Stocking Your Shelves for Healthy Meal Prep ... What does Lynnie think?
Stocking Your Shelves for Healthy Meal Prep…
What does Lynnie think?
In this world of isolation, many are wondering … What should I buy or stock in my house to cook for your family? Check here for a few tips from Lynnie & what she might keep hand. Should help make about 2+ weeks of meals for a family of 4… Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner!
Many followers have asked me what they should be keeping on hand in their homes to cook. Many of you don’t cook at all and eat our often and restaurants are closed making this more difficult. Many of the foods I list below may not fit into many “super” healthy meal plans, but will provide your family with the nutrients they need during these “isolated” weeks. Perhaps you can be creative with what you purchase too! Before shopping, CHECK what you ALREADY HAVE ON HAND & USE THEM FIRST!! Many stores are struggling to keep food on hand for ALL. Please reduce the urge to hoard tremendous amounts of food that you can not use too.
Meat and protein rich foods can be purchased fresh, dried or frozen. Please remember to store them properly to reduce spoilage. If not using fresh meats within a few days… Freeze them for later use!
Ground beef - 2 pounds, Frozen Ground turkey - 2, Whole Chicken or package of pieces, Arm or chuck roast, Eggs - 2 dozen, Deli ham or turkey, Bacon, regular or turkey, Canned tuna - 2 cans, Canned Chicken - 2 cans, Dried Beans or Peas - 2 pounds
Milk and milk products …are perishable so need to be kept refrigerated!
Liquid Milk or Non fat dry milk powder, Grated cheeses, mozzarella & cheddar ~2-3 pkgs, Velveeta Cheese, 5 pound block, Butter - 2 pounds, Greek yogurt for sour cream replacement & baking.
Canned goods…
Yes… this is my cupboard & I do have more than most when it comes to canned goods/ staples. I have always been the cook with a variety of foods, as I never know what I will feel like cooking. Many times I create a meal looking at what I have on hand… or create something new. Here are some of the basics that will help you create balanced meals. Many recipes are found on my website or PInetrest page… Lynnies’ Kitchen! Check them out.
Canned tomatoes, whole or diced - 3 cans, Canned tomato sauce - 2 cans, Tomato paste - 2 cans, Pasta sauce - 2 jars, Canned beans, 3-4 assorted varieties, Canned baked beans, 2 cans, Canned vegetables… Corn, green beans or your favorites, 3-4 cans.
Staples:
Flour, sugar, salt, baking powder or soda, oatmeal & low sugar cereals, Peanut butter & jelly, Pasta and noodles, 2-3 kinds like spaghetti, macaroni, mostacolli, Crackers, Like saltines or Ritz, Canned shortening for baking, Rice, seasoning packets or spices (for chili, pot roast & spaghetti sauce) and soup base or bouillon.
Produce:
Produce is one category difficult to store for long periods of time. Rule of thumb I use is two pieces of fruit per day/ person. If you buy it, think of foods you like and then use them in soups or cooked dishes if they look less fresh by the expiration date. Produce doesn’t magically rot after the expiration date… so use common sense and don’t throw it out carelessly.
The produce I always keep on hand for recipes and soups are: Carrots, onions, celery, garlic, potatoes, apples, 2 types of fresh veggies (like broccoli, spinach or squash), bananas (if they brown make banana bread or cookies)
Desserts & Sweets:
I usually keep a few packages of chips on hand for cookies. Also, a cake mix or pudding for easy treats. Muffins, cookies, breads, cereal, make great snacks too!!
Hopefully… this gives you a clue as to what to do… or a start! Thanks to all my followers and perhaps those that will start to check out the recipes and fun @Lynnies’ Kitchen! Many recipes are adjustable and economical for your family! Take time to learn a bit about cooking and who knows… Maybe you will LOVE it! Enjoy!!