5 Cooking Hacks For Busy Parents

woman cooking

As a working mother of three active boys, I am constantly trying out tactics that keep me efficient in the kitchen, while still providing my family with wholesome, nutritious meals. Below are five of my regular kitchen hacks that keep us eating healthy within minutes.

1. Cook a whole chicken

This automatically provides 2-3 meals for the family (of five). One night is chicken, quinoa, and vegetables, the next it’s tacos, and finally, it’s soup. I love a dish that can multi-task!

The way I cook the chicken is a hack in itself that I am crazy for! Heat the oven to 450 degrees (yes I know that is high for chicken!), prep your whole chicken by stuffing the cavity with one lemon sliced in half and a half of a head of garlic, herbs as desired, personally, I love rosemary! Rub olive oil on the skin, add salt and pepper.  Seriously, this takes 5 minutes. Cook the chicken for 30 minutes, then turn off the oven and leave it in there for at least 30 more minutes or until you are ready to eat!  Yes, it continues to cook in the oven after it is turned off slow and gently.  Now, you can leave the house to run errands, go workout, pick up your kids or whatever else you need to do. The best part,  it will be ready and warm to eat when it’s dinner time. Oh and did I mention it will fall off the bone!  YUM!

2. Prepare foods to save time

Prepared foods – not necessarily prepared meals, but pre-grated, cut, spiralized and even marinated ingredients can save you tons of time. Many markets, including Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s offer pre-grated cauliflower rice and zucchini noodles these days. Eliminating the prep time ultimately reduces your overall time in the kitchen. One of my family’s go-to weeknight meals involves sauteed cauliflower rice or zoodles in ghee or coconut oil with diced onion and topped with an egg  or grilled salmon and avocado.

[gravityform id=”13″ title=”false” description=”false” ajax=”true”]

3. Freeze food

Frozen vegetables and shrimp are freezer staples in my household. These simple ingredients make a quick dinner that is loaded with nutrients. Did you know that frozen veggies are just as, if not more nutritious than fresh because they are frozen at the time of harvest!  And shrimp defrost real quick under running water and cook in about 4 minutes. My go-to dish here: toss defrosted shrimp in pesto and broil 2 minutes per side. Steam or sautee the frozen veggies, top with broiled shrimp, sprinkle Parmesan cheese and you have dinner! Feel free to add your favorite grain or pasta underneath all this goodness too!

4. Food delivery services

I have recently found a new food delivery service that is organic and shipped frozen to your home called Euphebe. Why do I love this over any other food delivery service?  Besides their yummy ingredients and nutritionally balanced meals, you don’t have to rush to eat it.  By being in the freezer you can eat it on the nights you are home but not fear that it will go bad or go to waste if your plans change.  You can even bring it for lunch!  I love foods that multitask!

5. Breakfast for dinner

Dinner doesn’t have to be so complicated. Eggs cook up really quickly and making avocado toast or even PB&J for dinner with a quick side salad or piece of fruit works, too. Think outside of the box – dinner doesn’t have to be traditional and kids love pancakes any time of the day (I use a whole grain mix when in a crunch!).

Amy Shapiro MS, RD, CDN, is the founder and director of Real Nutrition, a NYC-based private practice dedicated to healthfully and successfully guiding clients to their optimal nutrition, weight, and overall wellness. She is internationally recognized for her individualized, lifestyle-focused approach, which integrates realistic food plans, smart eating habits, and active living. To learn more, visit realnutritionnyc.com and follow @realnutrition on Instagram!

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Kenwal Day Camp

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Our definition of a successful day camp is one that will cultivate the campers’ desire to participate, have fun and try their best!</span></p>

WCS Education - Wildlife Conservation Society

<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Explore nature, learn about the planet, and get close to animals—all in New York City! WCS zoo and aquarium day camps are for every young adventurer, from toddlers to teens. Campers experience hands-on learning, from STEAM classrooms and animal exhibits to nature trails and the beach. Recognized as industry leaders, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Education Department was the first of its kind to offer zoo camps and continues to provide award-winning programming. Visit wcs.education/camps to explore summer camps at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium!</span></span></p>

STEAM Camp at the Cathedral School

<div> <p dir="ltr">STEAM Camp at the Cathedral School is an innovative summer day camp that welcomes all children rising to Kindergarten up to Grade 6. Blending craft, engineering, and technology, projects are designed to spark wonder in all of our campers. Campers also learn to design and prototype at our Innovation Lab equipped with 3D printers, laser cutter, robots, and other maker tech. When they need a break, campers are just steps away from our AquaZone for some refreshing splashes and water slide fun. </p> </div> <div> <p dir="ltr">STEAM campers are curious. They want to be makers, inventors, and problem solvers. Summer is a great time to tinker, explore, and play. Combining inventive hands-on projects with summer outdoor fun on our beautiful 11-acre campus, STEAM Camp is an ideal experience for all children in NYC. Come have a creative, whimsical, and STEAM-y summer with us! </p> </div> <div> <p dir="ltr">Choose one or both of our sessions:</p> </div> <div> <p dir="ltr">Session 1: Living Green with STEAM: Sustainable Design & Engineering</p> </div> <div> <p dir="ltr">Session 2: Maker Park Adventures: Circuits, Coding & Robotics</p> </div>