By Taylor Sutton, MS, RD
United Supermarkets’ Lifestyle Desk
We’ve heard it over and over from people regardless of their circumstances — the fight to get some semblance of a nutritious dinner on the table in a pinch can be a challenge. Especially when you consider all of the factors that can come into play before the 5-7 p.m. dinner rush. Sometimes, people need meal solutions that save time. Others may need meals that are budget friendly. Everyone has different priorities when it comes to food. But, no matter what your priorities are, it helps to have a plan.
Here’s a few questions to ask yourself in order to plan better:
1. What nights am I really in a bind?
2. Can I do anything ahead of time to be better prepared?
3. Is my fridge well stocked with condiments to make any flavor profile meal I’m feeling?
4. Do I have an easy pantry or freezer staple in place as a backup?
With those questions in mind, here are some of our favorite things we grab when we are in a pinch for time be it a quick trip from the office or a quick in-and out before dashing home to prepare everything:
1. Rotisserie Chicken or Ready Meals Pulled or Grilled Chicken
2. ReadyMeals
3. Salad Kits
4. Frozen Vegetables
5. Canned Beans
6. 60 Second Pasta or Rice packages
7. Jarred Pasta Sauce
8. Hard Boiled Eggs
9. Steamed Shrimp at the Meat and Seafood Counter
10. Canned or Packaged Fish
All of these options are versatile, taking you throughout your day in a flash. Sometimes elaborate meals are nice, but not on the agenda. Taking the time to plan or think out your meal options will save you from making the choice between eating nutritious meals or not. For a quick and delicious meal solution, make sure to check out the orange chicken salad below. It’s quick to prepare and parts of it can even be prepared ahead of time. Enjoy!
Orange Chicken Salad
What You Need
1/2 lb shredded Rotisserie Chicken
5 Celery stalks
4 Clementines
1/8 c. Walnuts
1 Lemon Greek Yogurt
1/2 pkg Chives
Salt and Pepper to taste
How It’s Made
1. Peel and chop clementines
2. Chop celery in half coins
3. Roughly chop walnuts
4. Roughly chop rotisserie chicken
5. Fold everything in together until everything is thoroughly combined
