Published September 1, 2022

Juggling the demands of a busy life can come at the expense of eating well. Our dietitians and Publix Aprons^® chefs offer their top six tips for solving mealtime dilemmas.

1. Start with a well-stocked pantry.

Even the most basic meal preparation requires certain key ingredients, such as salt, pepper, cooking spray, oils with less saturated fat like olive or canola, and favorite spices and seasonings. Take inventory of your kitchen to see what staples you need to replenish, then store them in an easy-to-reach location. Look for BOGOs on these staples to ensure that you always have enough on hand.

2. Make a weekly menu and try to stick to it.

Sunday is a great day to start planning your meals for the week. You can go shopping, then do your cooking and meal prepping for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Do the same routine on Wednesday, but for Thursday, Friday, and weekend meal prep. Club Publix, our free loyalty program, has tools to help you stay on track. Sign up to get emails about when your favorite meal prepping items go on sale. Terms and conditions apply.

3. Get the right gear.

Pick up the right tools to make meals more convenient. We carry several appliances to make mealtime prep easier.

• Slow cookers allow for one-step preparation because you can place all the ingredients in it, which saves preparation time and cuts down on cleanup. And a slow cooker liner makes it even easier to clean up. Try these Better Choice slow cooker recipes.
• An air fryer is a compact version of a convection oven and can fit on a countertop. It allows you to cook foods quickly and evenly in less time than a traditional oven or toaster oven. Some air fryers are multifunctional, adding options like a toaster as well. Try Publix Aprons Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken with Fried Rice for a quick weeknight meal.
• A programmable multicooker does everything from slow cooking to yogurt making. This modern day plug-in pressure cooker is a go-to for anyone looking to whip up a quick dinner or do some batch cooking on the weekends.

4. Batch cook.

Batch cooking can help you get a head start to a busy week. Plan ahead by grilling or baking proteins such as chicken breasts or salmon. Prepare sides such as roasted vegetables, or grains such as brown rice, quinoa, or farro. When making our Ancho Turkey and Farro Chili, make extra farro. Place cooled leftovers into airtight containers. Store in the freezer for 30–60 days. Meals come together quickly when you have some foods prepared in advance.

5. Reinvent leftovers.

Sometimes leftovers get packed up just to sit in the fridge for a few days before getting thrown away. You might not want to eat the same meal multiple nights a week, so think about different ways to serve leftovers. Try our Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken with Fried Rice as a meal one night. The next night, add the leftovers to an Asian-style salad kit. Or chop it up and add it to a lettuce cup.

Another good idea is to stretch a roasted chicken over a couple meals. Have it with brown rice and a side of vegetables one night. The leftovers could be used in sandwiches, salads, or even shredded and added to soups.

6. Open a package of convenience.

Convenience items can help you get dinner on the table. Try these time-savers:

• Microwaveable frozen vegetables, quinoa, brown rice, and carb alternatives (cauliflower rice and vegetable zoodles) are quick sides.
• Frozen fruit can be blended into a smoothie for a quick, on-the-go breakfast.
• Canned beans are a versatile addition to many meals including soups, stews, salads, casseroles, and more. Look for Better Choice shelf tags for options with less sodium, or just rinse canned vegetables that have salt in them before using.
• Diced and prepared veggies add time-saving convenience to recipes.
• If your recipe calls for fresh herbs, use lightly dried herbs and herb pastes. They have a longer shelf life, and it saves time chopping.

For the love of you.

Choosing how you eat is uniquely personal. It’s about your needs, your preferences, and your goals. As your wellness ally, we’re in your corner with fresh ideas, recipes, and wellness icons that make it easier to shift toward wiser food choices. It’s all about you, at your very best.