When you are helping someone, gifting them food is a natural response. Treats and comfort food can add to the mental and physical healing of those who are going through pain. However, needs differ when you realize someone is unable to prepare regular everyday meals. If you need to take one weekly meal prep for your loved one, here’s how to break it down into a manageable system.
Locally, there are many places where you can order or pick up meals (find ideas at TodaysTranstionsNow.com).
*Don’t worry so much about offering variety; these meals offer nutritional balance, and they’re tasty and easy to eat.
*Make sure the food is in individual servings versus dropping off a large casserole. A large amount of food can be overwhelming and can lose its appeal after a few meals of it.
*You can make several meals at a time and then deliver them once or twice a week to your loved one.
Step 1: Find the right containers. You want the food to be in individual portions and look appetizing. And, it should be able to be microwaved and run through the dishwasher.
Step 2: Decide on some basic food items and do the grocery shopping. We are introducing you to three meals that taste great with some seasonings.
Meal 1
Chicken breast (3-4 oz per meal), sweet potatoes (½ medium-size potato per meal), zucchini (½ medium-size per meal), red peppers (⅓ per meal)
Meal 2
Chicken breast, fresh (3-4 oz per meal), Brown rice (½-¾ cup per meal), Broccoli (1 cup per meal)
Meal 3
Ground beef (3-4 oz per meal), Red pepper (⅓ per meal), Frozen Green beans (1 cup per meal)
Step 3: Prepare the food all at one time — for your loved one and maybe some for your own weekly meals.
Chicken — Sprinkle with your desired seasonings. We really liked it sprinkled with Kosher salt, pepper and a squeeze of a lemon. Another good one is Trader Joe’s Everyday Seasoning (which is good on everything!). But you can use any seasonings. Bake for 30 minutes (until juices flow clear).
Beef — Crumble and fry hamburger until done.
Bake or microwave sweet potatoes, and cut into rounds.
Cook rice according to directions.
Dice red peppers into small pieces.
Cut up zucchini or spiralize for an even prettier look.
Microwave or steam green beans.
Microwave or steam broccoli.
Step 4: Measure out food into individual containers. Refrigerate and deliver to your loved one. The food should be eaten within the week. Or freeze the meals. You can add salt or butter to additionally season the food or even a sweet treat or two for desserts for the week — grapes or cut-up fruit work well, too.
By Anita Oldham
P.S. You may also enjoy this nutritious and easy to make side dish.
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