Quick and Easy Recipes for On-The-Go Families

Posted on May 9, 2007 in Nutrition by byronb

Many modern families are finding it increasingly more difficult to keep everyone in the same place for more than a few minutes. The modern family is becoming busier and busier, which is unfortunately making it a great deal harder for them to continue eating healthily as a family. This does not mean that all is lost, however, because all that it takes is a handful of quick and healthy recipes which are delicious enough to lure everyone to the table to restore order again.

Hot and Cold Pasta - This recipe is sure to please. Because it tastes amazing both hot and cold, you can make enough to last a day or so, and send it along with your children for lunch. It only takes around fifteen minutes to make, which means that it is a quick way to feed your entire family healthily.

What you need: Â½ of a cup of chopped onions, 3-4 teaspoons of olive oil or canola oil, 4 cups or so of mixed vegetables of your choice, 4 cups or so of a pasta of your choice, 2 teaspoons of spices and 2 teaspoons of salt, and around Â½ of a cup of a crunchy or crispy addition. Some of our favorite crunchies are chopped nuts, toasted wheat germ, fresh chopped or shredded vegetables or sesame seeds.

What to Do: Start the pasta cooking by following the directions on the package. While the pasta is cooking, you should begin to sautÃ© the vegetables, using only a teaspoon of oil as necessary. Once the pasta has finished cooking, drain and rinse it. Once the vegetables are sautÃ©ed properly, toss the remainder of the ingredients in, including the pasta, the spices and the crunchies that you have chosen. You may add more of the oil at this point if you choose. Once all of the ingredients are well mixed, the dish is ready to serve. Leftovers can be reheated or served cold, and boy is it delicious both ways!

Keep in mind that there is a lot of variation available to you when it comes to the recipe. By varying the types of vegetables, spices or crunchy bits, you can completely change the recipe around. This is also a stellar way to introduce new vegetables to your children, by throwing them into the vegetable mix with other veggies that your children already enjoy.

Summer Soup — This is another great healthy on-the-go recipe, because it is quick to make and tastes delicious while offering the health benefits of vegetables, soy and wheat.
What you Need: A single can of tomato soup preferably a lower calorie or fat option if available, 2 cups of Soya milk, at least 1 cup of mixed vegetables, 2 teaspoons of wheat germ, and 2 teaspoons of raisins.

What to Do:
Begin by cooking the mixed vegetables either by steaming them or boiling them in order to retain as many of their health benefits as possible. Some of our favorite vegetables for this soup include onions, broccoli, bell peppers, squash and carrots but whatever you have on hand will probably work. If necessary, drain the vegetables before adding the remaining ingredients. Bring the soup to a boil, and then allow it to cool. That’s all it takes, it’s ready to eat and enjoy!