Cooking outside can be a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the fresh air, but when you’re busy, it can feel like more of a hassle than it’s worth. If you’re juggling a packed schedule but still want to keep your meals healthy, here are three helpful tips for taking advantage of your outdoor kitchen.
Pre-Prep Your Ingredients
When you’re busy, the last thing you want to do is spend a bunch of time chopping veggies or marinating chicken after a long day. That’s where pre-prepping your ingredients comes in. By taking a little time to prepare your food, you can make outdoor cooking quick and painless.
Pick a day—maybe Sunday—when you have a bit of extra time, and do all your washing, chopping, and marinating in one go. Store everything in airtight containers so that it’s ready to go when you are. Need dinner fast? You might grab those pre-marinated chicken breasts and toss them on the grill with your pre-chopped veggies. Done and done!
Invest in Multi-Functional Tools
The right tools can make outdoor cooking a breeze, especially when they serve more than one purpose. Multi-functional tools help you cut down on clutter and make cooking way more efficient. And really, less stuff means less stress.
Look for tools that can do double (or triple!) duty: a grill basket that can cook veggies, fish, and even toast bread, or a set of tongs that can also act as a spatula. Investing in a few good-quality, multi-functional tools can simplify your outdoor cooking in a big way.
Plan Quick, Balanced Meals
Even when your schedule is packed, you can still whip up balanced healthy and delicious meals. With a little planning, you can have everything you need on hand to make quick, nutritious dishes that don’t take forever to cook.
Plan out a few go-to meals that combine lean proteins, veggies, and whole grains, and aim to keep them simple. Think grilled salmon with asparagus, a quick quinoa salad, or a stir-fried veggie with tofu and brown rice. Keep your pantry stocked with staples like olive oil, spices, and whole grains so you can throw together a meal in no time.
Really, when you have a plan, it’s so much easier to stick to eating healthy. Quick, balanced meals mean you’re getting the nutrients you need without spending hours in the kitchen. And having those healthy ingredients on hand means you’re less likely to reach for takeout when you’re in a rush.
By using these three hacks—pre-prepping your ingredients, investing in multi-functional tools, and planning quick, balanced meals—you can make outdoor cooking a breeze, even with a busy lifestyle. So, go ahead, fire up that grill, and enjoy some delicious, healthy meals without the stress!