10 (easy) healthy recipes

One of the hardest things about staying healthy throughout the week is staying consistent with your set routine. Weekday stress, working late, socializing, taking care of family and all of your other responsibilities doesn’t make it easier.

Choosing recipes that don’t take much out of your day is a simple way to make a difference. Whether it’s a low-prep recipe or pre-prepped meals, there’s plenty of food options out there that not only make it easier on your schedule, but also maintain healthy eating.

Skip the line at the drive-thru and avoid paying for delivery by trying these quick, health-friendly recipes instead.

How technology changed the way we see our food.

You’ve probably heard of the terms like gluten-free, keto, vegan, plant-based, etc. Maybe you’re already familiar with some of these dietary restrictions. It’s becoming more and more popular now to learn about how your body works. Newer technology has vastly helped open up our understanding of both health and nutrition.

• According to Eco18: “By the 1990s, Americans—more health-conscious and aware of what they were feeding their families—longed for a return to simple, fresh, local ingredients. By 1999, there were 2,600 farmers markets in the United States, 50% more than just five years previous; today, there are nearly 9,000.”

It’s also becoming increasingly accessible for people with these dietary restrictions to enjoy dining out at restaurants and shopping for groceries for home meals. For people struggling with their health and nutrition goals, this is great news.

• Food analyst Phil Lempert states: “54% of all consumers, and 63% of those 50+, care more about the healthfulness of their food and beverage choices in 2020 than did in 2010; healthfulness is the biggest mover, more so than taste and price.”

It’s not only easier to stay up-to-date with the recommended health trends, it’s actually encouraged now more than ever with technology being able to better show us how our bodies work.

Recipes for those with tougher dietary restrictions.

Simple but tasty. Slow Roasted Tomatoes

Snack | Vegan, Gluten-free | 3 hours | Easiest

Even with what feels like just one main ingredient, you’ll love this healthy daytime snack or simple side dish.

• Pairing it with salad, pasta, or alongside fresh homemade bread will elevate this tasty recipe even further.

If you’re in a hurry. Immunity-Boosting Carrot-Ginger Juice

Breakfast, Snack | Vegan, Gluten-free | 10 minutes | Easiest

How could it be easier? This healthy carrot-ginger juice is bursting with flavor and vitamin C.

• You can adjust any ingredients to suit your tastes. For a sweeter juice, adding more carrots or a couple of drops of liquid stevia to taste does the trick!

Don’t order out for spring rolls. Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Lunch, Dinner | Vegan, Gluten-free | 15 minutes | Easy

Quick and delicious, this is an effortless way to make sure you and your family are eating vegetables. The peanut sauce makes the spring rolls even tastier!

• If peanuts are out of the question due to allergies, try substituting them with tahini.

Cut out the carbs and still eat tacos? Raw Vegan Tacos

Lunch, Dinner | Vegan, Gluten-free | 30 minutes | Easy

Tacos are amazing, there’s no way around that. One of the amazing things about tacos is that they can be versatile and this wholesome recipe is no exception.

• Replace the walnuts with brown lentils or sunflower seeds for those with a nut allergy.

Start your day off right. Healthy Fluffy Spinach & Mushroom Omelette

Breakfast | Vegetarian, Gluten-free | 15 minutes | Not too difficult

Breakfast is such an important meal to get right. I’m a big fan of omelettes so this recipe is an exciting one for me.

• A great thing about this recipe is that you can substitute any of the fillings with different types of cheeses or vegetables. Try using feta instead of cheddar or adding tomatoes, bean sprouts or red chili.

It still might be difficult to find the time to eat better though.

Timing can be tough. During the holidays or even throughout your normal weekday routine, diet and exercise typically take the hit first.

It’s all too familiar: you start on Monday with fresh groceries and plans to eat well. Then Tuesday or Wednesday come around and now you’re working late and feeling exhausted from a stressful day. One cheat day wouldn’t hurt, right? But that one unplanned cheat day can easily become two or three. Then all of a sudden it’s a cheat week! At this point you’re telling yourself that you should just try again next Monday.

