Megan thought of herself as a terrible cook. She felt comfortable baking desserts, but when the doctor warned her husband he needed to watch his sweets to avoid becoming diabetic, she knew she needed an intervention. Megan has the added problem of time management. She works full time, has a young daughter and is pregnant with her second child.
For the intervention, Aviva put together three meals that would work well for Megan’s goals and her family’s tastes. First they made Spinach and Rice Lasagna, then a New Mexican Rice Salad with Garlic Chicken and finally Zesty Southwestern Burgers with Cilantro Slaw. With the help of Success Rice, each of these recipes is quick, easy and extra tasty.
Aviva went right to work figuring out what needed to change. She suggested Megan sharpen her knives to make prep work easier and purchase a thermometer to take the guesswork out of cooking meats.
Then they discussed how Megan could find the time and energy to cook in the evenings. Megan and her husband had a habit of going to the store unprepared and then buying whatever was on sale or looked good. But inevitably, they’d both make it home from work late and be too hungry to think of what to cook. In the end, the food just piled up and wasted away. Megan needed a plan to eat healthier and to teach her young daughter good eating habits as well.
Aviva pointed out that Megan and her husband weren’t alone. On average, people waste about 25% of the groceries they buy. She introduced Megan to healthier recipes that are easy and clear to follow, with easy steps and simple ingredients, like Success Rice.
For the wasted food and overstocked pantry, Aviva recommended a grocery list. She suggested Megan and her husband always have a list in an easy to find location, like the refrigerator. Then they could write down what they needed and what they craved, and stick with it when they headed to the store.
Aviva also suggested a crowding out method for better snacking. If they have healthier options, Megan’s family won’t chow down on the unhealthy stuff. Aviva recommended cutting up vegetables so they were always on hand and to separate junk food into small portion sizes in plastic baggies to avoid overeating.
The intervention was a success. And after they prepared some tasty meals, Megan was confident she was on her way to cooking healthier and more often.
After the intervention, Megan emailed her thanks: “I think the biggest success was Nick coming home the next 2 nights and eating the chicken and salad in a tortilla instead of chips!” Sounds like they are on their way to healthier, happier eating.