When dinnertime rolls around and you’ve got hungry chicks peeping, it can be tempting to reach for the takeout menus if you’re not prepared. For a budget-friendly and nourishing routine, make home-cooked meals your go-to and save takeout night for a fun way to celebrate special occasions.

Home-cooked meals are more doable when you keep things simple by using just 3-5 balanced ingredients. Hannaford offers plenty of shortcuts to save you time, money and stress while keeping meals healthy and delicious. Check out these tips to make dinner time easier for you, while keeping it healthy and tasty for the whole crew!

Tip #1

Start with a flavorful dinnertime hero. Build your meal around foods that already have great flavor.

For example:

• Fresh Express^® Salad Kits
• Cedar’s^® Hommus
• Tate of Inspirations^® Salsa
• Nature’s Promise^® Chicken Sausage
• McCormick^® Seasoning

Tip #2

Balance your plate using STRONG + BRIGHT + WHOLE. This is a quick trick for helping you remember all your food groups to make up a complete meal.

STRONG:
A protein food helps keep your muscles strong and your stomach full!
Time savers: Rotisserie chicken, plain Greek yogurt, canned black beans, Cabot^® 50% Lite Cheddar Cheese

BRIGHT:
A colorful fruit or veggie adds vitamins, fiber and antioxidants.
Time savers: Fresh Express^® Baby Spinach, Hannaford Frittata Blend, Snap Pea Frozen Stir Fry Blend

WHOLE:
A fiber-rich whole grain provides long lasting energy.
Time savers: Whole Wheat wraps, Nature’s Promise Ancient Grains and Rice, Nature’s Promise Red Lentil Penne

Tip #3

Maximize your well-being by choosing foods and beverages that earn 1, 2 or 3 Guiding Stars^® to find nutritious options in less time.

Jump Start Your Ideas:

Burrito Bowl
Strong: Black Beans and/or rotisserie chicken
Bright: Fresh Express^® Southwest Chopped Salad Kit (dinnertime hero)
Whole: Microwave in a Bag Brown Rice
Dress it up: Top with plain Greek yogurt, salsa and/or guacamole

Southwest Chipotle Chicken Wrap
Strong: Rotisserie chicken
Bright: Fresh Express^® Chipotle Cheddar Chopped Salad Kit (dinnertime hero)
Whole: Whole wheat wrap
Dress it up: Sliced avocado

Sheet Pan Dinner
Strong: Chicken breasts
Bright: Hannaford Fresh Stir Fry Blend
Whole: Nature’s Promise Red Lentil Penne
Dress it up: McCormick^® One Sheet Pan Parmesan seasoning packet (dinnertime hero); Marinara Sauce (dinnertime hero)