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If you're like me, trying to juggle farm life while keeping the family well-fed can feel overwhelming. But there's a solution that aligns with our busy schedules and tight budgets—whole cooking. It's more than just a health trend; it's a way to bring nature's best to your table without the fuss of processed foods.
Understanding Whole Cooking
Whole cooking is about preparing meals with foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. This means saying goodbye to preservatives and boxed meals, and hello to fresh, wholesome ingredients. If you're wondering how to whip up quick, last-minute meals with whole foods, I've got you covered with a couple of my favorite, kid approved, recipes down below.
The Secret Ingredient: Preparation
The key to whole cooking is being prepared. Stock your pantry with essentials like fresh or frozen vegetables, potatoes, rice (avoid instant), dried beans, meats, eggs, and olive oil. Add in fresh fruits, your favorite herbs, and spices. Always check meat labels carefully, especially ground meats.
Whenever possible, buy local. It’s not just a trend; it’s a safeguard. Recently, regulations have allowed food processors to add fillers to meats, so buying directly from local farmers ensures you're getting pure, quality meat. Investing in a freezer for bulk purchases can save money and guarantee that you’re serving 100% beef, lamb, or pork. My favorite beef comes from 76 Cattle Company.
Meal Planning Made Simple
To make meal prep easier, plan your meals ahead of time. Chop carrots or other vegetables for multiple meals, at once and store them in the fridge. When I preserve food from the garden, I keep this in mind as well. Carrots are chopped so they are ready to simply pull out of the freezer. Consider making simple casseroles and freezing them, so you have ready-to-go meals for those hectic days when cooking feels impossible.
Quick Whole Food Meals for Busy Days
Skillet Dinners
Skillet dinners are a lifesaver when everyone’s "hangry." They’re quick, versatile, and easy to customize. Here’s one of my go-to recipes:
I use taco seasoning a lot, and Italian herbs. I make my own taco seasoning so it is easy to use. You can find that recipe here. Italian herbs I use include basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper. Add each to your preferred taste.
Potato Skillet
- 1-2 pounds of ground meat (beef, lamb, or pork)
- Potatoes (one per person)
- 1 package of frozen vegetables
- Herbs and spices to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the meat in a skillet.
- Add potatoes and cook until they’re tender.
- Toss in the vegetables and your choice of herbs and spices.
- Stir well and serve!
Rice Bowls
Rice bowls are another quick fix, perfect for a nourishing meal in minutes:
Rice Bowl
- 1-2 pounds of ground meat (beef, lamb, or pork)
- 1 package of frozen vegetables
- Herbs and spices (Bragg Liquid Aminos is a great addition)
- Cooked rice (use a rice cooker for faster cooking and convenience)
Instructions:
- Brown the meat in a pan.
- Add vegetables and seasonings, then stir well.
- Serve over a bed of rice.
These meals aren’t just about addressing hunger; they're about nourishing your family with love, even when times are tough. Remember, you’re not just feeding bellies, but also creating a home and memories around the dinner table.
Whole cooking offers a way to simplify your life while ensuring your family eats healthy, tasty meals. It’s one step toward living the peaceful, thriving life you dream of.
If you need more tips or support, remember that you're not alone on this journey. Reach out to our community of farm moms, in the Facebook group below, who share your values and challenges. Together, we can overcome obstacles and create the fulfilling life you deserve.
Wanting a community to lean into? Join the FREE Thriving Through Farm Life: Wife’s Support Network! In our community, we embrace the challenges of farm life and provide a supportive space for wives facing the complexities of managing a family farm. Whether you're navigating financial pressures, day-to-day operations, or seeking ways to create a thriving home, we're here for you. Explore gardening and preserving tips for cultivating your own oasis, share insights on animal care, and discover practical family budgeting strategies. Together, let's grow through challenges, flourish authentically, and sow the seeds for a resilient and thriving farm life. Join us on this journey of resilience and abundance!
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Don't want the whole calendar part? I got you! I pulled the gardening and animal care pages out and put them in a book all their own.
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Supporting Your Family Naturally from the Inside Out community!! This community is for Mommas, looking to Support Your Family from Nature for Wellness. Tips range from nutrition, herbals, detoxing, natural cleaning, and essential oils. Basically, all the things I’ve learned slowly over the past 5+ years of my journey. We have moved off Facebook, to better serve our community and be able to discuss openly options for providing for your family in the best way possible.
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I've had 3 very different pregnancies. After the first traumatic birth, I learned better and how to care for my body naturally and prevent common pregnancy and birth problems before they arise. This quick course will get you the tools you need to have a naturally healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery. My first pregnancy I had a normal western medicine all the things pregnancy. My second? I flipped to completely natural, no medicine. Bonus: Preventing Preeclampsia Without the Aspirin & Healing from Birth Trauma
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