Quick Meals after Long Shifts

Quick Meals after Long Shifts Is there anything more exhausting than coming home after a 12 hour shift, only to have to cook a meal?

Of course, there are drive thrus, but we all know those are not very healthy choices. If the meal is quick and easy, you are more likely to prepare it.

Check out some of these recipes: Ham      

Potato Skillet 4 potatoes, washed cubed and peeled 1 large onion, peeled and sliced thin 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 4 slices ham, cubed Salt and pepper to taste

Related: Healthy Food & Drink Choices Place potato cubes in microwave, cover and cook for 4 minutes on high Place cooking spray or olive oil in skillet Add onions and peppers to hot skillet, cook 2 minutes Add potatoes, salt and pepper Add ham, turn with spatula Cook on high until browned Chicken Enchiladas  Boneless, skinless chicken strips, sliced thin  4 flour tortillas  1 can cream of chicken and herb soup  1 can green chilis  Instant Mexican rice a (microwave for 90 seconds and it's done)  Shredded Mexican cheese Heat skillet and use cooking spray or olive oil, add chicken, cook 5 minutes Add chilis and soup, stir and continue cooking Microwave rice bag for 90 seconds, and pour into bowl Lay tortillas out, spoon chicken mixture down center, spread rice over top Add cheese, and wrap Tuna Salad  1 pouch or can tuna  Chopped lettuce

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Cherry tomatoes 1 carton green yogurt 1 Tbs spicy mustard Whole wheat bread

Mix tuna with Greek yogurt and mustard Add lettuce and tomatoes Spread on bread, and you have a very healthy dinner. Serve with soup.

Taco     

casserole 1 pound cooked and crumbled ground beef ½ bag tortilla chips 1 can nacho cheese soup Salsa Shredded Mexican cheese

Cook meat, drain Mix meat with soup and layer with chips and cheese Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees Add black beans for added nutrition Crock Pot Chicken Dinner  4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts  2 bell peppers  4 corn on cob ears  Salt and pepper  1 cup chicken broth Put all ingredients in crock pot before leaving for work Cook on low 10 hours and serve Related: Traveling Nurses Expectations, Benefits and Their Assignments Summer Ideas For warm summer months food need to be lighter. Kids are playing out later, dinner may be served later, so keep it light.  Meat and cheese roll ups - sliced lean meat and cheese in corn tortilla with sauce of choice  Turkey bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches with chicken noodle soup  Grilled chicken strips with dipping sauces  Finger sandwiches

Pair any of these with a salad or a fruit medley.   

Breakfast for dinner is another quick and easy solution.

Taco bar: Cook some ground turkey, chicken, or ground beef, and put out multiple items for taco toppings, and let everyone serve themselves.

Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup go together for a great light dinner

Do you own a pressure cooker? They can cook almost anything in minutes.

They don't heat up the kitchen, yet you can still serve a hot meal.

Another idea for quick weeknight dinners is to cook some items in advance and freeze them to be used later. Chicken cooked on the grill can be versatile, and used in multiple dishes or frozen. Workday dinners do not have to be elaborate; they can be light, yet filling and nutritious. Download one of the recipe apps for ideas, and check out the recipes.com dinner spinner app for great everyday meal ideas based on your preference.

If your budget allows, there are companies that will a fresh and healthy meal directly to your door. They may not be as budget-conscious as making a trip to the store, but something like this may be worth it for a busy family.

Related: Esteemed Nurse Melissa R. Puschak, RN, BSN, will be Featured in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter