We get it – some people prefer the convenience of flying over driving and are willing to spend the extra money. But think of it this way: The Smith’s, a family of four (two adults and two children) – will pay $276 per person to fly from Cleveland, OH to Orlando, Florida to go to Disney World next June and spend about $1,200 (for tickets, baggage fees, etc.) on air fare alone! Sure, they’ll arrive in two hours, but there is a much more frugal option: the road trip.

To drive (in this example The Smith’s have a mid-size SUV – a pearl white Jeep Grand Cherokee – that gets twenty-five miles per gallon at $2.00 per gallon. So, a total of $240 would be spent on fuel, to and from Disney. Of course, they would have to account for food and possibly a hotel room, but they would still spend less than flying.

You might be dreading driving across the country (or maybe even a few hours) with your kids (the ‘are we there yet?’ and stopping for frequent bathroom breaks, but we have road trip meals covered (while you handle the rest – we’re sure you’ll rock it!)

Here, you’ll find tips on planning meals for on the go and be able to see a list of must-try fast food by region (i.e. South, Midwest). You might even find a new, future favorite spot! This is the breakdown:

• Fast food… fast.
– Love greasy fries and milkshakes? Here are some places that should be on your ‘Fast Food Bucket List.’ Or am I the only one that has one?
• Affordable restaurant stops.
– No five-star cuisine here. If you want to take a break from driving and just relax with some half-priced appetizers, you’ve come to the right place.
• DIY
– Why it’s important to plan out meals and snacks if you’re packing them from what you have at home or grocery shopping.
– We’ll go beyond sandwiches and chips for easy, delicious, and no-fuss road-trip meals.
• Healthy Options
– Being on the road doesn’t have to mean burgers and gas station potato chips.

Let’s get started…

McDonald’s may be the most popular fast-food place around, but, no matter where you are, you can throw a stone and hit a McDonald’s. We wanted something a bit… different. These are some fast food places, divided by types of food served, you just have to try. Sorry, Big Mac.

Fast Food

Burgers
• Whataburger: With locations in Georgia through Arizona, Whataburger’s claim to fame is their Root Beer Shake and the fact that they use 100% beef on all of their burgers.
• In-N-Out: This West coast fast food place has a sort of cult following, but for good reason: it offers a secret menu that is posted on the restaurant’s website and will stack as many as four patties and four slices of cheese on one burger. Also, it’s considered to be one of the places for a fast food burger.
• Five Guys Burgers and Fries: They have ‘the best burger in the world’ and locations throughout the country. Not all locations have drive-thrus, though, and, strangely, taste varies restaurant by restaurant. Regardless, it’s worth checking out. Also, if you aren’t in the mood for a burger (which are fantastic), I recommend the Bacon Cheddar Dog. (Note: Everything here is really greasy).
• Culvers: Located predominately in the mid-west and Texas, Culver’s serves up frozen custard, burgers, and crinkle cut fries. They also have their own brand of Root Beer.
• Habit Burger: They are similar to In-N-Out in location and taste, but Habit Burger burgers are flame-grilled for an extra kick. Also, customers are able to choose their own toppings, such as caramelized onions, avocado, pineapple, and jalapenos. The burgers are simple and fresh – what more could you want?

Chicken
• Harold’s Chicken Shack: Located primarily in Chicago, Harold’s offers a quarter or half chicken (with white or dark meat or a mix), French fries, two slices of white bread, and a cup of coleslaw. Their chicken is as close to Southern fried chicken as you can get and it is fried to order (no warming racks here).
• Chik-fil-A: This fast-food place, located in the Southeastern United States, arguably has the best chicken sandwiches, fries, and many breakfast options. Just be aware that they are closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
• Church’s Chicken: This is the fourth largest chicken chain in the United States and they can be found throughout the country and even have several international locations. Their menu includes coleslaw, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, fried okra, honey butter biscuits, sandwiches, nuggets, and tacos.
• Popeye’s Chicken and Biscuits: You can have a taste of New Orleans without being in Louisiana. Popeye’s 2,000 locations are concentrated in California, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Georgia, Virginia, Ohio, and Mississippi. They are known for their spicy flavors and quick service.

Hot Dogs
• Pal’s Sudden Service: Pal’s is hard to miss with their light blue exterior that is the backdrop for a giant hot dog. They have locations in east Tennessee and southwest Virginia and are the best in hot dogs and burgers and have the fastest drive-thrus if you’re in a hurry.
• Portillo’s Hot Dogs: While they are based in Chicago, they have locations in Indiana, Illinois, Arizona, California, and Florida. They serve incredible chili cheese hot dogs and a life-changing Chocolate Cake Shake. Also, some restaurants are themed (i.e. ‘30s Prohibition) and will give you a free cake on your birthday.

Subs/Sandwiches
• Potbelly Sandwich Shop: Known for their made-to-order subs and flats, Potbelly often has live musicians and gets accolades for having the politest staff. They also have locations in twenty-three states, including Ohio (so they would be a great option for The Smith Family).
• Firehouse Subs: Started in Florida by firefighters, they have locations in thirty-six states, from the Midwest to the South. Firehouse Subs is known for piling on their fresh ingredients and offering options under 500 calories.
• Jason’s Deli: I don’t know who Jason is, but I’d like to shake his hand. This joint was founded in Texas, but has locations from California to New York. The subs are superb.

