Everyone’s schedule is extremely busy and finding the time and energy to plan and cook every night can be next to impossible. But that doesn’t mean that take-out has to be the go-to for those nights when dinner isn’t making itself.

With a little planning, enjoying healthy food and spending less time in the kitchen can be easily accomplished.

Just a couple of tips. Use the internet and pull some easy recipes. Create that shopping list.

Use free apps to make the job easier such as ChetTap, Mealime, GroceryPal, Wunderlist, Free Shopping List Ease are excellent.

Most importantly, remember Cook Once, Eat Twice. Make more of whatever you are cooking. The basic idea here is to cook a larger amount of food at one time and use part of what you cook for other meals during the week or to freeze.  

Ready to Cook. Ask for help. Have your spouse, significant other, or kids assist with getting ingredients out, chopping vegetables, stirring and/or cleaning up.

Involving your kids in the cooking process can be one of the best ways to get them to try different foods.

Set the stage and play some music while you’re cooking.

Take that extra minute to set a beautiful table and light a candle and please, don’t be afraid to use that good china.

Breath. This is precious time to connect with your family (remember, no electronics at the table!).

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Tori Goodrich is a life, business and professional; What Should I Do Now coach. She is also the co-owner of Gener8tional Connections helping companies work through the great divide. Visit her on the web at www.victoriagoodrich.com, or reach her via email at tgoodrich@vista.today.