Microwave Your Way to More Free Time

The great invention called the microwave! Suddenly dinner doesn’t seem like such a task when you can just pop a meal in and snatch it out. Microwave cooking can me a faster and easier way to cook. But is it always healthy and affordable? Let’s find out.

IS FAST ALWAYS HEALTHY?

Everybody loves those quick fixes at the end of a hectic day but is that always healthy for you and your loved ones? The answer is yes and no. There are some microwavable meals that have the vegetables and fruits included while other meals may only have the meat. Though the fruit and veggies might not be there another plus of microwavable meals is that they are extremely easy to add sides to. Throw in a favorite fruit cup or grab a banana. The main goal of a micro waved meal is finding a healthy quick way to make that rumble in your stomach go away.

Though there are meals that are healthy there are also ones you might want to watch out for. That quick little Hot Pocket probably isn’t going to give you the nutrients you might need. When out shopping, pay attention to the picture on the front of the box or container. If you see green beans, mashed potatoes and roast then chances are it’s going to be a pretty balanced meal.

Also keep in mind that some foods, mainly the “veggies”, in their original state are the best. They have food enzymes that help your metabolism and keep you full of energy to tackle those tasks you have planned for the day. You don’t even necessarily have to microwave or cook them. Just eat them raw that’s when there in their best form and the healthiest. Add fresh vegetables or fruits to a microwave meat for a healthier addition.

HEAT UP YOUR CHOICES AND SAVINGS

Budget is a common word now a day, so every little bit of saving helps. Savings is just one of the many pluses of microwaving. It makes it possible for quick and painless trips to the always crowded super market. Not having to purchase multiple ingredients can help to make your wallet that much thicker. In some cases the ready-made meals might not always be the best bet. Sometimes you might spend more on the meal opposed to buying individual ingredients. Careful planning on shopping day can help keep your budget in check when purchasing microwave meals.

There are also many options to choose from when wondering what to cook with your “high speed oven.” Full meals all packaged up with all the ingredients already mixed together ready to go. Who can beat that!

It becomes an even bigger help when you have children to feed. How often do you pre heat your oven for chicken nuggets for that afternoon snack? Microwave cooking can cut the cooking and waiting time in half, giving you more time to spend doing the things you and your family love to do.

The Naturally Raw Side of Foods

Everyone at some point in their life has eaten raw foods. Raw foods are extremely healthy for you and are so simple to prepare. There are so many ways to incorporate them into your diet. Raw foods are filled with nutrients and vitamins our bodies crave. Raw foods also are a time saver. They don’t require great deals of preparation which allows for more free time. Let’s find out all the possibilities there are when using raw foods.

Basics

Let’s start off by talking about some simple raw vegetables.

· Lettuce can make salads or add lettuce to a sandwich giving ordinary things healthy flavor

· Broccoli can be used as a dipper with ranch dressing or just eat it plain

· Onions can be used to add flavor to any types of dishes

· Tomatoes can be added to salads, sandwiches well almost anything

How about those raw fruits?

· Apples can be eaten just as they are, used for fresh toppings or in a caramel dip

· Oranges make any breakfast a treat and can be placed in drinks or on cereal

· Grapes add a little extra to chicken salad, fruit salads or as a munchie in the middle of the afternoon

· Bananas make great toppings for cereal or add a special touch to peanut butter sandwiches

· Strawberries well they just speak for themselves

· Other berries such as blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are also a grand addition to raw foods

There are many more fruits and veggies you can use, you can combine anything you would like to make drinks, main courses and even dessert. The sky is the limit when cooking with raw foods.

All of these fruits and vegetables are healthy and very filling too. Blend them up and suddenly you have a delicious smoothie. Throw a couple strawberries on your pancakes in the morning and you have just spiced up your breakfast.

Something you should think about getting is a juicer. This will open a window into the world of raw liquids!. What a name huh? Well it exactly explains its meaning. Take an apple or lemon and put it threw a juicer and BAM just like that you have the makings for a wonderful drink to go along with your meal. Using a juicer will lend an extra hand in helping your children eat healthier. Kids are pickier then adults are, so any chance you get to make eating healthier easier, do it!

Raw foods are very easily preserved. All you have to do is put the fruit or veggies into a freezer tight bag and pop them in your freezer. You can find bags just about anywhere which makes dealing with raw foods that much easier.

Loop Holes

There are ways to take foods that aren’t originally raw and turn them “raw”. It’s a process called dehydrating and it can take foods and give them different tastes and textures and give us more varieties of healthier foods.

Nothing is Perfect

Though raw foods are very healthy for you they are not easy to come by. Try to go out to a restaurant and get a raw food platter could be a little tougher than you might think. Most restaurants even though they tell you the food is raw has probably been soaked or cooked in some shape or form. Just always be careful and stick to the fresh fruits and vegetables. They are sure to satisfy!