Mexican
• Hot Head Burritos: This Mexican chain offers a buffet of fresh ingredients for you to choose from to create a one-of-a-kind bowl or burrito. There are franchises in Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Florida, Michigan, and Connecticut.

Gas Stations
• WaWa: I can confidently say that WaWa has the best gas station food around – everything tastes like it came from a casual restaurant. This is a mid-Atlantic chain that serves pizza, chicken tenders, smoothies, iced coffee, and everything in between. Here, you can fuel up your vehicle, get food to go, and get moving!
• Sheetz: With locations in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina, it’s worth checking out. They’re open 24/7 and you can get MTO (made-to-order) food all night long. They’re menu is extensive and they also have a full convenience store and the cleanest gas station bathrooms I’ve ever seen.

Vegetarian Friendly
• Amy’s Drive-Thru: Believe it or not, this place sells organic, vegetarian fast-food. The menu includes veggie burgers, burritos, mac and cheese, pizza, and milkshakes. Every item can be ordered gluten-free or vegan, too. Unfortunately, their only location is in California.
• Noodles and Company: As a former vegetarian, I had Noodles and Company while in Baltimore for the weekend. The macaroni and cheese is to die for and they even have tofu options. So, if you’re ever on the East Coast, stop by!

Healthy Options
• Wendy’s: This fast food place offers healthier options than most. Our top pick for those watching their waistline is the “Chili Baked Potato.” All you have to do is order a plain baked potato and a small chili, mix it up, and enjoy a meal under 500 calories.
• KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken): Despite the name, not everything is fried. A great option, tasty option is the grilled chicken breast, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob for a total of 434 calories. Also, KFC has franchises throughout the country so you can eat right anywhere.
• Jack in the Box: Another healthy fast-food meal is the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl from Jack in the Box. It has 585 calories, but it contains plenty of protein. There are locations in twenty-six states, from California to Florida to Virginia.

Breakfast
• Taco Bell: There are Taco Bells everywhere – so, what? I can tell you that this is THE place to go for fast-food breakfast. The Sausage Breakfast Crunch Wrap is really good and the Cinnabon Delights are heavenly. Also, the hash browns are the best hash brown patties of any fast-food place.
• Dunkin’ Donuts: This is kind of obvious, but worth mentioning. The breakfast items are good, the hash browns are my favorite, though they don’t give you nearly enough of them, and they have fantastic coffee and donuts. Also, some locations even have a drive-thru for added convenience.

Regional Favorites
• Skyline Chili (Cincinatti, OH): This is how Cincinatti does chili: spaghetti noodles that are piled with chili and topped with cheese. Only in Ohio can you get this tasty treat and experience food like the locals do.
• Pat’s or Gino’s (Philadelphia, PA): These are two Philadelphia eateries, located right across the street from each other, that claim their Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches are the best. Namely, it’s become a tourist must to sample a sandwich from each and decide whose Cheese Steak reigns supreme. You be the judge!

Restaurants
• Waffle House (Multiple Locations): The Waffle House is great because it’s open 24/7. It’s a traditional diner with ala carte pricing and a very homey feel.
• Smokey Bones (Multiple Locations): This is a great place for families. They have an extensive BBQ menu and some locations even have bars and pool tables.
• Calhoun’s (Tennessee): Calhoun’s specializes in BBQ and only has five locations throughout the state.
• Trolley Car (Philadelphia, PA): This Philly diner is, quite literally, located in a steel trolley car. If you’re ever near Philadelphia, the breaded fries are worth stopping for. Also, they boast an extensive menu and an impressive collection of beer that is available for purchase.
• Taco Time (Multiple Locations): This is the best place for tacos. Taco Time, which only serves home-style Mexican food, has fresh ingredients and great deals. Plus, you can dine-in, pick up take-out, or go through their drive-thru. There are 300 locations between Utah, Washington, and Canada.
• Casey Key Fish House (Osprey, FL): The service was surprisingly quick and the seafood was incredible. Also, you couldn’t beat the view of the ocean and the fun atmosphere. (Note: This is not the place to go for a quiet meal – it’s a lively environment).

Packing for the Road

If you want to save time and money, here are some of the best items, taken in part from a list at http://www.vacation-lists.com/road-trip-food.html, that can be packed in a cooler to stave off hunger until you reach your destination:

• Hard boiled eggs
• Carrot and celery sticks, radishes, cucumber slices, etc.
• Cherry tomatoes, pickles, olives, etc.
• Sandwiches, wraps, burritos – Especially with sliced meats/cold cuts or some type of salad (i.e. egg salad or chicken salad).
• Fruit – grapes, oranges, cherries, watermelon, apple slices
• Cheese (and crackers) and string cheese
• Pepperoni sticks and sliced meat
• Potato salad or macaroni salad
• Lunchables or crust less PB&Js
• Paper towels
• Cups (including sippy cups for toddlers)
• Paper plates, forks, spoons, butter knife
• Sharp knife, small cutting board
• Thermos
• Wet wipes
• Garbage bag
• Foil / Zip lock bag

By packing healthy items like the above, you’ll be able to give your kids healthy snacks and avoid the drive-thru for every meal (while saving money). The most important thing to remember when packing for a road trip is that organization is key. Make a list of everything you need to do and prep your food a day or two ahead of time (i.e. boil eggs and assemble sandwiches) and pack the cooler the morning of your trip. Chances are, if you wait to do everything until right before your departure, you’ll be rushing and forget items. Also, you can pack dry goods into a tote the night before and leave the tote in the vehicle, making sure you or the kids have easy access to it.

