Plan Menus By Produce

Here is a new way to plan your meals on the go. Start in the produce section and plan meals based on what you see that looks good and is a good price. Base meals more around fruits and vegetables rather than meat. If you think of 5-6 good dinners and make a few in quantity for “planned overs” you will usually have enough food to get through a week. Your wallet, waistline and heart will thank you!Here are some fresh ideas for meals:

  • Pasta with fresh broiled vegetables in season. Toss pasta and broiled veggies with herbs, broth and a little oil.
  • Find a green veggie to go with baked fish and rice - usually zucchini or green beans
  • Vegetable to go with chicken or turkey breast - usually broccoli or zucchini or green beans in a steam bag; can also be winter squash or spaghetti squash
  • Ingredients for salsa that can be used to make burritos, tacos, fish, chicken as well as a tasty vegetable-consumption-boosting dip for veggies and tortilla chips.
  • Stir fry veggies - consider carrots, mushrooms, spinach or peppers and these can be used for salads and other dishes, too. A stir fry is a great way to use up a lot of leftover veggies at the end of the week, too.
  • Salad
  • Fruit for breakfast, snacks and desserts
  • Cabbage for slaw - and it doubles as a great stir fry ingredient, too.
  • Seasonal produce for risotto - risotto is a creamy rice dish made with arborio rice, found in most grocery stores. Arborio rice is a short-grain rice that is very inexpensive and it is easy to cook, too! Use 3 cups water to 1 cup rice and add vegetables and seasonings half way through cooking. Stir well to make creamy and serve hot.
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Stephanie Ronco

Stephanie Ronco has been editing for Food and Health Communications since 2011. She graduated from Colorado College magna cum laude with distinction in Comparative Literature. She was elected a member of Phi Beta Kappa in 2008.

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