You’ve likely never spent more time in your kitchen than you have over the past year — and let’s be honest, it’s exhausting. Paired with trying to manage the changes in our day-to-day lives while attempting to maintain some form of routine, it can be especially daunting to answer the age-old question of “what’s for dinner?”
Fortunately, it doesn’t always have to be so difficult. As we continue to juggle working from home along with the end of the school year and everything else we’ve got going on, here are some simple tips to help you get out of your rut and kick your kitchen fatigue.
Meal planning doesn’t have to be hard. Taking 30 minutes out of your day to plan meals for the week can take away a lot of the stress that comes with cooking. Start by looking at your local grocery flyer for cost-saving inspiration. If you need a few meal ideas, try using Pinterest to find creative recipes. Meal plans also don’t have to be written in stone — show yourself compassion and shift meals around depending on how you’re feeling. If you end up ordering in every now and again, don’t sweat it.
Bring the getaway to the dinner table. Dreaming of the perfect vacation? While you may not be able to board that flight, why not discover new flavors and get the whole family involved? Pick a destination and a traditional dish, add the ingredients to your shopping cart and enjoy food from different cultures as you learn something new.
Take your meal outside. Barbecue season is in full swing, so turn off the stove and get outside. Try a meatless Monday on the grill with grilled halloumi and veggie skewers. Or, marinate chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil and fresh rosemary and garlic and serve on a bed of grilled zucchini, eggplant and peppers.
Convenience isn’t a crime. Taking the easy way out can sometimes be seen as a failure, but with all the convenient, ready-to-go options available, it’s okay to lean into what works best for us. Pick up a ready-made rotisserie chicken to serve with a fresh summer salad or a meal kit to make weeknight dinners a breeze.
It’s okay to ask for help. If you’re not sure where to start, connect with a registered dietitian for some helpful tips and recipe ideas. Offering many ways to connect, you can try a free 15-minute initial nutrition consultation with a dietitian or check out a webinar with a variety of helpful topics. Learn more at loblaws.ca/dietitians.
— News Canada
