By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

NORTH SHELBY—Do you struggle to find time in your busy schedule to prepare a healthy meal? Meal planning can help. Experts at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen will share meal planning tips and strategies during two special programs this month.

“Research shows people who plan their meals tend to eat healthier,” St. Vincent’s One Nineteen registered dietitian Jessica Cox said. “If you plan ahead, you’re more likely to plan healthy foods.”

Drop by St. Vincent’s One Nineteen on Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. for Meal Planning for Busy Moms. Led by Cox, the half-hour class will cover the basics of planning healthy, delicious and budget conscious meals for a family.

“I’m going to share my top 10 meal planning tips (and) I’m going to talk about planning meals that cost utilize ingredients,” Cox said.

Cox will also discuss creative ways to use leftovers, for example transforming a pork roast into a pork taco dish.

On Oct. 22, St. Vincent’s One Nineteen will once again host the popular Healthy Cooking in a Bag program. Beginning at 5 p.m., the three-hour session will cover a week’s worth of meals that can be prepped and frozen until they’re ready to be eaten.

“It’s been really successful because people like the idea of having those meals in their freezer already prepared,” St. Vincent’s One Nineteen registered dietitian Donna Sibley said.

In the past, attendees have created everything from a crock-pot ready pork tenderloin with cherries and pineapple dish to herb-infused turkey burgers, Sibley said.

Attendees will be provided a shopping list for groceries to bring to class and St. Vincent’s One Nineteen will provide the cutting boards, knives, herbs, spices and storage bags.

In addition to learning recipe, participants will learn helpful tips and tricks for freezing a variety of dishes.

“We’re going to talk about the best methods for freezing (and) helpful tips that people can use with their own recipes after class,” Cox said.

Although the program starts at 5 p.m., participants may stop by with their groceries as they are available.

At the end of the session, each participant will have seven meals for the week and recipe cards for each dish created during the class.
Meal Planning for Busy Moms is a free program and Healthy Cooking in a Bag costs $25 per person. Both require reservations. To reserve a spot in either class, call 408-6550.