Simple Dinner to Avoid Holiday Stress

I can get myself in a pickle in my attempt to do too much at one time, especially during the holidays.  I forget that I should probably omit some of my normal day-to-day  “to do’s”  with the additional list during this time of the year. I want to get it ALL done.  One thing I have learned is that I need to give up trying to do too much in the evening for dinner and have a simple dinner recipe to avoid additional stress for the next few weeks. 

It’s not too early to start putting together an eating plan to avoid stress and the average weight gain of 5-7 pounds during the holiday season.  Planning to have simple dinners for the next few weeks can help in two areas.

1. Reduces Stress and Time

You may like preparing elaborate meals in the evening.  However, that time may be needed to get your other jobs done.  Don’t try and do it all.  Eliminate the stress of meal planning and focus on your holiday lists.

2. Eliminates the Impulse for Fast Food

When things get busy and stressful, it can be a trigger to eat whatever is the first thing available.  Deciding to prepare a quick healthy meal, nothing fancy, will help in managing your weight through the season and reduce the stress that can happen with extra weight gain.

Cooking healthy does not have to be elaborate and there does not have to be a need to grab fast food. Plan to have a simple fruit and vegetable each night to make dinner quick.  Learn what you can easily throw in the CrockPot in the morning.  It’s not too early to get your holiday plan for a simple dinner to avoid holiday stress.  Try this to get you started.

 Simple Saucy Parmesan Chicken *

 4 small boneless chicken breast halves

1/4 cup Kraft Light Zesty Italian Reduced Fat Dressing

¼ cup Kraft 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese

1. Place all ingredients in large sealable freezer-weight plastic bag; seal bag.  Turn bag several times to evenly coat chicken with remaining ingredients.  Lay  flat so chicken pieces do not overlap
2. Refrigerate chicken 30 minutes to marinate
3. Arrange chicken on foil-covered baking sheet; and bake for 20 minutes at 425 degrees

Serves 4

Calories – 182

Fat – 6gms

Protein – 27gms

*adapted from Kraft Foods

My tip:

Prepare chicken right when you get home from grocery store with marinade and freeze in storage bag.  This will make it simple to pull out and cook on busy night.  Serve with salad and vegetables and cook extra for next day’s lunch.

In Good Health,

Crystal

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