Meal Fatigue is Real

Solutions here!  

Too busy or stressed to get a home cooked meal on the table?  You’re not alone.  In fact, during the pandemic, one in five parents reported feeling the same way!  And there’s no sign things will slow down as we move into holiday season. 

The key to success is to go basic.  Have a protein, vegetable, and starch option available to get a balanced meal on the table quickly.  Proteins can be as simple as grilled chicken, steamed shrimp, or even scrambled eggs.  Handy starches include 90-second rice, baked sweet potato or pasta of your choice while produce can take the form of steamed asparagus, quick microwaved broccoli or even cauliflower rice! 

Instead of leaning on fast food to help fill in the dinnertime gap, consider these 5 ingredient (or less) meal suggestions: 

Slice yellow green plantains and sauté with avocado oil.  Add 1 can of drained, black beans and fire roasted tomatoes.  Bring up to a boil and then down to a simmer for 30-45 minutes until plantains are soft and cooked through.

Core and cube one fresh pineapple.  Add 1 pound of shrimp and 1 jar of salsa to slow cooker.  Cook on low for 2-4 hours until shrimp is cooked through.

It doesn’t get more kid or family friendly than flat bread pizza!  These four ingredients are magic when layered and toasted until heated through in the oven!  Hands down family favorite! 

And when all else fails, embrace the sheet pan!  At Dole we couldn’t be happier to share our NEW sheet pan meal starter kits!  Just add your protein of choice, whether it’s chicken or tofu, you’ll have dinner on the table in 35 minutes!  Two ingredients and done!!

Published November 1, 2021