The holiday season is a beautiful, bustling time filled with family, festivities, and, of course, food! With holiday trips, gift shopping, entertaining, and more on our plates, meal time doesn’t need to be complicated. It can be a challenge to keep weeknight dinners quick, nutritious, and immune-boosting, but with a little planning, you can enjoy balanced meals all season.
Pegs came up with the secret when she was raising her 4 girls, growing a business, and all the things life throws our way. Her secret was keeping things simple and efficient. Here are her five tips to help you streamline weeknight dinners using her “KIND” Method! This is something that Pegs elaborates on in her Damn Good Gluten Free Cookbook that has literally been a game changer for so many people who have her book or who’ve been a student in her classes.
OUT—are time consuming complicated recipes—IN are nourishing recipes taking less time. Making weeknight meals way more enJOYable and delicious!
The KIND Method for Easy, Healthy Dinners
KIND=Kitchen Improvements to Nourish Daily
- Know Your Meals Ahead of Time Planning makes everything easier, especially on busy weeknights. Sit down for 5–10 minutes each week to plan your meals. Keep things simple with a protein, one side, and a green salad. When you plan, you can stock up on fresh, seasonal nourishing foods and avoid the last-minute rush. Have fun and let everyone in the family pick a meal idea they love! Use Pegs themed weeknight meals to plan for well-rounded diverse menus.
- Invest in One Grocery Trip (and Make a List!) Shopping once a week with a solid list saves time, money, and hassle. List out all ingredients you’ll need for the week’s recipes. Prioritize whole foods, and check labels to avoid added sugars and unnecessary additives. Some convenient, high-quality pantry items to have on hand include canned wild salmon, beans, lentils, and organic sauces in jars. These basics will be the foundation of many fast, nutritious dinners.
- Nourishing Meals in Minutes Easy weeknight dinners don’t need to take hours! Dinner in under 30 is possible. Think simple: a sheet pan dinner, a quick pasta with roasted chicken, or a cozy lentil soup can be both delicious and nutrient-dense. Have quick recipes that work with your pre-stocked ingredients, like canned wild pink salmon made into patties served on top of a garden salad with roasted veggies. Or diced chicken or beans served over pre-cooked cilantro lime rice with veggies for a flavorful rice bowl. Any of these ideas can take less time.
- Dedicate Time for Prep on Less Busy Days Use quieter days to prep essentials like chopping veggies, pre-washed greens, and any making marinades or sauces for the week. It makes weeknight cooking a breeze when your ingredients are already prepped! Make it enjoyable—pop on a podcast or some music, and get the family involved. Prepping ahead not only saves time but also keeps the cook organized, less stressed and ready to enjoy family dinnertime.
- Take advantage of Ready-Made prepped foods. Read the Labels. Sometimes, we all need a shortcut, and that’s okay! Ready-made products like sauces and soups. A whole roasted chicken, prepped vegetables like roasted beets or butternut squash in the produce section. Quality canned or jarred beans or wild fish can save us time. Just be mindful of additives, gluten. and hidden sugars—choose whole foods where possible and look for high-quality, clearly labeled products. You can save time and still get nutritious meals on the table without compromise.
The Benefits of Staying Nutrient-Rich Through the Season
The holiday season often means parties, cocktails and indulging a bit more with desserts. By keeping your weeknight dinners nutrient-rich and low on added sugars, you’re supporting your immune system. Our immune system tends to be more vulnerable during the colder months and the holiday season. It’s also a great way to enjoy mindful indulgence when the celebrations begin. Maintain an awareness and balance the fun foods will certainly help you feel your best!
Some of our favorite weeknight “go-to’s”
Some of our favorite weeknight “go-to’s” are quick, balanced, and totally satisfying. We’re big fans of hearty salads like our Roasted Beet Salad paired with a simple protein like Herbed Chicken or Herby Black Cod for a fresh filling meal. For cozy nights, the Easy Green Curry with Veggies offers comforting flavors in a one-pot dish that’s ready in no time, or try our One-Pot Chicken and Rice for a savory, family-friendly meal. Craving something warming and nourishing? Our Golden Lentil Soup or Ramen Noodle soup are fantastic ways to enjoy a cozy, nutrient-rich dinner without the hassle. You can find these easy, delicious recipes and more on the blog, perfect for making busy weeknights as flavorful as they are wholesome!
Keeping weeknight dinners uncomplicated ensures you’re not skipping out on nutrition when life gets busy. A little planning goes a long way, and with Peg’s “KIND” Method, you’re on the road to kinder, healthier, happier dinners that fit your family’s schedule and tastes.
Here’s to stress free and delicious holidays!
Love,
Peggy