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Grab & Go - How to Eat Healthy During a Kitchen Renovation

By
Real Estate Agent with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 393889

Spring sees the start of many home remodeling projects. And a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that a kitchen remodel tops the list of most common remodeling projects. Embarking on this type of project can be exciting—until you realize your kitchen will be unusable for weeks, perhaps even months. But, a kitchen remodel doesn’t mean you and your family must live off fast food or takeout. With a bit of forethought and planning, you can still prepare healthy and even quick meals without access to a standard stove or oven. Here’s how.

SET UP A MAKESHIFT KITCHEN

This is step one to crafting healthy meals during your reno. Find a spot in your house—the garage, a spare bedroom, a screened-in porch, or a sunroom—to set up your temporary kitchen. If possible, find a spot with plenty of electrical outlets and a nearby sink. Include a table to store portable cooking appliances, such as a slow cooker or toaster oven, and use milk crates to hold pantry items. Store dishes, plates, and utensils in clear-plastic bins so you can easily see what you have available. If your remodel includes replacing your refrigerator, see if your contractor will move your old refrigerator to this temporary space. If that’s not an option, purchase one or two dorm-size fridges. You can buy new or find an inexpensive used one on sites such as Craigslist or eBay. If you’re replacing your kitchen cabinets, set aside one or two of your old cabinets to serve as temporary storage during the renovation.

PREPARE A MONTH OF FREEZER MEALS

If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of freezer meals, it means doing food prep in bulk and then freezing fully cooked and portioned out meals to thaw, warm, and eat later. If you want ideas for recipes, simply do an internet search for freezer meals. If you won’t have access to your own freezer, see if a friend or neighbor will allow you to borrow space in theirs.

PULL OUT ALL YOUR COOKING APPLIANCES

You don’t need a stove or wall oven to cook meals. Dust off your slow cooker, microwave, toaster oven, electric griddle, electric kettle, or barbecue grill. Nearly any food you normally prepare on a stove can be prepared instead with one of these appliances. Of course, only use your charcoal or gas grill outdoors.

MAKE A DEAL WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS

Offer to cook for your neighbor’s family and yours if you can borrow their kitchen. This gives you a chance to experience some normalcy while your own home is upended. It also gives you an excuse to visit with friends or get to know your neighbors better. You can also borrow their kitchen to make baked goods, such as muffins or cakes, that can be eaten later. Make extras for your friends as a thank-you.

KEEP PLENTY OF GRAB-AND-GO SNACKS ON HAND

It’s best to have a surplus of snacks that don’t need to be cooked. Fresh fruit, to-go cereal cups, string cheese, nuts, nut butters paired with fruit or veggies, granola—there are a plethora of nutritious food options that can keep you satisfied.

EXPAND YOUR IDEA OF WHAT DINNER MEANS

Not every meal has to be hot or a multicourse event. Pretend you’re running a tapas bar. Serve small plates of olives, antipasto, cold cuts, or pita bread and veggies served with healthy dips such as hummus or baba ghanoush.

EXPLORE PREMADE DINNER OPTIONS

Many grocery stores now offer hot or ready-to-heat premade meals. You can buy cooked meats, like a rotisserie chicken and sides to go with it. You can also pick up premade salads and desserts. Look for packaged salads like tuna, chicken, or potato salad. Another grocery store option is buying already cleaned, cut, and packaged veggies, such as carrots, celery, and onions. If you are going to cook a meal at home, these options can reduce time spent on meal prep and cleanup.

It’s true that a remodel may test your patience and tolerance, but there’s no reason why it should expand your waistline. With a little planning, you can survive a kitchen renovation with both your sanity and your health intact. Written by Ronda Swaney. Photography provided by ©iStockphoto.com/279photo.


 

Laura Lyons - CRS ABR SRES RRS

330-998-4762

lauralyons@howardhanna.com

Professional Home Stager

OPENING DOORS FOR YOU!

Show All Comments Sort:
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Great blog and welcome to the Rain where we all learn from each other and help each other.

 

May 27, 2018 07:50 AM
Laura Lyons
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services - Solon, OH
Your Realtor for All Seasons!

Thank you Will Hamm 

May 27, 2018 07:58 AM
Gary & Melynda Wolter, Since 2001, 480-269-1164
ProSmart Realty - Mesa, AZ
Reliable, Premier Personal Service since 2001

Preparation is always the key to better eating. Having a plan is great advice. Interesting ideas! Thanks for sharing!

May 27, 2018 08:24 AM
Laura Lyons
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services - Solon, OH
Your Realtor for All Seasons!

Thank you Gary & Melynda Wolter (CRS) 480-269-1164 , enjoy our holiday weekend!  

May 27, 2018 08:25 AM