This guide was designed to allow you to make the best decisions for your family’s meals, try new fast-food joints and restaurants, and make the most of eating while on the road. Just remember that there are miles upon miles of highway out there, waiting. So, pack a bag, gather some snacks, and let’s explore!

Welcome to the Ultimate Guide to One Dish Meals. Here you will be provided with tips and tricks on how to create the perfect pot of goodness for your family. This type of meal is suitable for any day of the week and as often as you like.

Whether you are trying to feed your family on a budget or want to take the hassle out of meal preparation, cooking one dish meals are an awesome way to provide a full balanced meal in just a single pot.

We will cover everything from the basic ingredients of a one pot meal, to handy pieces of kitchen equipment to have.

Index
The Benefits of Cooking One Pot Meals
The Basic Components
Staple Kitchen Equipment
Ideas to Store Leftovers

Recipe Examples
Super Budget Friendly Recipe
One Large Pot Recipe
Casserole Dish
30 minute Skillet Dinner
Vegetarian Recipe
One Dish Breakfast Idea
Kid-Friendly Recipe

The Benefits of Cooking One Dish Meals
These types of meals are much more than just convenient. They tend to be extremely tasty due to the combination of inredients, flavors and textures harmonizing in one incredible blend. Below are just a few reasons why one dish meals are such a hit and why making them on a regular basis is such a good idea.

1. They are Nutritionally Complete, considering if they have been made with enough different ingredients on the food pyramid, you have yourself a well balanced meal. One pot meals typically include your protein source, carbs and vegetables. This may explain why eating them does not become overwhelming or tiring, as they are made with enough ingredients to nourish the body and excite the taste buds.

Moms may worry that their families are not getting enough nutrients from these meals, but adding enough veggies and protein can supply all the necessary vitamins and minerals for optimal health.

2.Less Pots to Wash.A pan for the pork chops, a skillet for the potatoes, a medium pot for the green beans and a small pot for the gravy. It sounds absolutely delicious, but could you imagine the clean up afterwards and having to cram the leftovers somewhere in your fridge? Not to mention, pots and pans are heavy and large and they are hard to fit inside of a dishwasher.

Throwing all of your delicious ingredients into a single pot greatly cuts down on clean-up time. Instead of having to wash 4 pots, you are left with one.

3. Takes Hassle out of Meal Preparation Depending on the amount cooked and the size of your family, a one pot meal can provide quick lunches and dinners for the next few days. Simply store them in the fridge in the same pot (if possible) and put it back on the stove the next day to re-heat. Or place some in a tupperware container for your little ones lunch.

4. They are Budget Friendly. Some of the most delicious single dish meals call for only a few ingredients. Lets not forget one of the most popular, spaghetti! This staple, one dish dinner requires only pasta, marinara sauce and ground beef. Rice and bean combinations are also very cheap and tasty. You can provide your family with healthy meals that equate to just a few cents a peice.

The Basic Components of a One Dish Meal

If you plan to make these meals frequently, it is important to make sure they are well balanced. A complete meal should include a starch, a protein and a vegetable.

Your starch is the base of the meal and can be anything from a pasta or macaroni, to potatoes or rice.

The protein source will include a meat, or possibly beans or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Vegetables can incude tomatoes, onions or carrots, depending on the recipe.

Lastly,you will want to use a sauce or seasonings of choice, again, depending on the recipe.

Grocery stores also offer a wide variety of pre-packaged one skillet meals that call for just a few extra preparation ingredients, such as milk, butter and ground beef.

The possibilities are truly endless and you can become your own chef.

Side dishes are completely optional and may accent the meal. For example, a simple garlic bread for a pot of chicken alfredo pairs well. Or perhaps a tortilla for a pot of spanish rice and beans.

Staple Kitchen Equipment
The beauty of preparing one dish meals is that they take hardly any cooking equipment. A crockpot or a stock pot, a large skillet or a glass casserole dish are recommended kitchen staples, depending on the type of meal or recipe. An incredible stand-alone meal can be created in any of those items.

If you do not already have one, a crockpot is a wonderful investment for busy moms on the go. They are the “jack of all trades” when it comes to cooking appliances. These babies can cook just about anything imaginable while your family is gone for the day. Toss in the ingredients, press a button and a warm meal is prepared by the time your family is ready to enjoy dinner.

Other kitchen equipment to consider includes good chopping knives and maybe a board for veggies and meat and storage containers for leftovers.

Ideas to Store Leftovers
Depending on the nature of the ingredients used to make the meal, many one pot meals can stay fresh in the fridge up to one week.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, if you would like to freeze leftovers, there are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Meals that include mayo or cream based sauces do not freeze well. This include recipes that require alfredo sauce, milk or cans “cream of”. These types of meals should be stored in the fridge for a maximum of 3 to 4 days.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/safe-food-handling/freezing-and-food-safety/CT_Index

http://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/18767

2. Food will remain safe indefinitely while frozen. Whether your food contains cream or not, you can still freeze it and unthaw it when you are ready to eat it.The freezing temparatures prohibit the growth of microorganisms that create foodborne illness and spoilage. However, this does not guarantee the quality will remain the same. If freezing your food, make sure it is in a zip lock bag or air tight container and try to re-heat it within a few weeks.

