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Easier Evening Meals
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At the end of a busy day you get home to empty cupboards, hungry
families, no energy and you're starving - it's too easy to make bad
decisions on what to eat; takeaways and fast food seem an easy option.
Evening meals can be healthy and appetizing for all the family and
don't need to take up all your evening to prepare.
Plan Your Menu
The key to healthy evening meals is a little pre-planning. Make a
rough list of meal ideas for the week. The tips below will guide you
towards healthy eating choices. Take your list with you when you go
shopping - and ensure you have all the necessary ingredients to hand.
Make It Enjoyable
Use preparing your evening meal as a time to unwind; cook and relax
at your own pace. Now you're organised, you'll find cooking is no
longer a chore. Why not use the opportunity to get the family involved
- assign the smaller tasks like setting the table, pouring the drinks,
stirring the pan - and enjoy a new feeling of calm!
Add Variety
Plan a variety of different main meals using lean meats; skinless
chicken or turkey breast; oily fish - such as tuna, mackerel, salmon;
and vegetarian substitutes. Try some different side dishes such as
rice, pasta, cous cous, jacket potato, bread or salad. And aim to eat
different vegetables with each dinner.
Try Different Cooking Methods
- Get into the habit of grilling, poaching, steaming or baking
foods.
- Try steaming or stir frying your vegetables to retain
nutrients.
- Use oil sprays or olive oil to cook with.
- Drain off any excess fat. Fat will rise to the top of dishes and
can be removed.
- Use lower fat / lower calorie alternatives in recipes - see 10
ways to reduce fat
Find New Flavours
Fat can add flavour to foods. Experiment with different herbs,
spices and condiments to find new flavours and tastes.
Use Your Freezer
When you have time, double the recipe so you have enough to freeze
for another day, when time is short. Casseroles, stews, soups can all
be frozen for another day.
Delicious dinners are possible - low in fat and sugar - open up the
doors to discover new ways of cooking and new recipes to keep your
weight loss goal on track.
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