Cooking Shortcuts: 10 Time-Saving Tips for Spoonies

These shortcuts provide folks with chronic illness with practical strategies to overcome the challenges that cooking might pose. By simplifying the cooking process, making it possible for spoonies to continue enjoying homemade meals, maintain proper nutrition, and support our overall well-being while navigating the complexities of our health conditions. These kitchen shortcuts will help you save energy, reduce physical strain and aid in providing consistency in nutrition goals!

Prep in Batches:

Spend a little extra time on one day to prep ingredients in bulk. Chop vegetables, marinate proteins, and measure out spices for multiple meals. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer, ready to be used whenever you need them.

Use Store-Bought Shortcuts:

Don't shy away from using pre-cut vegetables, pre-cooked grains, or pre-marinated proteins. These store-bought shortcuts can significantly reduce prep time and still allow you to enjoy a homemade meal.

Embrace Frozen Fruits and Vegetables:

Frozen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh ones and often require less prep work. They're a great addition to smoothies, stir-fries, and soups. Plus, they have a longer shelf life, reducing waste.

Invest in Kitchen Gadgets:

Consider investing in time-saving kitchen gadgets like food processors, blenders, mandolines, and garlic presses. These tools can quickly handle tasks that might otherwise be time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Sheet Pan and One-Pot Meals:

Sheet pan and one-pot meals are a true blessing for busy cooks. Throw all your ingredients onto a single pan or pot, season, and roast or simmer. This not only saves time but also minimizes the number of dishes to clean.

Pre-Cooked Proteins:

Purchase pre-cooked proteins like rotisserie chicken or grilled tofu from your local deli or grocery store. These can be easily incorporated into salads, wraps, sandwiches, and more, cutting down on cooking and prep time.

Batch Cooking:

On days when you do have the time and energy, consider batch cooking. Prepare large quantities of a dish and freeze individual portions. This way, you'll have homemade "TV dinners" ready to go when you're short on time.

Make Use of Leftovers:

Transform leftovers into new meals. For example, leftover grilled chicken can be sliced and added to salads or turned into sandwiches. Roasted vegetables can become the star of a frittata or a wrap.

Quick-Cooking Grains:

Opt for quick-cooking grains like quinoa, couscous, or bulgur instead of traditional rice or pasta. These grains cook in a fraction of the time and can be used as a base for a variety of dishes.

Plan and Organize:

Create a weekly meal plan and organize your kitchen to make cooking efficient. Know what you'll be cooking each day and ensure you have the necessary ingredients on hand. This can prevent last-minute scrambles and multiple trips to the store.

Cooking shortcuts are all about finding ways to simplify your culinary journey without compromising your energy levels. By incorporating these time-saving tips into your routine, you can make cooking a stress and hopefully flare free experience. Whether it's prepping ingredients in batches, utilizing store-bought shortcuts, embracing frozen options, or making the most of kitchen gadgets, there are numerous ways to save time in the kitchen while still savoring delicious, home-cooked meals.