Getting the job done
Our brains love to look at things in black in white. To make things simpler. Less stressful. So, if we don’t have the time or energy to make a fabulous dinner, we decide that a drive-thru or delivery is the way to go. And that’s faster… right? Nope.
In reality, you can whip up a simple, nutritious meal faster than DoorDash drops off your not-quite-correct order and charges you a big, fat fee.
I call it Getting the Job Done.
On one recent night, I realized I didn’t have the spices required for a new steak and broccoli recipe. (If I’m honest, I didn’t have the brain power – spices or not – to make a new recipe after a long day.)
So I pivoted to a simple stir-fry with most of the same ingredients and a dash of this and that. Dinner was ready in 25 minutes. I got the job done.
And guess what? This stir-fry was tasty! Plus I spent less money using higher-quality ingredients than what most restaurants offer.
The key takeaway: Nutrition does not need to be fancy or culinary or trendy to do good by your health and your taste buds.
In my work with clients, we talk a lot about getting the job done. I’ll help you find solutions to logistical challenges like busy work schedules, kids’ activities and travel. Some of you are deterred by cooking for 1 or 2 (food waste) and others by cooking for 4+ (trying to please everyone). We all have reasons that meal prep seems really hard.
Below are some tips from my menu planning workshop to help you get the job done:
1. Plan dinners before the work week. Slot easier & faster dinners on nights when you’ll be short on time or get home late. If menu planning sounds akin to walking through mud, I feel you. But I promise, it saves time later and truly reduces stress!
2. Keep individual portions of proteins in the freezer (i.e. chicken, salmon, burgers) or cabinet (i.e. canned salmon, chicken, beans). You can whip any of these into a meal in under 30 min. Add in some salad greens or steam a vegetable. Voila, dinner.
3. Double up on Sunday dinners, like this chicken curry. Freeze leftovers in freezer-safe mason jars, then enjoy a home-cooked meal later with zero effort!
4. Embrace the Grab & Go concept: Stock your fridge with bite-sized and other easy whole foods. Then combine proteins, fats and carbs for a balanced meal. Examples: boiled eggs, canned salmon, walnuts, berries, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, mini peppers and carrot strips. This works for any meal.
5. Meatballs! Like these. Make 2 pounds of meatballs when you have time, then freeze them. Because meatballs are small, they defrost quickly. Have teenagers with evening activities? Embarrass them by sending them with 3-4 (or 8?) meatballs. Works like a charm… and they don’t come home (as) hungry.
