AMES, Iowa -- Iowans are finding many different ways to experience “Healthy Meals in a Hurry,” the Iowa State University Extension publication - PM 2035. Across the state, cooks are learning, saving money, preparing meals that their families can enjoy together, sampling foods made from the recipes and – they are having fun!

They are saving money too! Making all the recipes in the suggested amounts, results in 120 servings of main dishes at a cost of less than $1 per serving.

“We are finding that this 40-page booklet with 14 main dish recipes is a great resource for people that want to save time and money preparing healthy meals,” said Nancy Clark, family nutrition and health specialist with ISU Extension. “It features quantity preparation that includes healthy ingredients, safe preparation and storage information, and complete menu ideas that can be used by a large family or by individuals.”

“Healthy Meals in a Hurry,” one of the Top 10 publications ordered at the ISU Extension online store (https://www.extension.iastate.edu/store/) by the public, features recipes with “eat now” and “eat later” directions. This makes it possible to have ready-to-reheat main dishes and smart food choices in the freezer.

The booklet is being used by extension family nutrition and health specialists in a variety of ways and by Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program dieticians in their work with families.

In eastern Iowa, ISU Extension shared “Healthy Meals in a Hurry” and other extension publications with the Dubuque County Wellness Committee as they planned a training effort to revive family meal time and encourage families to eat healthier meals. “Healthy Meals” was an instant match with their goals; trainings are being built around the booklet. The 90-minute classes will be offered in 12 different Dubuque County locations once a week for three consecutive weeks.

“The messages in “Healthy Meals in a Hurry” are exactly what we wanted to accomplish in the class,” said Pat Fisher, HyVee dietician and an organizer of the training. “Our committee wanted to offer classes that would encourage healthy eating by reviving family meals. The bulk quantity recipes, nutrition analysis and food safety information in “Healthy Meals in a Hurry” will serve as the basis for the classes we are offering around the county. This is a beautifully done publication; very easy to read and use.”

Dubuque County program participants will be instructed in the preparation of a complete meal using one of the recipes from the booklet. Fisher said the class will eat the meal together, while talking about nutrition and life style goals, and food safety. At the end of each class participants will receive their assignment and the ingredients needed to prepare the same meal for four people before the next class.

In other parts of Iowa, “Healthy Meals in a Hurry” has been requested for workplace wellness programs, presented to childcare providers and demonstrated at health fairs. ISU Extension nutrition and health specialists vary their delivery of the information; some include food preparation and others demonstrate bulk preparation and storage tactics.

“The nice thing about “Healthy Meals in a Hurry” and the associated program is that it is so adaptable,” said Clark, co-author of the publication. “Regardless of family size, you can use the ideas in this booklet. If you don’t like an ingredient, there are recommended healthy low-sodium substitutions. It is great for weight control, because we say specifically what constitutes a serving size. Program participants of all ages get excited about this method of food preparation for different reasons. It really can be done “your way,” depending on your specific situation or need.”

“Healthy Meals in a Hurry” is available for $2.50 from the ISU Extension online store https://www.extension.iastate.edu/store/  or by contacting your county extension office. County extension offices also have information about local offerings of the associated program.

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