A SUPER BUDGET FRIENDLY RECIPE: BASIC SPAGHETTI

Spaghetti is probably one of the most well known, one pot meals in the history of one pot meals. With just a few items, you have yourself an incredibly tasty dinner.

Ingredients:
16 oz. of spaghetti pasta
3 Tbs. of olive oil
5 medium cloves of garlic, minced
1 lb. of cooked shredded chicken (can used canned)
Salt and pepper to taste
parmesan cheese (optiona)

Directions:
1. Bring large pot of salted water to a boil and add spaghetti. Cook pasta until desired texture is achieved. Drain.

2. Return to the stove over low heat and add the olive oil, garlic and cooked chicken. Stir over heat for about 30 seconds or until garlic is fragrant. Add salt, pepper and parmesan cheese to taste.

This recipe takes about 30 minutes and serves 4 to 6 people.

Recipe source: http://www.chowhound.com/recipes/basic-garlicky-spaghetti-29422

ONE LARGE POT RECIPE: CHILI

There is nothing quite like a hearty pot of chili on a cold day. Who would have known that there could be such an array of flavors and textures in just one simple pot. Of course you can enjoy this with cornbread, but you surley won’t need it.

Ingredients:
1 lb. Ground Beef
1 cup diced yellow onion
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
2 1/2 tbs. chili powder
1 clove fresh garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
4 tsp. minced jalapeno peppers
1 29 oz. can of chopped tomatoes
1 15 oz. can of tomato sauce
1 16 oz. can of chili beans
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Brown beef and sautee the onions and peppers at the bottom of a large pot over medium high heat until beef is fully brown, drain excess fat.

2.Add remaining ingredients, except the beans, and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Add beans and heat through.

Recipe Source: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/15401/easy-chili-i/

CASSEROLE DISH: TUNA NOODLE

Casseroles are pretty incredible. You can take just about any dinner idea and transform it into a casserole. These are simple to make and make awesome leftovers for the next day.

Ingredients:
1 10 1/2 oz. can of cream of mushroom
1/2 cup milk
1 cup peas
2 5 oz. cans tuna packed in water, drained
2 cups cooked egg noodles
2 tbs. bread crumbs
1 tbs. melted butter

Directions:
1. Heat the oven to 400 F. Combine the bread crumbs and butter and set them aside. Add the other ingredients to the casserole dish and mix well.

2. Bake the mixture in the oven for 20 minutes (or until it’s hot) and mix it again. Evenly sprinkle the bread crumbs over the top of the casserole.

3. Bake for at least 5 minutes or until the bread crumbs are a golden brown color.

Recipe Source: http://www.campbellskitchen.com/recipes/tuna-noodle-casserole-24254

30 MINUTE SKILLET DINNER: BUFFALO CHICKEN & POTATO SKILLET

With a handy skillet, you can make anything from desserts to stir-frys. Just strategically combine the ingredients, cook it up and dig in! This Buffalor Chicken and Potato dinner can be made in just one skillet and is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients:
2 lbs. of very small (or chopped) potatoes
8 to 16 oz. chicken stock
3 tbs. butter
1 rotisserie chicken, meat pulled and shredded.
16 oz. buffalo wing sauce
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1 diced stalk celery
1/2 cup ranch dressing or thinned sour cream

Directions:
1. Using a 12 inch cast-iron skillet, cover the bottom of the pan with the potatoes. Pour the chicken stock over the potatoes and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat to medium, cover skillet and allow the potatoes to simmer for 5 minutes.

2. Remove skillet cover and simmer for 5 more minutes. Cut butter into 3 even sections and distribute evenly over the potatoes. DO NOT STIR THE POTATOES. Continue to cook them over medium heat until all liquid has evaporated from the skillet and the potatoes begin to brown. Using the bottom of a clean glass cup, gently press down on the potatoes to flatten them. Allow them to brown for an additional 5 minutes.

3. Combine the buffalo sauce and pulled chicken in a microwave-safe bowl and mix well until the chicken is completely covered. Place the mixture into the microwave until it becomes hot.

4. Evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the potatoes in the skillet. Sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles and diced celery on top, then drizzle with the ranch dresing or sour cream.

Recipe Source: http://www.thewickednoodle.com/buffalo-chicken/#_a5y_p=2066071

VEGETARIAN DISH: SPANISH BEANS & RICE

We cannot forget about our non-meat eating friends. There are plenty of vegetarian meals that can be made in a single pot. Good ‘ol Beans and Rice are always a staple.

Ingredients:
2 cans black or red beans
1 cup uncooked rice
1 tbs. vegetable oil
1 diced jalapeno
1 diced yellow onion
5 cloves diced garlic
2 cups water
1 tsp. cumin
2 tsp. coriander
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt

Directions: Toss all ingredients into a pot and bring it to a boil. Continute to simmer until rice has absorbed all the water. Cover with a lid and let it sit for 5 more minutes. Use a fork to fluff up rice.

Optional: You can brown the vegetables and spices prior to putting them into the bean and rice mixture.

Recipe Source: https://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=631526

ONE DISH BREAKFAST: SKILLET POTATOES

The mornings can be hectic sending the kids to school and heading to wok. When you do not have time to cook a full course breakfast, try these One Skillet Potatoes. They are quick, easy and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients:
3 large potatoes
6 pieces bacon, chopped
1 cup diced onion
1 4 oz. can green chiles
1 cup shredded cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Wash potatoes thoroughly and poke holes in them with a fork. Place them into a microwave and heat until tender. Once they are cooled, dice them into small pieces.

