Meal Fatigue is Real

5 solutions here! 

Too busy or stressed to get a home cooked meal on the table?  You’re not alone.  In fact, during the pandemic, one in five parents reported feeling the same way!  And there’s no sign things will slow down as we move into holiday season.

The key to success is to go basic.  Have a protein, vegetable, and starch option available to get a balanced meal on the table quickly.  Proteins can be as simple as grilled chicken, steamed shrimp, or even scrambled eggs.  Handy starches include 90-second rice, baked sweet potato or pasta of your choice while produce can take the form of steamed asparagus, quick microwaved broccoli or even cauliflower rice!

Instead of leaning on fast food to help fill in the dinnertime gap, consider these 5-ingredients (or less) meal suggestions:

1.     Black Bean and Plantain Chili:  Slice yellow-green plantains and sauté with avocado oil.  Add 1 can of drained, black beans and fire roasted tomatoes.  Bring up to a boil and then down to a simmer for 30-45 minutes until plantains are soft and cooked through.

2.     Slow Cooker Pineapple Shrimp:  Core and cube one fresh pineapple.  Add pineapple with 1 pound of shrimp and 1 jar of salsa to slow cooker.  Cook on low for 2-4 hours until shrimp is cooked through. Serve over rice of choice

3.     Flat Bread Pizza:  These four ingredients are magic when layered and toasted until heated through in the oven!  Hands down a family favorite! And remember, it’s OK to swap spinach for your family’s favorite fruit or vegetable. 

4.     Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes:  Cook lean ground turkey with taco seasoning and stock, then stuff into a cooked sweet potato.  Top with your taco night favorites including shredded lettuce, tomato, cheese, and beans!

5.     Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice: Can dress up any meal.  Rice or finely chop the cauliflower, then sauté ingredients together until warmed through and serve alongside chicken, shrimp or salmon! 

Published October 1, 2023