Now it’s already next month and those fresh groceries are spoiled. It seems impossible! (Don’t worry, it’s not.)

The good news is that getting started is the hardest part. Once you’re into the groove of your routine, it starts to feel more natural as you adapt to eating healthy.

Luckily, with the increase of health consciousness, there is an increase in related online recipes and cookbooks available in return. You can try searching on Google for healthy recipes and you’ll definitely find plenty of resources. Specific diets such as Gluten-free or veganism, are more commonly found within these articles.

You can also search directly for recipes that meet your own (or loved one’s) needs.

Recipes for those who just want to eat healthier.

For a super easy prep. Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

Lunch, Dinner | Dairy-free, Easy-prep | 3 hours 10 minutes | Easiest

If you’re looking for a flavorful lunch or dinner meal without the hassle, this one-pot meal will be sure to save the day.

• Chicken thighs work as a replacement if you need to leave the ingredients in the slow cooker a bit longer. For a vegan alternative, replace the chicken with more vegetables.

Tilapia but better. Pan-Fried Tilapia

Lunch, Dinner | Fish, Dairy-free | 25 Minutes | Easy

While tilapia can sometimes have a bad reputation, there are ways to boost the flavor while still maintaining a healthy diet. Fish-lovers will love this new go-to weeknight choice.

• Cut the flour in half and save it for the next batch if you want to go light on the breading.

Make your own cereal! Anything Goes Granola

Breakfast, Snack | Vegan | 50 minutes | Easy

This creative and adaptable recipe can be used in cereal, yogurt, trail mix, etc. The possibilities are endless with something so flexible.

• Don’t be afraid to mix it up. Add in your favorite berries, nuts, or even a little bit of chocolate. Make it your own!

Pasta with a cajun kick. Creamy Cajun Pasta

Lunch, Dinner | Vegetarian, Dairy-free | 30 minutes | Not too difficult

I love cajun food and have always made my own cajun pasta at home. Pasta can get boring and unhealthy pretty fast if you’re not careful (too much sauce, cheese, butter, etc.) This might be perfect for anyone who wants a healthier alternative with a bit of spice.

• It’s vegetarian as written but they recommend customizing it to your needs. Try adding some grilled chicken or extra heat!

You’ll love this healthy pizza. Whole Wheat Flatbreads with Spring Vegetables

Lunch, Dinner | Vegetarian | 2 hours 40 minutes | Not too difficult

Everyone loves pizza, it’s likely that you or anyone you are caring for loves it too. Avoid calling for expensive, unhealthy delivery or cardboard-flavored frozen pizzas with this delicious flatbread recipe.

• Pizza comes with the potential of so many different toppings though so get creative! I would personally add chicken and a little balsamic vinegar.

Do you have any favorite healthy recipes?

Seriously, share them in the comments below! We’re always looking for something new to cook or bake, especially with alternatives that will meet our diverse dietary needs. Finding the right options can be difficult, so we encourage you to help each other by taking the time to share.

References:

“How Food Has Changed In The Past 50 Years” Sue Taggart, 16 October 2019, https://eco18.com/how-food-has-changed-in-the-past-50-years/

“Food Trends Forecast 2021: Being Healthy In A Post Covid-19 World” Phil Lempert, 19 October 2020, https://www.forbes.com/sites/phillempert/2020/10/19/food-trends-2021-staying-healthy-in-a-post-covid-19-world/?sh=15fada8d485b

Thank you for the amazing recipes

Apt. 2B Baking Co. http://www.apt2bbakingco.com/home

Detoxinista https://detoxinista.com/

My Darling Vegan https://www.mydarlingvegan.com/

LiveLighter https://livelighter.com.au/

Delish https://www.delish.com/