2. Cook the bacon pieces in a skillet, then remove the bacon. Using the leftover grease in the pan, combine the onions and chile and fry until the onions are fully cooked. Add the potatoes. Stir the mixture well, the sprinkle the bacon pieces and cheese on top. Cover with a lid on low heat until the cheese if fully melted.

Recipe Source: http://www.iheartnaptime.net/skillet-breakfast-potatoes/

KID FRIENDLY RECIPE: ONE POT MAC & CHEESE

Little ones tend to be a bit more picky when it comes to their food. Sometimes less is more when it comes to kids. Macaroni and cheese is always a hit! With this one, you can simply toss the ingredients together (following the instructions) and you don’t even have to use a strainer. How easy is that?

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup water
1 tbs. butter or margarine
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
16 oz. elbow pasta
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mascarpone

Directions:
1. Combine the milk, water, butter and salt into a pot and bring to a boil over medium high heat.

2. Add the elbow pasta and cook until tender or al dante. Make sure to stir frequently.

3. Remove pot from heat, and stir in the cheese and mascarpone. Continue to stir until cheese is fully melted and distributed evenly over the pasta.

Recipe Source: http://www.todaysparent.com/recipe/vegetarian/one-pot-mac-and-cheese-recipe/

And there you have it! The Ultimate Guide to One Dish Meals. You can be as creative as you wish because the possibilities are indefinite. You can prepare these meals for every day of the week.

Key Points to Remeber:
*They are well balanced
*Quick and easy to make
*Can be prepared for breakfast, lunch and dinner
*They reduce the amount of dirty dishes
*Can be stored in your fridge or freezer
*Are budget friendly

So next time you are dreading to cook that full course meal for dinner for your family, just remember that there is always a way to make it a One Dish Meal.

Your kids want a home-cooked meal, your bathroom needs a new roll of toilet paper and your husband is searching for a new roll of paper towels to clean up his latest spill. It’s enough to drive even the most sane mother to the brink of insanity. Luckily, there’s a solution that will make every family member happy. Look no further than your pantry.

For centuries, the pantry has been the world’s go-to storage solution for homes. Our ancestors had some very different options for their pantries. The Middle Ages may have been the start of the pantry’s alternative interpretations. Meats, breads and alcohols were all kept in their own special rooms. Think that’s the weirdest combination? Think again. Butlers during the 1800s actually slept in their pantries to protect valuable silverware.

No matter what its history has been. The current incarnation of a pantry has become a family’s best option for convenience and savings. Whether you’re new to setting up a pantry and a total shopping pro, we’ve got all the answers about having a pantry in your own home or apartment.

Six Reasons Why A Stocked Pantry Is Important

If you’ve never tried a pantry before and just avoided your previous ones, now is the time to start using this exciting option. Consider these great reasons why you should start a pantry today.

Saves Money
This one is a no-brainer for any families. We try to find ways to cut costs on every part of our lives. From soaps to soups, a well-maintained pantry cuts costs in every area. Some of that savings can be found by buying in bulk.

Reduces Clutter
Let’s face it. No matter how hard we try, space is always an issue in our homes and apartments. A pantry offers a solution to any cluttered area. Arranged shelving makes it easy to make up a storage system that brings order to everyday chaos.

Increases Variety
When it comes to meal planning, we can all become a bit predictable. That may come from a lack of different ingredients. With a pantry, you have more options and a wider range of ingredients to choose from. That means more variety for every meal.

Saves Time
We’re all pressed for time in our daily lives. Having a stocked pantry means less time running to the store and more time taking care of what’s important. Think of it as having your own personal shop stocked with all of your favorite brands and items.

Helps In An Emergency
Pantries offer a life-saving option if an emergency strikes. Natural disasters are a great example. If you live in an area that has hurricanes, floods, tornadoes or earthquakes, a sturdy pantry is vital to staying safe. Keeping emergency supplies on hand like batteries, flashlights and bandages as well as easy to prepare foods can really come in handy.

Promotes Healthy Eating Options
We all pick up take-out options when our family is in a hurry. Too much of these high calorie foods can lead to serious medical conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure. Stocking your pantry with easy to make healthy meal options reduces the chances of these conditions and gives your family delicious recipes that they will love.

What Items Should Be On Every Shopper’s List

There are certain staple items that turn a few average shelves into an amazing pantry. Be sure to include these items on your next shopping list. They are sure to turn any space into the pantry of your dreams.

Pasta
Pasta is one of our favorite choices for any pantry. It can be used in a wide range of recipes from cool salads to warm Italian specialties. Try to purchase more than one variety to give you the most bang for your buck. Penne, Rigatoni and Spaghetti are all great choices.

Sauces
A delicious sauce is good for more than just spaghetti and meatballs. Keeps a few tomato sauces on hand for quick meals such as an easy Eggplant Parmesan or Lasagna. For linguine fans, a great white sauce or basil pesto sauce should always be standing by.

Soups
Soups are always great choices during fall and winter months. Choose a few canned selections from your favorite brand for a quick boost of warmth during cold nights. One word of caution, look out for products with extremely high sodium counts. This is especially important for anyone on a special low sodium diet.

