We all know how hard it is to stick to a healthy “diet“ or food regimen. Eating out and fast food can be so much easier to maintain our busy schedules, but that might not always be the best for our health and wellness goals. Nutrition plays such an important part of our wellness journey so it’s worth putting in the extra effort to feed your body well.
Meal-planning in advance (process of preparing multiple meals ahead of time and storing in freezer or fridge) just doesn’t work for everyone; however, I believe that having a few go-to-healthy-recipes that’s quick and easy to make is the way to go, especially during busy weeknights. After a long day of work, it can be so tempting to just pick up fast food on the way home and not have to think about cooking and then cleaning up after.
The typical "diets" often does not work for everyone either because they are hard to stick to and the consistency often lacking. Call it a blessing or not, I personally have never followed any particular “diet.” I know people who are always on some type of diet— keto diet, gluten-free, low-carb diet, paleo diet, vegan diet and so many more. I have nothing against people doing what they feel is best for them, so long as you do your research and know what your body needs. However, rather than focusing on any particular diet, for me it’s best to make healthier choices in my everyday life.
Every day I strive to make a conscious effort to feed my body with nutritious and healthy foods, that I will actually enjoy. I think you can find something good that you can take from the many different diets and make it your own. For example, I do check nutritional contents for groceries and do prefer organic and gluten-free for some things, and once in awhile practice intermittent fasting and have no meat vegan days.
Further, do I also eat fast foods and take-outs sometimes, yes, but like everything else in life it’s all about balance, and I try not go to the extreme in any particular direction. For example, fast food or dining out isn’t necessarily bad, but eating fast foods or dining out everyday can be bad not only for your health but also your wallet. Finding ways to incorporate a few of the natural, super foods such as fruits and vegetables into your diet can make such a big difference.
Coming from a Haitian Creole household, I really had to re-program my mind that dinner doesn’t always have to be this big complicated meal (e.g., du riz, sause pois and legume) which can literally take all day to prepare, at least it can feel that way. Even if I am making quick and easy meals some things are non-negotiable like cleaning my meats the Haitian way (if you know you know) and seasoning food with Creole spices (epice) so I am not compromising on flavor!
Below, sharing three nutritious meal ideas that’s quick and easy to make at home. These meals are so simple that you won’t have to spend hours making or cleaning up after, which can honestly be the worst part of cooking at home.
1. Salmon/Fish and steamed vegetables (veggies). I chose broccoli because it is full of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants and it has so many health benefits. Salmon is a good food to add to your diet because it is a good source of protein, rich in micronutrients and vitamins including omega 3s. You can bake your salmon or fish in the oven or make on the stovetop within minutes. To make this meal more hearty, add a side of brown rice or quinoa.
2. Grilled chicken, baked sweet potatoes and Greek salad. Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals and is worth adding to your meals when you can. Eat a bigger serving of this dish if you‘re really hungry or you can use a whole wheat tortilla wrap w/ the chicken and salad to make a sandwich!
3. Cashews, mushrooms and veggies salt-fish with white rice. Cashews are an incredibly nutritious nuts filled with protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are not only great to eat alone as a snack but you can also add them to a salad, stir-fry or sauce dish as featured here. You can also make this dish without the salt-fish for vegan option. Further, you can also substitute the white rice for brown rice; I just personally don’t love brown rice— doesn’t do it for me.
Happy cooking and bon appetite! These dishes don’t only look good but are delicious—chef’s kiss amazing! Let me know if you try any of these dishes and share your go to quick and easy home cooked dinner recommendation.
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