Many families are busy, and convenience foods often get a bad reputation, but they can actually help us get nutritious meals on the table faster.

One of my favorite shortcuts is frozen vegetables. They’re already washed and chopped, help reduce food waste, and they cook in just minutes. Plus, they’re picked at peak freshness so they still contain great nutrition.

Another great shortcut is rotisserie chicken. This can become multiple meals. You can use it in tacos, salads, soups, or grain bowls throughout the week.

Bagged salad kits are another time saver. To boost nutrition and make them more filling, I suggest adding a protein like grilled chicken, beans, nuts, or cheese.

A helpful formula is: a protein, a vegetable, a grain or starch

For example, rotisserie chicken, frozen vegetables, and microwaveable rice can be a balanced meal in about five minutes.

Convenience foods can be tools that can help families prepare balanced meals more consistently. For more tips, head to fareway.com