Sometimes I'm surprised how much I love healthy food - veggies, meat, water...they actually taste amazing. BUT that doesn't mean I have a foolproof diet. When I am not prepared and something not so healthy is within reach, I will often indulge. They key is to stay prepared! Take the time when we have it to get those healthy foods ready to grab and eat. Below are some of my favorite prepare ahead meals and snacks.
Vegetables Roast Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potatoes, Zucchini, etc Cut into similar size pieces. Lightly toss (or spray with misto) in Olive Oil Bake at 400 for 15 minutes. Add on top of salads or alongside meat and rice. Steam Broccoli, Cauliflower I have a rice cooker with steamer on top, so I can take care of both simultaneously Veggies could also be steamed on the stove Blend Leafy Greens Blend greens with water and freeze in ice cube trays Use for smoothies, sneak into chili or other soups Meat Salsa Chicken in Crockpot Buy fresh salsa, dump in crockpot with chicken, cook on low 6-8 hours. It's that easy. I love it on salads, with my eggs, or made into tacos Trader Joes or Aidells sausage Brown and pack with veggies and rice for tomorrow's lunch or add in soup I haven't had one yet I didn't like, but my current favorite is Chicken Sausage with Spinach, Fontina & Roasted Garlic Snacks/Treats DIY Trail Mix Buy you favorite nuts, dried fruit, seeds, cacao nibs, etc. Place in a container and shake 'em up! Much less expensive than store bought and you get to customize. DIY Larabars Endless options and you can add protein powder Chocolate bark Melt dark chocolate and mix in your favorite nut, dried fruit, or shredded coconut (the best) Drop onto parchment paper and put in the fridge (or freezer, if you just cant wait) I tried to keep these ideas as simple as possible. I've been making a lot of recipes in the crockpot that have a few more steps, but are still prettty easy. Coming soon :)
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If you think crockpots are so 1992, you are mistaken and missing out!! I often get home after 7:00pm and not having to make dinner at that time makes life much easier. It takes just a few minutes in the morning to throw everything in and out the door you go!
Both of these recipes also work great as leftovers - over salads, in tacos with avocado, spinach, and tomatoes, or even nachos for the husband and kids. Fall-off-the-bone Spare Ribs (Easy) 2-3 lbs spare ribs 1/2 onion chopped 3 cloves garlic chopped 12 oz Tomato sauce 1/4 C water 2 Tbsp (gluten free) soy sauce or coconut aminos 2 Tbsp (GF) Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar 2-3 Tbsp honey Chili powder, paprika, pepper 1. Mix wet ingredients. 2. Pour half into crockpot, add ribs, onions, & garlic, pour remaining liquid over. 3. Cook on low for 8ish hours. Enjoy with sweet potatoes and some green veggies! Paleo Salsa Chicken (Super Easy) 4-6 boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 12oz package of FRESH salsa (your preferred heat level) 1. Pour a small amount of salsa into crock pot 2. Place chicken breasts in crock pot 3. Pour remaining salsa over chicken 4. Cook on low for 8-9 hours 5. Chicken should shred easily and taste delicious Enjoy with black beans, rice, and sauteed onions, mushrooms & peppers. 7/24/2013 1 Comment 5 Habits of Healthy EatersI love food and I believe eating should be something we enjoy and look forward to! I'm not an expert by any means, but when I follow the 5 steps below I manage to eat pretty well without too much worry.
1. Keep healthy foods in plain sight! On the counter, in a fruit basket, or at the front of the fridge. On the other hand, pack up sweets and place them in the cupboard with the doors closed. 2. Prepare! Choose a day to plan meals, look up recipes, and grocery shop for the week. If you have time, take it one step further and chop your veggies and pack food into portions. 3. Start with a salad. This applies to both eating out and at home. While everyone else is munching on bread or chips, get in a serving of vegetables. A simple salad we do very often is: Spinach Strawberries, Apples, or Pears Feta Walnuts Balsamic Vinegar Dried cranberries (optional) 4. Avoid distracted eating. Move away from the TV, computer or phone and give food the attention it deserves! I'm currently breaking myself of eating and driving...bags of almonds disappear way too fast ;) 5. Enjoy your food and move on with your day. Whether you made a good or bad choice, it's done. You'll have many, many more chances. |
AuthorI love food and hope you do too! My recipes are simple - buy the highest quality ingredients you can afford and slow down to enjoy the food that is fueling you. CategoriesAll Breakfast Drinks Food Food Prep Goals Highland Games Hot Jeans Challenge Meal Meal Plan Outfits Paleo Protein Recipes Tips Treat Veggies Water Workouts Archives
May 2015
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Photo used under Creative Commons from Ewan-M