A Healthy Dinner Fast

We all want to be healthy. Sure there are the few exceptions out there of people who really don't care about what they eat or what the status of their health is. The majority of us truly want to be healthy, but oftentimes get side tracked by convenience or a jam packed schedule. Cooking and eating healthy can be tough to maintain and if you don't put a little planning into it, can be quite expensive if you are constantly at the grocery store or picking up healthy options. If you do your best to plan ahead or keep certain staples in the house to help you create a healthy meal even in a time crunch, you can be a fast, efficient, and healthy chef for your family.

I'm a complete produce nut and am constantly stocking your fridge with all the fruits and vegetables I can get my hands on. When I'm in a time crunch or if something is out of season, I buy frozen or canned. Oftentimes they offer many of the same nutritional benefits, but can make the planning much easier. I do the same with chicken breasts--put them in individual baggies so that I can take them out and cook them quickly and easily. Look for sales on other items that can help in your healthy meal masterpiece as well such as whole wheat pasta, brown rice (instant cook is a real time saver), low sodium chicken broth, marinara sauce, salsa, low fat tortillas, and low fat cheese and sour cream.

Here are some low fat and super fast meal options if you are in a pinch but still want a nutritious meal for the family:

*Create a corn and chicken chili that's very easy. Pour two cans of low sodium chicken broth into a pot, add frozen green beans and corn (and whatever other veggies you like)--simmer together to begin cooking. Add in some rotisserie chicken (that you can pick up at any grocery store--this is a true time saver) that you've chopped up, and then add chopped onion, chili powder, and some salt and pepper to taste. This takes minimal time and allows you to serve a healthy and delicious soup to your family.

*Have a mexican fiesta. Sautee some ground beef (low fat), chicken, or turkey with chopped onion in a pan. Let the flavors really come together and add a little bit of low sodium taco seasoning for flavor. Chop up lettuce, tomato, olive, and cilantro to put out for a make your own taco bar. You can serve up low fat tortillas, and even low fat sour cream and cheese, a side of fat free refried beans are a perfect side for this feast. It's quicky and easy, and the whole family will love it!

*Create a pasta dish that's quick, yummy, and nutritious. Whole wheat pasta adds a punch to a traditional pasta dish. If you want to make your own tomato sauce or just use a jar of marinara, this not only is healthy but the perfect traditional sauce. To really up the nutritional value of your pasta dish, add in some chopped chicken (use rotisserie chicken if you're in a hurry) and chopped vegetables. Top with parmesan cheese, and you have a delicious and nutritious meal in a matter of minutes!

*Make your own hearty chili that takes little time or effort. Sautee some ground beef (lean) or turkey with onion, let the flavors blend together. Add in a couple of cans of chopped tomato, chili powder, any a little cayenne or crushed red pepper if you like it spicy. Let this simmer together and then when almost cooked well together and bubbling, add in some red kidney beans. This is easy and goes a long way, not to mention is low on fat and full of flavor.

Cooking a healthy and quick dinner neet not be a chore. You can create your own meal masterpieces in a hurry that will meet all of your family's nutritional needs.