Boxed Meals
Boxed meals are the perfect option for busy families. They often feature all or most of the necessary ingredients for added convenience. With so many brands on the market, you’re sure to find new and exciting cuisine choices.

Baking Mixes And Ingredients
Baking ingredients like sugar and flour are staples in any kitchen. Keeping them on hand can prevent a failed recipe or the need to stop preparation to get additional supplies. Baking mixes are also a wise choice for pantries. From cakes to brownies, there’s a choice to suit any occasion. Keep in mind that many of these mixes require additional ingredients such as eggs or milk.

Canned Vegetables And Fruits
Canned veggies and fruits are one of the best additions to any pantry. The better selection, the more options you’ll have when it comes to meals or snacks.

Bottled Water
Bottled water is essential to keeping you and your family healthy. Whether you have a great water supply or you are dealing with less than acceptable water options, bottled water is the answer. It’s also an easy choice after workouts or sporting events.

Paper Products
Nothing can compare to running out of toilet paper and realizing there’s nothing left until you run to the store. Luckily, toilet paper and its counterpart paper towels are easily available in bulk packaging to handle any family size. Wet wipes are also helpful for families with young children and babies.

Cleaning Products
Keep several bottles of your favorite cleaning products on hand. They can deal with any messy emergency and make it easy when spring cleaning comes around. It should go without saying that any toxic items should be kept away from food.

Personal Hygiene Products
Soaps, toothpaste, toothbrushes and any other personal hygiene products are tailored made for long term storage in a pantry. You know your family will need these important products, so keep a few handy. Travel sizes are a fun choice if you love variety, but full sizes work just as well as their smaller counterparts.

Pet Products
Don’t forget a few supplies for man’s best friend and our feline companions. Stocking up on a box of cans and an extra bag of dry food puts you ahead of schedule for feedings. For cats, don’t forget a bag of that much needed litter. It doesn’t spoil and stays fresh for a long time. We haven’t forgotten small animals, birds and fish. All of their food sources, treats and toys can be safely stored in your pantry.

What To Avoid When Stocking Your Pantry

It’s easy to make a mistake when stocking your first pantry. Even skilled pantry shoppers have fell for one of these common errors.

Overstocking
This one we’ve all been guilty of from time to time. A good deal here and a one time only sale there can lead to mass overstocking of your pantry. We love a great sale as much as anyone else, but you have to consider you’re space and how long it will take to use any product. Keeping an updated spreadsheet or file on your smartphone can help you avoid this mistake.

Products With Short Shelf Lives
No deal is that great if it’s going to spoil when you get it home. Simply put, keeping something that none of you will eat wastes money. If something is going to expire quickly, consider whether your family will use it before the listed expiration date. A no answer means leaving it at the store for another untrained shopper.

Areas Open To The Elements
When you put together a pantry, your first consideration will probably be the items you put in it. Take a moment to think about your pantry’s location. An area that is exposed to the elements, especially rain or water can destroy your entire pantry’s stock. Instead, look for a cool, dry space that stays dark when not in use. Contact or shelving paper will also help if you need an extra amount of protection from debris.

Pests
We all known pests love our scraps and food. The pantry is no exception when it comes to pest control. Keep products in air tight containers if previously opened. Do regular spot checks to find any problems. Most, if not all, animals will flee when caught by a human. If that fails, you can also try pest deterrent sprays.

The Best Stores For Pantry Shoppers

Any dedicated shopper will tell you that not all stores are created equal. This is especially true when it comes to shopping for your pantry. Keep these stores in mind when its time to go shopping.

Costco
Costco is the only membership club on our list. Renowned for its bulk sales and amazing prices, Costco will quickly become one of your favorites too. If you’re unsure about how a membership club works, the chain offers free shopping passes for first time customers. After that, you’ll be required to purchase an annual membership. Prices vary based on membership level and number of memberships your family will need.

Target
Target is a favorite among families and it’s easy to see why. Their Archer Farms brand of food items makes quick work of any shopping list. Plus, the prices are not that bad. Some items can be more expensive, so check around for the weekly deals. They are conveniently placed at the entrance doors. Online shopping is also available through the company’s website. It’s a safe and easy way to get your favorite items. Delivery costs are usually small and the benefits of not carrying large items from the store to your home outweigh those fees.

Kmart
For years, Kmart was the only game in town for many shoppers. With increased competition came increased problems for the chain. The company heard complaints and renewed its commitment to the customer by bringing back their popular layaway program. This solution can help families that may not have the funds for a stocked pantry, but will be getting them in a short time. Much like their rivals, weekly circulars offer the best deals and coupons on selected products.

Walmart
Walmart and its membership only Sams Club chain of stores is arguably one of the most popular options for pantry shoppers. The business offers rollback deals and special savings that are hard to find at other stores. All of the special savings comes at a price that may be too high for ethical shopper. The company has been found to offer low wages to its employees. In many situations, full time Walmart staffers report a need for government assistance such as Medicaid and food stamps. The products in stores are equally as troubling. Many of Walmart’s good come from overseas producers, some of which have been cited for dangerous working conditions or child laborers.

Best Buy
If you’re looking for accessories or replacement items for electronics, Best Buy is the perfect choice. Their range of products cover a variety of items from vacuum cleaner bags to spare headphones. Prices can run a bit higher than bargain stores, but you’ll actually be getting brand name products from trusted producers.

