With many of us staying home due to COVID-19, now is your chance to practice healthy eating.
Sure, you may crave a bit of comfort food during these uncertain times, but maybe you can try to make it with a healthy twist (e.g., mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes).
Involve your spouse and kids as you try to make the best of this forced quality time. It helps to assign each person a responsibility. In this way, you’re not stuck planning and cooking every night.
Here are some ways to divvy up the chore of meal prep. Rotate responsibilities to keep it lively.
1- Assign someone to select recipes for the following night. Give some guidance such as the meal should include protein and vegetables. Depending on the skill level, either show them websites or have them choose from several recipes you’ve saved.
2- Assign the main chef and sous-chef. It makes sense to have the person who selected the recipe to participate in making the meal.
3- Assign someone to creatively set the table. Maybe use your fancy dishware or even your Christmas dishes. Another idea is to create a theme to complement the main course (e.g., Mexican, picnic, diner, etc.)
4- Assign someone clean-up duty.
When selecting recipes, focus on healthy meals. Here’s your chance to try some recipes you’ve been putting off.
If you’re able to go to the grocery store or order online, ask everyone to select their recipes at the beginning of the week. In this way, you can buy what you need for each meal.
You may have to substitute some ingredients if you don’t have them on hand or if they are not available to purchase.
It’s also a great way to try some kitchen gadgets you’ve purchased but didn’t have time to learn how to use (e.g., instant pot).
Dining-in every night may be new for your family. It can be a chore if only one person is responsible for everything.
Use this forced dining-in to practice healthy eating. It’s also a great way to share and introduce to your family the joys of cooking.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, RICP®, CRPC®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing spending plans, comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”
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