Cheap Eats! (& healthy, too!)

Cooking can be overwhelming for many people. Here are some common fears & ways to begin conquering them.

- Perfectionism:  It can feel hard to live up to images or experiences of large, elaborate family meals, especially with a full schedule of other responsibilities. Gradually learn to accept that some meals will be small & simple. Some aren't going to turn out perfectly. That's ok.

- Worried that what you're making isn't healthy? Fortunately, eating at home is almost always healthier than eating out. Over the next week, we'll share multiple ways to ditch some calories, fat, salt, & sugar without sacrificing taste.

- Don't know what to make? Check out EatingWell's Healthy Budget-Friendly Recipes for a slew of healthy & cheap ideas. (Look at the middle column below the slideshow for even more!)

- Short on time? Check out WebMd's 5-Ingredient Recipes for Busy Cooks & Delish's 15 Minute Recipes for 5 Ingredient Meals. If you cut meats into smaller pieces, they will cook faster. Another great but underused option is the crockpot/slow cooker.

- No food in the house? Check back soon for time & money saving shopping tips.

- Don't know how to cook? Picture a young child trying to walk or learning to speak. Few (if any) master it immediately. New skills take practice. Cooking is no different. Ask a trusted friend or family member to teach you. Or, search online or at the library for beginner's materials. Sometimes, you can also find beginner's cooking classes.

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Attention WLC Participants
* Captains-- If you haven't received your 3 weekly WLC e-mails, please contact Jackie Sergent (jsergent@gvdhd.org) ASAP.
* Team Members-- The weekly e-mails contain more tips, hints, & Challenge info. So, if your captain hasn't already, please ask him/her to share it with you.