(10/2018) Sometimes deciding what to have for dinner is harder than actually fixing the meal. Forgetting to get the meat out of the freezer can add time to getting the meal on the table and we are all busy at the end of the day. Preparing meals on the weekend or a night that you have extra time may help you stick to your healthy eating plan and help ease the stress of making a good healthy meal on a weeknight. Preparing the meat and even vegetables on the grill will add flavor and save time by fixing several different kinds at one time and portioning them out for several meals during the week. Having the meals in containers will make it easier to make healthy choices when you really don't feel like cooking dinner. You can pop them into the microwave or the oven and have dinner in no time.

Bagging veggies or fruit ahead of time will also save your healthy eating plan. Having portioned sized bags in the frig will make it easy to grab them on your way out the door to the kids sports practice or game. This way you will not be as tempted to get a snack from the concession stand.

Mornings are a busy time for everyone trying to get out the door on time. Snacks are important to control blood sugar, keep up energy and keep us from eating sugary things that we should avoid. A bag for your favorite fruit or veggies will be just the thing to get you through the afternoon craving and not add inches to your waistline.

I enjoy cooking but sometimes I just want a good meal but don't really feel like fixing it. I prepare what I can and put it in the freezer so it is ready on those busy or just lazy nights. I know garden season is getting over for this year but there are still some cold weather veggies that you could fix in your favorite recipes and put in the freezer. Fresh vegetables are great to use but you can also use frozen ones. Just prepare and cook the meal as you normally would, portion out in containers and freeze. The meal will only need heated up and you are ready to go.

Portioning out all kinds of snacks is a convenient way to help you make healthy choices and saves time in the long run. Look for one day a week when you can cook, bake or put together meals and snacks. It may take you a few hours that day but you will see how much time it saves during the busy week ahead.

I'm always looking for good recipes that I can try and new ways to prepare meals. Today there are so many ideas on social media. Sharing what you like is a good way to get together with family and friends. Maybe cooking together while sharing your ideas would be a good way to connect with the people you would like to spend time with. Have a cooking party once a month and discover new recipes while sharing important quality time with others may keep us closer to those we love.

Share your ideas with me and I will include them in future articles. You can contact me at 717-334-6009 with recipes or time saving ideas. Remember to Keep Moving!

If you have any questions or need help getting started, please call me 717-334-6009, or via e-mail at fitness@emmitsburg.net