Preparing foods from scratch allows us to better control what we
are eating. By staying closer to food's
original form we maintain better nutrition and overall heath. Processed foods tend to be higher in sugars,
salt, fats, calories and preservatives. In
choosing to prepare our own food we consume far less of the things that
adversely affect our health.
I purchase the best quality ingredients I can easily afford to
prepare our foods. Because time is
always an issue I look for shortcuts in my preparation.
Use a bread machine to mix
up bread and pizza dough
Make items in larger
quantities
Schedule investment cooking
time
Use a slow cooker
Simplify recipes and meal plans
Eat more foods as they are
- fresh fruit, raw vegetables, green salads, nuts, etc.
There are several items I routinely prepare from scratch and use
on a regular basis:
Fresh breads, rolls,
biscuits, cornbread, pizza dough, bread sticks
Pancakes, crepes, waffles
Pancake syrups, jams,
jellies
Salad dressings, fry sauce,
tarter sauce, dips, sauces
Soups, broths
Rice, rice pilaf
Macaroni salad, potato
salad, pasta salad
Surprisingly it takes very little extra time to make you food from
scratch. In less time than it takes to
order take out and wait for delivery one can easily prepare a fresh delicious healthy
meal.
Rather than head to the store deli or drive thru on the way home
from work head straight home, defrost some chicken breasts or lean beef in the
microwave while you prepare a nice salad.
By the time the salad is finished your meat will be thawed and ready to
cook and season. While your meat cooks
you have time to make a nice dressing and slice up some fresh bread.
On the weekends make it a routine to schedule a little time for
food preparation. Bake some bread, make
some yogurt or a nice dessert. Put dried
beans in your slow cooker. Once tender
divide them into freezer containers.
Whenever you need a can of beans you can easily pull one of these
containers out and quickly thaw in the microwave or add directly to your recipe.
Investing a little time and effort in preparing your foods will
definitely pay off in the long run.
You'll know what you are eating, you will find healthier ways to eat and
you'll probably save some money too.
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