There has never been a better time to add a pantry to your home. With so many organizers on the market and a range of products with long shelf lives, the options are endless. You and your family will love how it brings new flavor to every routine. Plus, you’ll save time on those costly trips to the store. Get started on your pantry today and let us know how it goes. Remember, there’s no wrong way to do this. Just have fun!

Resources:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-kitchen-pantry-a-brief-his-112005
http://inthepantry.blogspot.com/p/pantry-timeline.html

Prioritize your Life

– But I’m Tired

– Benefits of Regular Exercise

– Benefits of Eating Healthy

How to make Exercise a Part of Your Life

– No Time for the Gym?

– Hitting the Gym

Staying Fit: What do you Eat?
– Eating as a Family
– Best Foods for your Plate
As a mother, you devote much of your time to caring for your children, ensuring that they’re always well taken care of, healthy, and as happy as life will allow. But, to be the best mom that you can be it is important that you take time to care for yourself, too! Life as a mom is usually filled with long days and busy nights, with little time for extras thrown into the mix. Exercise, as delightful as it would be, is nothing more than a dream, so you feel. What if you knew that you could exercise even with a busy life with children? What if we told you that it is possible to look your best; feel your best as you tote your toddler on your hip? Exercise keeps you healthy and improves your overall well-being, ensuring that you’re able to spend many more memorable days with the munchkins you call your own.
Along with staying physically active, maintaining healthy eating habits is also vital to your well-being as a mother. You’ve probably heard the old saying ‘you are what you eat’ and the statement is so very true! No, you won’t turn into a banana after indulging in this potassium-rich treat, but you will thrive from the inside out as your body receives the nutrients that helps it be at its best! On the other hand, if your diet consists of frozen entrees and candy and sweets, your body lacks the nutrients that it needs, thus it is incapable of providing you the vital essence of life. Just like the automobile sitting in the garage needs oil, transmission fluid and regular upkeep, your body, too, needs those vital nutrients to thrive.

Prioritize Your Life

Just as you schedule business meetings and parent teacher conferences, somehow scheduling them into your already busy agenda, finding time for exercise and proper diet is important. Once you change your train of thought and understand the importance of fitness, prioritizing these things on your to-do list becomes far easier.

Although some people may consider exercise as an activity that is okay to complete ‘when there is time,’ the truth is that exercise is a key competent to your vitality, your energy, your emotions and feeling, and your overall good health. It isn’t okay to exercise when you feel like it or when there is time because as a mom it is unlikely those opportunities are ever going to present themselves to you. You’ll procrastinate and procrastinate until one day you look in the mirror, unhappy with the woman looking back at you. You’ll lie awake in the bed wishing that you had more energy or that you’d only listened to the doctor when he told you to exercise. Exercise must be a priority in your life. No matter how many tiny fingers and toes you count to sleep each night, you can find 10 -15 minutes each day to devote to exercise, if only you consider it a priority.

The same rule applies to the foods that you’re eating. You must make a conscience decision that you want to be healthy, happy, and at your best, understanding that it all starts with the foods that are on your plate. You must decide that you want to be a positive role model for your children and one that is there to cheer them on for many more happy years to come. If you continue to procrastinate, you’ll never make the changes that are needed to help you thrive. You won’t need to eliminate all of the delicious foods that you love from your diet, but you will need to add those that provide the essentials that keep you at your best day in and day out.
But I’m Tired

You’re going to be tired when you’re caring for extra lives aside from your own. Who wouldn’t want anything more than to hug their pillows tight after a day of chasing little people around? That is a natural feeling but one that you cannot allow to bring you down. As they say, when the going gets tough, you get going! As a mother, you’ll need to put your Supermom cape on every single day. This happens to be one of those occasions. Besides, there is a good chance that you’re tired because you’re not getting the exercise that you need! Sure, chasing the little ones burns a few calories, but it does nothing to tone your body or to keep you in shape. Often it isn’t even beneficial enough to show results!

When you’re tired and worn out from caring for the kids, your career, your relationship and all of life’s other duties, remember that eating right and exercise are that important; it is a priority in life now and must be done. Once you begin moving around and circulating the blood flow in your body, eating healthier foods and eliminating some of the not so good for you foods, those feelings of tiredness are likely going to go away and you’ll feel energized and invigorated! Knowing that you have fans watching from the sidelines should provide the motivation necessary to make these changes.
Benefits of Regular Exercise

As you begin to prioritize your life to include exercise, learning the extraordinary benefits offered by the addition of simple physical activity will certainly make it easier to want to get out there and get going. When you make exercise a regular part of your life, the following are all benefits you can expect to enjoy:
– Help maintain proportionate weight
– Lower your heart rates
– Stronger
– Improve bone strength and reduce risk of conditions such as arthritis and osteoarthritis
– More toned physique
– Improved self-esteem
– Breathe easier
– Enhanced mood
– Eliminate stress
– Experience fewer colds during the year
– Improved skin complexion
– Reduced anxiety
Benefits of Eating Healthy

Choosing to eat healthy is a decision you can proudly make for yourself and your family. Numerous benefits exist for families that eat healthy. Those benefits include:

• When you eat healthy foods, you will feel your best because the body has the adequate vitamins, minerals, and nutrients needed to help you feel great.
• Fewer illnesses.
• Improved health
• Increased energy
• When you’re eating healthy ,you are serving as a positive role model for your children who are looking up to you.
• Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is a great way to reduce costs of feeding the family. You can purchase delicious choices from local farmers markets at great prices, and enjoy yet another benefit since you’re helping keep money in your community.

