Quick Ideas for Easy Meals
People frequently ask me for ideas of what to eat when they are short on time, bored with the “same old” or trying to excite their family with some new flavors. Here is a brief list of some ideas that have recently been top of mind…
Twist on Salads
Basic greens and veggies gets boring… fast. These small changes make eating a salad for dinner more exciting.
Asian: Greens, sliced almonds, mandarin orange slices and diced protein such as tofu or chicken or grilled shrimp. Dressings: I like Old Cape Cod Toasted Soy and Sesame or Brianna’s Ginger Mandarin …there are also many more.
Mexican: Rinsed beans of choice, diced avocado and tomatoes, corn (can use frozen- cook and then cool), shredded cheese (I like Cabot 50% Sharp Light)…cheese and beans can be the protein unless you have leftovers around. Keep it gluten free with Brianna’s Santa Fe Blend or Drew’s Chipotle Ranch Dressing.
NOTE: You can stretch this meal even further and simplify it a bit by making a “salsa” of diced tomatoes/avocados, black beans, corn (if you find frozen roasted corn that’s great for a deeper flavor) and toss with lime juice, olive oil and cilantro. Simply put this salsa over greens and top with a little cheese. The leftover “salsa” would be great with chips for a future light lunch or snack!
Roasted Veggie: Simply toss your veggies of choice (such as zucchini, carrots, peppers, mushrooms, and eggplant) with olive oil, a touch of salt/pepper and garlic (optional) and bake at 475 degrees for 20-25 minutes*. Place over greens, top with sliced almonds and leftover protein of choice or reduced cheese and drizzle with dressing.
NOTE: roasted veggies can be used for the wraps and power bowls below, as well as soups and more. They freeze/defrost easily for future use.
It’s a wrap…
Using your whole grain tortilla of choice, create one of these satisfying wraps…
For Breakfast:
Eggs, sliced avocado and salsa
Eggs, turkey sausage and reduced fat cheese
Soy based breakfast sausage (crumbled), black bean spread and avocado
For Lunch/Dinner:
“Salsa” described above and grilled chicken
Hummus and roasted veggies
“Greek”: Feta cheese, greens, cucumbers, red peppers and Greek dressing (add hummus if you like)
Rice, beans, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado and reduced fat cheese (great warm!)
Turkey breast, sliced avocado and drizzled salad dressing
Power Bowls
Power bowls, which pack big nutrition into one convenient bowl, are more popular than ever. Try one of these….
For Breakfast:
Oatmeal topped with crushed walnuts or sliced almonds, dried fruit
For Lunch/Dinner:
