1. Introduction
It’s reassuring to be able to prepare a balanced meal even on days when you get home late. We’ll introduce methods for quickly planning meals by effectively using prepared foods in combination with home cooking. Let’s enjoy healthy meals even on busy days by creating simple yet satisfying dishes.
2. Practical Tips and Examples
- **”Use prepared dishes as main courses, quickly prepare side dishes and soup”**Using prepared dishes from supermarkets or convenience stores for main courses while quickly preparing side dishes and soup is an effective time-saving method. For example, combine prepared dishes like “grilled fish” or “fried chicken” with side dishes such as “broccoli salad” made with frozen vegetables or “cucumber and seaweed vinegar dish,” add instant miso soup, and you’ll have a balanced meal in no time. When using prepared dishes, keeping other dishes simple makes it easier to maintain balance.
- **”Keep a stock of pre-made side dishes”**Preparing several side dishes on the weekend helps achieve nutritional balance by simply combining them with prepared dishes on weekdays. For instance, having dishes like “spinach with sesame dressing,” “carrot marinade,” and “simmered hijiki seaweed” ready means you can quickly add side dishes to prepared meals for a more complete table. Having pre-made dishes gives you peace of mind knowing you can add an extra dish even on busy days.
- **”Add instant soups and rice using frozen and ready-made foods”**Frozen rice and ready-made soups are valuable items for busy days. For example, keeping frozen mixed grain rice and ready-made “minestrone” or “pork soup” on hand allows you to quickly add them to meals centered around prepared dishes. Creating harmony in your meals by matching miso soup with Japanese dishes and western-style soups with western dishes adds cohesion to your meals.
3. Important Points and Tips
When using prepared foods, it’s important to watch salt and fat intake and consider nutritional balance in your combinations. Balance high-fat prepared foods like fried dishes with light side dishes. Also, pair strongly seasoned prepared foods with mild soups to avoid overwhelming flavors. Since vegetables tend to be lacking, using frozen vegetables is an easy way to supplement them.
4. Summary and Next Steps
Even when you come home late, you can prepare balanced meals quickly by effectively using prepared foods. For your next shopping trip, stock up on frozen and ready-made foods, and prepare side dishes in advance to create satisfying meals even on busy days. Let speedy meal planning with prepared foods be your ally in supporting your busy lifestyle!
