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Spring Clean Your Cooking Routine
By Hescott Nutrition Services | posted in March, 2020 | Cooking Routine, Food Prepping, Healthy Living, Meal Planning, Seasonal Produce, Well-Stocked Pantry, Well-Planned Menu
March is here, is spring cleaning on your mind? Just like it's important to periodically deep clean and purge unneeded clutter around the house, it's helpful to reevaluate your meal planning, shopping and food prepping routine too. Here are a few simple steps for spring cleaning your cooking routine as we head into this new season.
Step 1: Take inventory of your pantry
It might sound scary, but now's the time to venture into the depths of the pantry to see exactly what you have, then strategize how to use it (or if needed, toss it!). Save money as you work through shelf-stable items before purchasing duplicates and remember to re-stock those healthy staples that make fast weeknight meals, like this sheet pan dinner a breeze. Some of my favorites are low-sodium canned chickpeas, coconut milk or coconut cream and nutrient-rich whole grains like quinoa.
Step 2: Embrace seasonal produce
One simple way to get out of a cooking rut is to switch up your go-to fruits and vegetables based on the season. Bonus: this also means fresher and less expensive finds! Try our simple grilled vegetables like grilled asparagus with lemon thyme dressing (add link to recipe) for a simple spring side dish that will get rave reviews. I also love salads with seasonal fruits and vegetables like the dream greens salad featuring strawberries and radishes which are back in the spring.
Step 3: Find a meal planning method that works
Remember that meal planning is key to staying on track with healthy living goals so if your current setup isn't working, it might be time to switch gears. Make it a goal to find an approach that feels doable - and more importantly, sustainable - in the long term. If this is something you struggle with, you might consider outsourcing it. Try out the meal planning program to save time so you can focus on improving your culinary skills and enjoying home-cooked meals over endless recipe searching.
By dedicating its time to freshen up your cooking routine, you can produce results that last. A simple, well-planned menu and well-stocked pantry will reduce your stress in the kitchen and limit the need for takeout. Set yourself up for success - which step will you tackle first?
