Spring Shortcuts to Eating Healthy

Spring is a busy time of year for many parents.  Children are enjoying the extra daylight hours and many activities begin that take time in the evenings.  It can be hard to find time to make healthy meals.  Don't worry -- we can help!  Try these tips to make healthy meals easier this spring.

1. Plan ahead.  Set aside an hour or two to plan meals for the week.  Create a grocery list from the meals that you are going to make.  If you have more time on a weekend, you can prepare some of the food ahead of time so that you just have to re-heat on a busy night.
2. Keep it simple.  Plan meals that do not take a lot of time to make or do not need a lot of ingredients.  For example, a meal can be a meat, a fruit, and a veggie.  Using beans also provides protein and takes less time to prepare.
3. Use shortcuts to save time.  Stock up on canned and frozen vegetables that are quick and easy to prepare in a short amount of time.  Veggie can be heated quickly.
4. Cook once, eat twice.  When you do have time to cook, try making extra food that you can eat later on in the week.  For example, if the recipes makes 2 servings, double the recipe to make 4 servings and save for dinner another night.  You can freeze it, too.
5. Snack healthy.  Place veggies like celery and carrots or fruits like grapes and orange slices in plastic baggies to take with you when you are running errands.  These snacks are healthy and will help keep you full until you can eat at home instead of spending money eating fast food.

What are your favorite ways to continue to eat healthy with your busy schedule?