Eat healthier by cooking your meals ahead of time (Photos)

From creativity to cost, dinnertime decisions can prove to be a daily dilemma for parents. After a long, hectic day at work, it can be tempting to stop at the nearest fast food joint to pick up dinner for the family. After all, it sounds much easier and quicker than standing over a stove for a half hour and then cleaning up afterwards! As parents, we all face the fast food dinner solution from time to time. But Colorado residents are among the nation's healthiest and most active, and Denver moms know that resorting to drive-through dinners too frequently can lead to an unhealthy diet and an empty wallet. With just a little extra planning, moms and dads can prepare, freeze, defrost and enjoy a healthy and great-tasting meal any time during the week.

As healthy and easy as this plan sounds, one obstacle can get in the way of its success: a kitchen freezer and refrigerator that's already packed to the gills. Buying quality meats and produce from local farmers markets and purchasing things like breads and dairy in bulk can save busy moms time and money at the checkout counter. However when it comes to storing it all, many find those extra items going bad before they're able to be used. Additionally, while using Sunday afternoon to prep the upcoming week's food sounds like a great idea, finding a place to keep seven dinners for a family of four fresh is another story. Adding a stand-alone Frigidaire Convertible Freezer/Refrigerator for just $869 to your household will provide the extra space your family needs to store groceries and healthy pre-cooked meals. With one of these Frigidaire freezers, you can buy in bulk, save money and have family favorites at your fingertips. This model can also convert into a second refrigerator in 24 hours, providing storage versatility for all of your excess groceries.

So if you decide to cook all your meals for the week on a Sunday, it’s a simple way to keep them fresh and ready-to-eat quickly.

Parents can even make the once-a-week meal preparation a family activity. Simply take just a few hours out of the weekend and involve the kids in getting dinner ready for the following week. Getting the kids involved will not only make it fun, but healthy eating habits will stick with the kids into adulthood. Easy-to-freeze and nutritious meals can include baked mac & cheese made with low-fat milk and cheese, vegetable lasagnas, chicken soups, sweet potato empanadas, veggie and turkey sausage calzones and whole wheat pancakes and waffles and breakfast casseroles for weekend brunch. For a guide on freezing and storing meats, use this website from the USDA on freezing safety.

Built in the USA, Frigidaire freezers have amazing features to make life easier for both the parents and the kids. Not only does it have three full width glass shelves and a clear dairy door, it has the nice option of reversing the door swing. The bright lighting makes it easy for hurried moms and impatient kids searching for their food. To find out what other features this freezer offers, check out Frigidaire freezers and Frigidaire home appliances at www.Frigidaire.com.

This is a "sponsored post," meaning the company who sponsored the article compensated me for writing the article. The opinions I have expressed, however, are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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, Denver Family & Parenting Examiner

Colleen is a youthful forty-something wife and mother who loves soaking up all that Colorado has to offer. Her passion is writing and photographing all things nerd, as well as the amazing weekend activities in the Denver area.

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