How to make Exercise a Part of Your Life

Exercise is not optional; it is a necessity to keep you healthy and fit. Once you’ve prioritized your life, add a time slot for exercise to the daily calendar. Aim to exercise five out of seven days of the week for half an hour (or more,) keeping in mind that even 15 minutes of physical activity is better than none. You might be surprised at the many opportunities for you to add physical activity and exercise into your life and will certainly feel better about yourself when you’re doing the right things to prolong your well-being and long life ahead.
No Time for the Gym?

Exercise is a great way to take a step back from the stress and hassles of life and reinvent yourself but if you are unable to find the time to get to the gym, don’t fret. Getting your workout on at the gym is nice, but when you cannot make it in there are still a plethora of ideas for getting the exercise that you want and need.

You can turn almost anything into exercise, whether it is vacuuming the floors in the house, playing tag with the kids, or turning on the Wii and letting the laughter out loud as the sweat (and the competition) heats up. When you use these ideas for exercise, you’re benefiting yourself in more ways than one, since you won’t lose any of the precious time that you have to spend with your kids, and the little ones can join in on your activities and have fun at the same time.

Aside from these entertaining activities providing you with physical fitness when you can’t make it into the gym, there are numerous additional ways for you to exercise at home and outside of the gym.

• Take a walk or jog
• During the summer, cut the lawn using a push mower
• Play a sport with your children
• Ride a bike
• Pull the children on a wagon
• Set your alarm for half an hour earlier than everyone else wakes up to get your exercise in for the day. Working out early in the morning prepares you for an energized, happy day ahead

 

Hitting the Gym

If you’d love to go to the gym but have the kids with you, don’t allow that to stop you! There are tons of ways to make it to the gym, even with Cheerios spilling from your purse.

• These days more kid-friendly gyms are available than ever before. Take your kids with you and watch them play with other little ones while in the care of a licensed childcare worker as you sweat to the oldies.
• Hire a personal trainer. A personal trainer provides one-on-one exercise, information concerning your overall fitness, motivation, and more, all at the location of your choice. (Yes, the personal trainer can come to your home!)
• Trade exercise time with a friend or a family member. You can still enjoy a day out with the kids using such a method, and both of you benefit. While your friend gets her work out on, take the kids to the park. When it is your turn, they’ll all head out to grab lunch! Everyone wins!

Staying Fit: What do you Eat?

Do not sacrifice your good health by eating the wrong foods. No matter how much you exercise or dream of getting fit, you will be unable to do so until you are eating right. The best way to ensure that you, as well as the kids, are eating right is to sit down at the table and enjoy your meals together. Even toddlers benefit from eating meals together as a family and older children certainly enjoy the chance to sit down and talk about their day with the people they trust the most.
Eating as a Family

When you have soccer practice to attend, a business meeting, laundry, and homework left on the agenda at 4:00 p.m., planning a stop at a fast food restaurant is oftentimes the first thought. But, reevaluate this decision. Eating together as a family provides numerous benefits that enable you to succeed with your fitness goals.

• A study conducted in 2000 reported that 9 – 14 year-olds that ate dinner with their family made better food choices.
• Eating at home provides the chance to control portions. Studies indicate that most children and adults eat two to three times more food per sitting than they should. You can prevent overeating when you’re all at the table together.
• Families that eat together have happier, healthier, overall more productive children, according to The University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health.

 

Best Foods for your Plate

Sometimes moms find it difficult to prepare a meal that is both healthy and enjoyable to little ones (or other members of the family for that matter.) When your children eat healthy from the start, they’ll love the foods that you put on their plate because they’ve not been corrupted to the fast food false nutrition flavors or the cavity-laden sugary sweets. If you parent a picky eater, put your creativity to work and sneaking healthy choices into their favorite foods is simple. It is okay to allow your child the occasional junk food or fast food offering, but the majority of their meals should include items from the following list. By choosing the following foods to feed your family, you can ensure that fitness is always the top priority that you desire for it to be.

• Green Beans
• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Beets
• Sweet Potatoes
• Apples
• Red Peppers/ Bell Peppers
• Bananas
• Kiwi
• Oranges
• Carrots
• Brussels Sprouts
• Leafy Greens
• Lemons
• Cucumbers
• Dark Chocolate
• Fish or Seafood (limit consumption to once or twice per week)
• Strawberries
• Avocado
• Honeydew
• Nuts (Peanuts, cashews)
• Lean meats (Chicken, lamb)
• Brown Rice
• Kidney Beans
• Yogurt
• Coconut Oil
• Olive Oil

Find cookbooks with kid-friendly recipes using the foods above and prepare them for your family. If your kids are old enough, throw on the kid-size apron and allow them the chance to help prepare the meals. They’ll feel all grown up and will certainly be eager to taste their creations.

Do keep in mind that the list of healthy foods above is only a small sampling of the foods that you can eat to maintain great fitness. Also remember that there are a variety of cooking options for these foods, enabling you to enjoy a variety of tastes any day of the week.

Conclusion

Remember, when it is a priority on your list of things to-do, exercising and eating healthy become far easier than you ever imagined possible. While life is busy, there is always time to think about fitness, exercise, and eating healthy, especially when there are little ones looking up to you. Today is the best day to start making changes. Stop procrastinating and discover for yourself how fantastic life can be when you’re fit, healthy, and at your best.