Preparing healthy foods sounds like an insurmountable challenge, especially if one is entirely new in the cooking realm. Cooking fresh meals is essential if one is attempting to get in physical shape, maintain health, or even as part of an eating disorder treatment. Eating disorders can cause a situation where one is either eating too little or eat in excess, and learn how to prepare healthy foods is a way to maintain an adequate diet, whether there is or isn't a medical plan involved. Here are five tips to prepare fresh food recipes fast.
1. Cut Vegetables in Advance
Many vegetables can be cut in advance, like zucchini, squash, peppers, and onions. Once cut, they are best when covered with a slightly wet paper towel. Pick a day, preferably Sunday, to cut vegetables in advance can reduce preparation time throughout the week in half.
2. Put That Slow Cooker to Good Use
Slow cookers are usually found beneath kitchen sinks or hidden away somewhere in a cabinet. They are amazing to lessen time in the kitchen. Typically, an all-day low-setting can be set to cook food for eight hours. A high setting creates a healthy meal in 4-5 hours. You can find healthy recipes with proper research, depending on what kind of diet one is following for beneficial health.
3. Use Olive Oil to Freeze Herbs in Advance
Many herbs freeze very well in olive oil. Ice cube trays work best for this. Best herbs to use are mint, cilantro, sage, parsley and rosemary leaves. Whole stems that can be frozen are tarragon and thyme. The ice cubes can then be transitioned over to a Ziploc bag for easy future access. You can also freeze herbs in water. Oil-based pesto, with basil, can even be frozen for long-term storage.
4. Prepare Freezable Meals in Advance
Many websites and stores sell lovely bento boxes that have compartments. One can make their own 'frozen meal' by making a large batch of food in advance on a Sunday, and then place equal food portions. It's essential to research the foods in advance to make sure that they are freezable. Some foods do not retain a great consistency when thawed. Find microwavable, highly-rated bento boxes that have a secure seal and are dishwasher safe.
5. Use Mason Jars
Mason jars are great for preparing salads, oatmeal breakfasts, and soups. There are several layering methods for salads, and several ingredients can be used to create themed salads, such as a Greek salad or oriental salad. You can leave oatmeal out overnight to soften it and then mix it with berries, peanut butter, and chia seeds. Soups can be placed in there and left for several days in the refrigerator, to be ingested cold or warm.
Ultimately, healthy eating can be an accomplished goal with a bit of careful planning. Planning and using specific tools can cut down prep-time in the kitchen, and it can also increase motivation when it comes to eating healthfully. Having an easily accessible mason jar salad instead of stopping by the closest fast food store can be a small change that leaves a lasting impact on one's fitness and health goals.