Esther H.
Age 9
Magnetic Island State School, Australia
As the final days of 2020 come to a close, things are so different. Many of us have less income, more stress & challenges. Here are some ways you can come out on top with less.
Waste less and do more with what you have
Create a plan and scheme for every food item you bring home. How many ways can it be prepared? Leftover dense proteins can be the base for soups, stews, and broths. Whole grains can go from a hot cereal in the morning to a stirfry, pilaf, or added to that soup/stew or one-pot meal for lunch or dinner. Apples can be juiced, put into a smoothie, eaten raw, baked, or cooked with a hot cereal grain. Even the cores can be added to the broth/stock for the week. If you have access to a freezer, fruit that has not been eaten can be frozen for smoothies. You can scoop up the remains of that soup/stew or broth and freeze it instead of letting it go bad in the refrigerator. This can be the base for soup, sauces, or one-pot meals for another day. Not only will you save time & have great-tasting meals, you will also save money.
Eat nutrient-dense food selections at every opportunity
Skip the nutrient empty, calorie-dense selections, and go for what will give you the best and the most nutrients. Whether you are out doing a restaurant pick up or you are trying to figure out what to prepare in your own kitchen, think more nutrients. Slip nutrient upgrades into your meals for you and your family. Use quality saturated fats (unrefined olive oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, safflower oil, etc) to saute or air fry instead of refined oils to deep fry. Rotate whole grains to reduce the chances of hypersensitivities/allergic reactions. Cold-brew herbal tea preparations to be added to the sweet lemonade or tea you grabbed while you were out. Put a lot of vegetables in that one-pot meal. Boil your medicinal roots & barks to be added to your soup/stew broth for extra immunity. While you may be saving money with your fast food, affordable specials, it will cost you in the long run with poorer health. Invest now in future savings from making healthy choices. The returns are immeasurable.
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