Some simple tips concerning edibles.....

Here are a few simple household tips that you may already know about but are worth mentioning:

Citrus: 
Here in Arizona we have a surplus of citrus fruits.  When I have too many, they are about to turn, or they are simply needing to be used - I boil them.  I cut a bunch of oranges, lemons, limes, whatever citrus I have and put it in a big pot.  If I am using oranges I usually put in a couple of tablespoons of cinnamon and a tsp of vanilla.  Then boil it all day on low.  This concoction will make your house smell divine.  Cheap, organic, and lovely! 
Then after you are done with it for the day - pour the whole thing down your garbage disposal.  It cleans and deodorizes the disposal without chemicals. 

Meat:
I like to buy meat in large quantities. I find it more economical in several ways.  It is often less expensive  when bought in bulk but also you have to make fewer trips to the store - Hallelujah!  The problem then is storage.  You can freeze the whole lot of it but then thawing it all out only to use a small portion is not advisable.  Here is a solution: divide the meat up into small portions.
 If you are freezing hamburger, put one pound in a Ziploc baggie.  Squeeze as much of the air out as possible and then flatten it.  You can then stack them easily in your freezer and they thaw out evenly.  You can also do this with chopped onion, peppers, etc. 

 If you are using other meats such as hams, pork, roast, etc. Simply cut them in half, wrap them in saran wrap and freeze them.

Breakfast:

As you know my husband and I have been trying to eat better.  This was especially challenging at breakfast.  Before, we would eat things like cold cereal (the sugary kind of course), granola bars, power bars, etc.  Not so healthy!  Now we try to eat things like omelets, whole wheat pancakes with sugar free syrup, smoothies with just a little splenda or honey, etc.  The only problem was the time it took to make these things.  We have it down to a science now and can make these healthy foods in a snap but we have a few tricks. 

*Have an omelet station in the fridge.  Stock everything you could need: eggs, chopped onion and green pepper, cooked lean pork sausage, chopped turkey bacon, shredded cheese. 

That way you don't have to waste time searching, cooking, thawing chopping, etc.  You can just whip up the eggs and begin.  You will be surprised how quick an omelet can be on your plate.  Also, consider using salsa instead of ketchup if you need something on top.  Much better for you!

*Pre-freeze everything you need to make your favorite smoothies in a Ziploc baggies.  That way you just pull it out and throw it in the blender. 

*Pre-mix all of the dry ingredients for your whole wheat pancakes.  Then all you have to do is add the liquids and you're ready to go.

I hope these little tips help.  Enjoy!