It’s 5 p.m., and the clock is ticking. You’ve just wrapped up a long day at work, and the only thing on your mind is getting home to a satisfying meal. But first, a pit stop for dog food adds an unexpected delay, and traffic creeps along at a snail’s pace. By the time you walk through your front door at 6 p.m., the dog needs attention, your work clothes are begging to be shed, and the realization hits—you’re hungry, and you need dinner pronto.
The usual suspects cross your mind—Dominos? McDonald’s? It’s a tempting thought, but you resist the urge. Instead, you open the fridge only to find a mishmash of ingredients that, in their current state, don’t quite constitute a meal.
But wait, you remind yourself, there’s always something to eat. The key lies in a little planning and preparation.
Step one: Protein. Always have a stash of pre-cooked lean ground beef, ground chicken, or a rotisserie chicken in the fridge. These versatile proteins can be the foundation for quick and delicious meals.
Step two: Produce prep. When you shop, take the time to cut up your peppers, onions, and other veggies. Wash and cut your fruit, so they’re ready to go when hunger strikes.
Step three: Freezer magic. Stock your freezer with a few frozen options that can be popped into the microwave for a speedy dinner.
Step four: Pantry essentials. Keep a selection of canned items in your cupboard—beans, corn, peas, tuna, canned chicken, and bone broth are excellent choices. Maintain a list of your go-to spices.
Maintain a repertoire of “pantry items,” as I like to call them. When you use some, replenish your stock during your next shopping trip. This ensures you always have options on hand.
A quick mix of ground beef with veggies and seasoning in a wrap becomes a 5-minute burrito. Sliced rotisserie chicken with lettuce and veggies transforms into a speedy salad fit for royalty. Chicken paired with canned green beans and a baked potato? A regal 5-minute meal.
Feeling really pressed for time? A frozen lean cuisine can be a fast, easy go-to while you take a well-deserved shower after work.
Take a moment to sit down and make a list of your preferred produce, protein sources, fruits, a few frozen dinners, and canned items like beans, corn, peas, tuna, canned chicken, and bone broth. Check your spice rack too.
With a well-stocked kitchen, you can’t go wrong. No matter how hectic your day, you have 5 minutes to make a meal, make a difference, and avoid the defeat of the fast-food temptation. With a little planning, dinner chaos becomes a thing of the past.