Well Balanced Meals

Plan the whole meal ahead of time. Consider the cuisine or style of your entrée, based on the lean poultry it will feature. Next, choose vegetables and a whole grain or healthy starch to suit. Instead of using recipes for each side dish, work with what you have available and what is on sale.

Think of your sides as “assembled” ingredients rather than technical recipes. Serve a teriyaki-flavored grilled chicken dish with lightly grilled whole bok choy, red pepper strips and a pot of whole grain rice. For a Mexican-inspired entrée, toss together a black bean salsa full of chopped bell peppers, onion and mango, served alongside a green salad. Be creative and look to what is in season and on sale for your inspiration.