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If I Have to Hear "What's for Dinner?" One More Time.....

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Robinsbite: If I Have to Hear "What's for Dinner?" One More Time.....

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

If I Have to Hear "What's for Dinner?" One More Time.....

No, the title of this blog does not reflect my feelings whatsoever. I love cooking, I love giving people healthy and tasty food...okay, I admit it, every once in a blue moon, when I hear my husband ask that question, I cringe. My Mother, on the other hand, must have cringed nightly as my siblings, my Father and I could be pretty ornery when it came to meals. Maybe that is why we had a 7-day rotation for years on end....seriously. One night was steak, one night was tuna salad, one night chicken breasts with soy sauce, onions and mushrooms---I think you get my drift.

Most people tell me that while they have the will and the desire to eat healthyfully. the bottom line is that they are unprepared. What I like to recommend to people is to spend 15 minutes a week MEAL PLANNING. For some people, they would rather stick a nail in their eyeball. It's not that hard-I promise.

Tips for Meal Planning:
  • If you are a novice, just plan for 2-3 nights of the week to start. Don't overwhelm yourself.
  • Ask your family what they would like for dinner
  • Go to the grocery store and have pantry and refrigerated items on hand
  • Go to major food company websites such as Kellogg's, Tyson, Campbell's, Del Monte, etc and look for their recipes. These guys hire culinary and nutrition professionals to continually make your life easier by providing quick and easy meal plans (using their products, of course)
  • Consider commodity websites such as beef, chicken, eggs, strawberries, nuts, beans. etc. Again, they have wonderful recipes that have been created by professionals!
  • Check to see if your local grocery store website offers meal plans
  • Ask your co-workers, neighbors, friends and families what they are having for dinner--it gets hard to be creative sometimes, so borrow from someone else!
  • Google it! Type in "What's For Dinner" and you'll be amazed at what comes up!
I thought I'd get a read on what my Facebook friends were thinking about for dinner one night. So, I typed in the following status: Okay, what's for dinner tonight? You cooking? Buying? Delivery? Leftovers? Semi-homemade? Let's hear it...

Here are the responses I received..and might I say that I am quite impressed!

  • Chicken a la can can (Chicken with a can of this, a can of that and one more can of this)
  • Valentine's Day Goodies (she had a meeting at dinner time and this was all they had!)
  • Homemade Turkey Pot Pie
  • Beef, Beer and Barley Stew
  • Tacos al Carbon
  • Jambalaya-mix with Luzianne with added chicken and sausage
  • Honey Soy Glazed Salmon with Parmesan Basil Risotto
  • Sauteed spinach, garlic, steamed artichokes with Mushroom Ravioli with Tri Tip Hunks
  • Smoked Sausage, Red Beans and Rice
  • Green Bean Casserole, Mac and Cheese, Brisket, Roasted Carrot, Red Wine and Beer
  • Quiche
  • Sesame-Ginger Chicken
  • Meatloaf
  • House Salad, Ginger Tenderloin, Merlot
  • Eye round roast in crockpot with potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms, celery, carrots, onions, and garlic. Romaine and onion salad and strawberries and kiwi with yogurt topping.
Pretty nice selection, don't you think? And keep in mind, very few of those who answered were dietitians. See, I knew you were thinking that!

Oh, what did I have? I made a quick turkey chili and poured it over a baked potato. Then used the leftover chili to make turkey sloppy joes (whole wheat bun, chili with some low fat cheese). Tomorrow I'll just eat it as good old chili.

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3 Comments:

Blogger changingweighs said...

I love your blog about "What's for dinner?" Great ideas to keep meals interesting and fun. Taking 15 minutes a week to plan meals is a excellent investment in your health and also gives you great piece of mind knowing that you do not have to rush out at the last minute and pick up food for dinner. There is something to be said for the benefits of a nice, homecooked meal, kind of sets the tone for a wonderful evening. Thanks for the reminder Robin.

February 16, 2010 at 7:09 AM  
Blogger Amy S. said...

Planning is definitely the key...and it really isn't that hard. Just like you said -- 15 minutes and a good list for the grocery and you are on your way. Personally, having a plan for dinner takes A LOT of stress off of me and it is a bonus if everyone likes what we are having....but that isn't always the case. So the PB & J is the prefered standby. Thanks for reminding us that What's For Dinner isn't really too hard of a question if you plan a little.

February 16, 2010 at 7:25 AM  
Blogger robinplotkin said...

Thanks for your comments!

March 1, 2010 at 2:04 PM  

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