Food Prep Time
Prepping those meals for healthy eating can take some time. You need to know what you are making, get the ingredients, and make the food. It all takes time. In the long run, though, you are saving time
Prep Time Tips
- Unpack your Food Processor
Search your cabinets and dust off the food processor. You probably have one of these, and you may not realize that it can be used for more than making a smoothie for one of the kids. These newer models are big-time multitaskers! Many can slice, shred, chop, grind and puree. Grind a hunk of Parmesan, grate your veggies, all that can be done, as well as making homemade baby food, nut butter, hummus, guacamole, and nut milk. Some machines have the ability to be used as juicers, or they can knead doughs or mix cake batter. The food processors today have increased options and accessories, so use them to their full potential!
- Go Organic
Many dishes call for you to peel carrots which takes some time. There is no need to peel just because the recipes say to do that. Leaving the vegetable skins on gives you more fiber. Wash veggies thoroughly and stick them in the roasting pan or food processor. This is perfect with potatoes, sweet potatoes, and beets. They have thinner skin. Using organic vegetables is the best choice here.
- Saving Time
Instead of making white rice which can often take more than half an hour, how about cauliflower rice? Place cleaned cauliflower chunks in your food processor and pulse until broken down into rice-size pieces. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; add the cauliflower ‘rice,’ salt & pepper. Cover the skillet and cook until heated throughout, which usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff ‘rice’ with a fork. Tastes great and is so quick.
- Don’t Cook Just 1
When you cook be sure you make more for other meals. Never boil only two eggs, go for 6. Making a burger, go ahead and make 2 or 3. Doing a chicken breast, why not make 2? These extra servings will be tasty lunches or part of dinner the next day. Prep time is time well spent. That time sets you up to have smart choices to eat when you are in a hectic time crunch. Ready to get your food processor out and see what tricks it does?