Do you have a hectic schedule some days? Do you meet your self coming and going? On days like that who has time to prepare food for your family? Does fast food seem like your only option? Or maybe you are just tired one day and don’t have any energy to cook. Consider stocking your shelves with "Go-To" Meals. These are meals that satisfy hunger, take minimal effort and time, but maximize taste and are easy on the pocket book. Nutritional value is fulfilled when you plan for at least one food from each group in My Pyramid. Only a few ingredients are required, so preparation and clean-up is a snap. Plus, they save money on your food bill!

Here are a few ideas to get you thinking…

·Peanut butter and jelly is an old favorite that’s even better when served on toasted whole wheat bread. Add baby carrots, apple slices and milk.

·Pita pocket sandwiches are stuffed with veggies and healthy lunch meat. Its shape is perfect for eating on-the-go. For some variety, try a whole grain bagel sandwich.

·Scrambled eggs or omelets with added onions, peppers, leftover vegetables and cheese need only fruit and toast to make a meal.

·Beans and brown rice cover two of your main energy sources. The protein in the beans fuels your muscles, while the complex carbs in the rice provide lasting energy. To save time, try a quick-cook variety of brown rice.

·Tomato Soup and a grilled cheese sandwich will fill you up fast. Use milk instead of water when making the soup. Add fruit to finish off the meal.

·Summer Spaghetti Cook a box of spaghetti. Meanwhile saute chopped onion, zucchini, and peppers and add to a jar of spaghetti sauce. Top the spaghetti with some Parmesan cheese.

·Stuffed potatoes are easier to make than you might think. Bake the potatoes in the microwave. Heat a package of frozen vegetables up. Place cooked vegetables and about 1/4 cup of picante sauce on top of the potato. Add some grated cheese and you are ready to eat.

Source: Pointers by Peggy Iowa Extension Service.