Hot and sticky summer weather can chase us out of the kitchen and make us reach for convenience foods to avoid slaving over a sweltering stove. Choosing convenience doesn't mean you need to compromise on good nutrition. Follow Canada's Food Guide recommendations to ensure that you are meeting your nutritional needs. Every meal should provide at least one serving from each of the key food groups: Vegetables and Fruit, Grain Products, Milk and Alternatives and Meat and Alternatives. Within those food groups, emphasizing fresh vegetables and fruit, whole grains, legumes and lean meats will limit calories and provide essential nutrients and fibre.
How can you make fast and easy nutritious meals without turning on your stove?
By stocking your refrigerator with good-for-you convenient items, you can build complete dinners in short order. Summer Fresh Salads are loaded with flavour and wholesome ingredients to provide the perfect base. With just a few simple additions, you'll be able to serve your family satisfying dinners that provide servings from each of the four food groups for balanced nutrition. Try some of these or create your own combos:
- For a Mediterranean-inspired hoagie, layer sliced lean deli meat with part-skim mozzarella cheese and Summer Fresh Grilled Vegetable Salad with Roasted Garlic onto whole-wheat buns.
- For a sweet and savory light lunch, slice ripe pear and top with Summer Fresh Sonoma Salad, toasted walnuts and crumbled blue cheese.
- Add protein and crunch to a zesty Asian inspired salad by tossing Summer Fresh Pad Thai Noodle Salad with cubed tofu and toasted almonds.
- Create an Antipasto-style pasta salad entrιe by combining Summer Fresh Caprese Salad with flaked canned tuna, thawed frozen peas and torn fresh basil or arugula.
- Shred leftover chicken breast and toss with barbecue sauce. Spoon onto whole-wheat buns and top with aged Cheddar cheese and Summer Fresh Gourmet Coleslaw for a Southern inspired sandwich.
- Make a gourmet salad supper by spooning colourful Seven Grain Salad onto a plate along with baby spinach, crumbled goat cheese and toasted pecans. Serve with a whole-wheat roll.
Stay cool and eat well!
Reference: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index-eng.php
