Let's face it: the last three months of the year can be pretty crazy. Between school and other activities, year-end tasks at work, transitioning from summer to winter (for clothes, house, car, etc.), raking leaves, preparing for the holidays, it's all a bit much.

When I get stressed, I try to simplify as much as possible and only do things that are essential. All too often, that means abandoning cooking and grabbing takeout as I run from place to place. So, for me, the fall can become a slide into the unhealthy abyss.

But there is something you can do to combat that. In these next few weeks, before things get really crazy, use your cooking time to the best advantage. It really doesn't take twice the time to cook twice as much food. Think about it — a double portion of pulled pork, a double batch of chili or spaghetti sauce, two casseroles instead of one, a double batch of soup or of meatballs. One becomes dinner, the second heads to the freezer where it's available to be pulled out and defrosted the day before the school holiday pageant. Since it's cooked and defrosted, all you have to do is heat it and maybe add a salad. You can do that in the time it takes to order takeout and get it home or for the delivery person to find your house. It's healthier and less expensive. An all-around win.

All you have to do is think a little bit ahead (and make room in the freezer!).