by Sharnise Streaty

Created on: May 04, 2009   Last Updated: May 11, 2009

Today there is a struggle to be Emeril Lagasse's undiscovered protege or Ronald McDonald's devoted lackey. One takes years of training and the other gives you heartburn. What we'd all like is fall somewhere in the middle cooking meals from home that are both fast and healthy. How can we accomplish this happy medium in our crazy-paced world? Here are some tips:

1. Plan Your Meals
This takes time, but it's worth it. Pick one day out of the week when you've got 30 minutes. Sit down and write a list of meals you want for the next week. Get the whole family involved and let each person choose a meal to plan. Next, find out all the ingredients you'll need for each meal. Kids will have fun looking through the pantry and the refrigerator on a "supply scavenger hunt" to see what items you already have at home. Then make a list of what you need and take a trip to the grocery store. Not only will you not have to worry about rummaging through an empty kitchen for a last minute meal, but you'll stay within your budget when you know exactly what you need.

2. Cook Your Meat Now, Eat It Later
Preparing meat and poultry are the most time-consuming parts of a meal. So, why wait to cook a three hour roast in 40 minutes when the roast could be prepared the day (or week) before? Meat and poultry keep well frozen cooked for a couple months. You can cook the meat after bringing it home from the store or while preparing another meal. Season the meat or poultry for flavor. You can freeze it whole or cut it up into slices or cubes. Don't forget to label and date your freezer bags or containers. Take the frozen cooked meat out the night before or morning of so it'll be unthawed by the time you're ready to cook. If you make a last-minute meal switch or forgot to take the meat out, don't worry, the microwave has a defrost button.

3. Nothing Fishy About Fish
Fresh frozen fish like tilapia and salmon are low in cholesterol, rich in nutrients, like protein and omega-10, and full of flavor.

4. Frozen Veggies Are Vegetables Too
While fresh vegetables may be the best, frozen is just as healthy. Plus, the chopping and slicing are already done for you. It's a good idea to stock up on frozen chopped onions and peppers as these are great ways to add flavor and color to many meals.

5. In A Pinch
Casseroles, soups, stir-fries, and pastas can be thrown together fairly quickly. So, keep a stock of broths, assorted wheat pasta noodles, brown rice, cheese blocks, and ready-made pasta sauces. These go great with many combinations of meat, poultry, and vegetables.

6. Make Meal Time, Family Time
Not just the consumption part, the whole shebang. Kids can help prepare meals. Teenagers can have a day to cook. Hey, if they have time to eat, they have time to help. Not only does this teach them responsibility and life skills, but you get to spend more quality time with the ones you love the most.

And more family time is what homemade fast food is really all about.

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