dedicate an amount for my “goodies.” That’s the principal reason I serve my dessert at the same time as my meal. Then, I don’t feel cheated. Another way to conserve your money is to order “Direct to Consumer.” Sure, there are things you can order pre-made, but I do prefer my own cooking. Especially if I can order the best steaks.
Weekday Dinners Fast and Easy
My dinners usually end up being in the middle of the day. Today, the larger soup in a can (2 servings) serves me twice when added with a sandwich and chips (Low salt). Remember your dessert (maybe one of those individual pies in a box). The latest soup I tried was a Hearty: Baked potato with cheddar and bacon bits. Yes, heavy on sodium, so the salad had no extra salt, two green olives,1 oz. shredded Colby/jack cheese, 1 small tomato and 6 golden round crackers. Good thing I was going outside to work for a couple of hours. Obviously, when cooking for one, you have to watch how much salt and sugar you allow in your diet.
Celebrations Make Weekday Dinners Fast and Easy
When the holidays roll around, I really have to watch myself. It seems that my family fixes everything that I really enjoy, desserts included. My solution allows me to “pig out” for one day, then I decrease my intake the next seven days. Even so, I still include my chocolate dessert. I always look for any new gadgets that surface in my parents’ kitchen, too. They seem to know where to find them.
Therefore, if my scales show an increase of 5 lbs. (so easy), I know my main meal should consist of two of the three SSS’s. Really–soup, salad, sandwich. Also, I have learned over time that water helps me. My glass of water with every meal is a plus for my system. If I need to, I also add another glass of water in the evening.
Everyone goes home with leftovers and that allows me to stretch my food budget. It is so important to my budget, too. I may duplicate the holiday meal the next evening, but then I do a divide and conquer for the rest of the leftovers, allowing the idea of decreasing food intake to give me variety.
I use an egg omelet with cheese and meat as one way to extend the food. Another thing that I do is to use the idea of “pot pie” to mix meat, veggies and potatoes together. Instead of the pie shell, I usually give myself a slice of bread or a roll with butter. (I try to choose a smaller potato if I do this.)
So, What’s For Dinner?
Pre-planning daily, either the night before or in the morning works best for me. Organizing what I have usually gives me several choices, too. I find that I end up with variety and a wholesome meal. My system works for me. Spaghetti was my dinner today and I enjoyed the bread with butter and garlic. UUUmmmm. Meals do take time, but if you keep organized, you come out the winner.
Thank you for visiting Nola’s Global Skies!
Curiosity brought you here and there is always more to discover. Whether you are exploring health, travel, beauty, or building something new for yourself, this community grows with you. When you are ready to connect, Contact Us and let’s find out what is possible together. More is waiting inside when you are ready.