We love to over complicate things when it comes to dinner time. Putting extra sauces and different items on the dinner plate may not only add to the rush and confusion of getting dinner on the table but can also add to our waistlines. That is why we should start to look to simplify dinner.
My Plate, which replaced the food guide pyramid, should not only be used as a tool to help teach children to eat right but can also serve as a guide for dinner time. Protein, vegetable and starch should all appear in some form for a healthy dinner but prepping and preparing doesn’t have to be as difficult as you think, especially for vegetables.
Life savers, such as fresh or even frozen vegetables are great to have on hand. For those that worry that frozen vegetables are not nutritious don’t fret, frozen vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh vegetables. Steam in a bag are great products that I always have on hand. Pop them in the microwave for 4 minutes and you have a fresh vegetable on your plate ready in minutes!
Roasted vegetables are also a great make ahead item. A large sheet pan is a must in my kitchen. On a night that is not too hectic I tend to roast a large pan of vegetables so I have enough for a few other meals during the week. Sprinkle some garlic, onion, powder, salt and pepper and this is another easy way to get you veggies on the dinner table.
Looking to simplify dinner, start with trying to focus on one area that may be problematic. Simplifying vegetables can be a great way to start. Steamed, roasted or sautéed are easy ways to get those greens on the plate and ensure your family is eating all the colors of the rainbow.
Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables
Vegetables of choice, I like to use peppers, onions, zucchini and eggplant.
- Place all vegetables cut lengthwise on a parchment line sheet pan
- Drizzle olive oil, and sprinkle salt, pepper and Garlic powder (add chili powder to spice it up!)
- Place in a 375 degree preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Enjoy!
Theresa Zangerle-McArtin is a New York State Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist with experience in helping individuals to focus on nutrition in an effort to improve their overall health. She specializes in food allergies, food intolerance, digestive disorders, and irritable bowel syndrome.
To schedule an appointment with Theresa, please call #845.471.9410